Golden Frozen Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer – Crispy, Fast, Delicious
You’ll love how effortlessly frozen crab cakes crisp up in the air fryer.
Whether you’re using pre-cooked or raw frozen crab cakes, this method delivers a golden crust and warm, tender center every time.
No deep fryer, no flipping in oil — just air, heat, and a few minutes of your time.
I recommend cooking at 375°F (190°C). Pre-cooked frozen crab cakes take 10–12 minutes, while raw ones need about 15–18 minutes.
Just be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket — that ensures crispiness on all sides.
Quick Info Table
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes | 10–18 minutes | 12–20 minutes | Appetizer / Main | American / Seafood | 2–4 |
Ingredients Breakdown & Alternatives
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen crab cakes | 2 pieces | 4 pieces | 6 pieces | Lobster or shrimp cakes |
| Cooking oil spray (optional) | Light mist | Light mist | Light mist | Olive oil, avocado oil |
| Lemon wedges (for serving) | 2 slices | 4 slices | 6 slices | Lime or dipping sauce |
Cooking Equipment You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (any type) | To cook evenly and crisp | Convection oven |
| Tongs or spatula | Flip or remove cakes | Slotted spoon |
| Serving plate with paper towel | To drain extra oil | Cooling rack |
How Long to Cook Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer
Here’s how cooking time and temp vary based on air fryer type and cake style:
- Pre-cooked frozen crab cakes:
- Temp: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Flip at 5–6 minute mark
- Raw frozen crab cakes:
- Temp: 375°F
- Time: 15–18 minutes
- Flip gently at 9 minutes
- Air fryer oven:
- Add 1–2 more minutes
- Place on middle rack, not tray
- Mini crab cakes:
- Check at 7–8 minutes
Always check internal temp: 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
How to Make Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer
This is the easy way to get restaurant-style crab cakes at home. Start with preheating for consistent texture.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps prevent soggy bottoms.
Step 2: Place Crab Cakes in Basket
Arrange frozen crab cakes in a single layer. No overlapping. For raw ones, mist lightly with oil to help the crust crisp.
Step 3: Cook Based on Type
- For pre-cooked cakes, cook 5–6 minutes per side.
- For raw cakes, cook 9 minutes, flip, and cook 6–9 more minutes.
Use a spatula to avoid breaking them.
Step 4: Check and Rest
Once crisped and cooked through, place on a paper-lined plate. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Serve over a bed of arugula or coleslaw
- Drizzle with tartar or spicy remoulade
- Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs
- Present on a slate board for a restaurant-style look
Variations to Try
- Southern-Style: Serve with spicy aioli and pickles
- Asian Twist: Pair with soy-ginger dipping sauce
- Mini Bites: Make smaller cakes for party appetizers
- Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheddar before air frying (if not frozen pre-made)
Storing Tips (Bullet Points)
- ✅ Cool completely before storing
- ✅ Keep in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes
- ✅ Avoid microwaving — it softens the crust
- ✅ Freeze leftover cooked crab cakes for 1–2 months
Extra Tips for Air Fryer Success (Bullet Points)
- ✅ Use parchment paper for easier cleanup
- ✅ Don’t over-oil — just a light mist is enough
- ✅ Flip carefully with spatula to prevent breaking
- ✅ Preheat every time for best results
- ✅ Allow space between cakes for air circulation
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Issue | Reason | Solution | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soggy crust | No preheat or overcrowding | Reheat for 2 more mins | Preheat and avoid stacking |
| Crab cake broke | Flipped too early | Use spatula gently | Wait until bottom is crisp |
| Inside cold | Too short cook time | Add 3–5 more mins | Adjust for cake size/type |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook thawed crab cakes in the air fryer?
Yes, reduce the cooking time by about 3–5 minutes depending on their size.
Q2: Can I use this method for gluten-free crab cakes?
Absolutely. Just be sure they’re frozen and breaded for crispness. Cooking time stays the same.
Q3: What if my crab cakes are falling apart?
They might be too soft or thawed. Freeze them for 10 minutes before air frying to firm them up.
Q4: Can I cook store-bought mini crab cakes in bulk?
Yes, just leave space between them and rotate halfway if your air fryer is full.
Time to Make Your Air Fried Crab Cakes Shine!
Now that you know exactly how to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer, it’s time to try it at home.
Share your results and seasoning ideas — there’s always a new twist to try!
