If you’re looking for a way to get perfectly crispy, golden-brown crab cakes without the fuss of deep frying or oven baking, the air fryer is your secret weapon. With this method, you’ll take frozen crab cakes straight from the freezer to a deliciously satisfying plate in just minutes. It’s effortless, mess-free, and gives you restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re prepping dinner in a pinch or serving up a quick party appetizer, Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer is the ultimate kitchen hack you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Why You’ll Love Frozen crab cakes Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The air fryer gives your crab cakes the perfect crunch without drying them out.
- Fast & Easy: No need to thaw. Just pop them in straight from the freezer.
- Minimal Oil, Maximum Flavor: Get that deep-fried texture with just a light spray of oil.
- Great for Entertaining: These are perfect for impressing guests without stress.
- Pairs with Everything: From seafood feasts to weekday salads, they fit right in.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about biting into a warm, flavorful crab cake that feels like comfort food done right. It’s rich, savory, and satisfying, but when made in the air fryer, it becomes lighter and crispier like your favorite seaside seafood shack just opened a kitchen in your home.
And if you’re a fan of simple air-fried favorites, you’ll love these juicy air fryer chicken tenders that are just as effortless and comforting.
Ingredients for Frozen crab cakes
You won’t need much just your favorite brand of frozen crab cakes and a few optional flavor boosters:
- Frozen crab cakes (any size or brand)
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
- Optional: lemon wedges, tartar sauce, fresh herbs, or remoulade for serving
What You Need
- Air fryer (basket or tray-style)
- Tongs or spatula
- Kitchen thermometer (optional, but great for checking internal temp)
- Plate lined with paper towels (for resting)
Time to Cook
⏱️ Prep Time: 1 minute
🔥 Cook Time: 10–14 minutes (depending on size and thickness)
✅ Total Time: 15 minutes or less
Steps to Make Frozen crab cakes
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Cakes
Remove the crab cakes from the packaging no need to thaw. Lightly spray both sides with oil for an extra-crispy crust.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Smaller crab cakes take 10 minutes; larger ones may need up to 14. The internal temp should reach 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let them rest for a minute or two to firm up. Serve with a squeeze of lemon, your favorite dipping sauce, or atop a salad.
Make Frozen crab cakes Perfect
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer space is key for airflow and crispiness.
- Use a food-safe thermometer if you’re unsure about doneness.
- Flip halfway through to ensure both sides crisp evenly.
- Want a golden crust? Lightly dust with panko or spray more oil mid-cook.
Mix Frozen crab cakes Up
Want to add some flair?
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Herbaceous Twist: Serve with a side of herbed yogurt dip or garlic aioli.
- Tropical Vibe: Pair with mango salsa or pineapple slaw.
- Asian Fusion: Drizzle with hoisin or sriracha mayo.
You can also pair them with air-fried appetizers like these frozen taquitos for a crunchy, crave-worthy combo.
Perfect Partners
These crab cakes love good company. Serve them with:
- A fresh garden salad
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw or creamy cucumber salad
- Fried rice with shrimp and eggs for a seafood-forward dinner
- Buttered corn on the cob or grilled asparagus
Busy Day Hero
Frozen crab cakes are a life-saver when you:
- Forgot to meal prep
- Need to throw together a quick lunch
- Have surprise guests
- Want something “fancy” with zero effort
A quick trip to the freezer and your air fryer is all it takes.
Work Ahead
If you’re entertaining, you can pre-air fry them halfway and reheat for 4–5 minutes before serving. Or cook them fully and keep warm in a 200°F oven.
Save Some For Later
Have leftovers?
- Fridge: Store cooked crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for crispy results.
- Don’t refreeze once they’ve been cooked.
Everyone’s Happy
Adults love the flavor, kids love the crispiness, and seafood lovers will be begging for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend starter, this recipe delivers every time.
Good For You Too
While indulgent, air frying means less oil and less guilt. You can choose crab cakes with minimal fillers or opt for gluten-free or keto-friendly versions. Pair with a salad and you’ve got a light, protein-rich meal.
Easy Clean Up
No greasy splatters. No baking trays. Just wipe down your air fryer basket or toss it in the dishwasher if it’s removable. That’s the beauty of air frying.
Switch Frozen crab cakes Up
Try other frozen seafood options in the air fryer like:
- Shrimp tempura
- Fish fillets
- Crispy salmon bites
- Breaded scallops
Explore more air-fried seafood with this salmon bites recipe that’s equally crisp and juicy.
Simply Perfect
Frozen crab cakes in the air fryer are a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dish. They’re fast, reliable, and satisfying every time. Whether it’s dinner for one or appetizers for a crowd, you’ll love how easy and tasty this method is.
FAQs for Frozen crab cakes
1. Do I need to thaw frozen crab cakes before air frying?
Nope! They go in straight from the freezer.
2. What temp should crab cakes be cooked to?
The internal temp should be 165°F for safety.
3. Can I air fry homemade crab cakes with this method?
Yes, just chill them first so they hold their shape.
4. How do I make them crispier?
Use a light spray of oil and avoid overcrowding the basket.
5. What dipping sauces go best with crab cakes?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, lemon garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo are all great picks.
6. Can I make a meal out of these?
Absolutely! Serve with salad, veggies, or rice for a full entrée.
Conclusion
Whether you’re short on time, craving something crispy, or just want a low-effort dinner win, these Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer hit all the right notes. Quick, crispy, and crowd-pleasing they’re the ultimate weeknight MVP.
For more crispy inspiration, check out frozen taquitos in air fryer or go bold with fried salmon bites. Seafood night just got a whole lot easier.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
Description
Quick, crispy, and flavor-packed, these air-fried frozen crab cakes are the easiest way to enjoy a seafood classic with no thawing and zero mess.
Ingredients
Frozen crab cakes
Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or herbs (optional)
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray frozen crab cakes with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket with space between each. Cook for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let rest 2 minutes before serving with your favorite sauce.
Notes
No need to thaw the crab cakes. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F. Serve with fresh sides or store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab cake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Frozen crab cakes, air fryer seafood, easy crab cake recipe, crispy crab cakes