Love Maryland-style crab cakes but short on time? I’ve discovered that air frying frozen crab cakes creates restaurant-quality results in minutes. As someone who regularly tests Air Fryer Recipes, I’m excited to share my foolproof method for perfectly crispy, tender crab cakes straight from your freezer.
Why Choose Air Fryer Cooking?
After experimenting with various methods for our Maryland Crab Cake Recipe, I’ve found the air fryer method offers distinct advantages:
- Creates a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior
- Cooks directly from frozen – no thawing required
- Takes just 13-15 minutes
- Uses minimal oil while achieving ideal browning
- Ensures even cooking through air circulation
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
- Frozen crab cakes (any brand – Phillips, Dockside Classics, or others)
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray or olive oil mister
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: tartar sauce or remoulade
Perfect Air Fryer Method
- Preparation
- Remove crab cakes from any plastic packaging
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket
- Arrangement
- Place frozen crab cakes in a single layer
- Leave space between each cake for proper air circulation
- Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary
- Two-Stage Cooking Process First Stage:
- Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 8 minutes
- Increase temperature to 350°F (180°C)
- Cook for additional 6 minutes until golden brown
Brand-Specific Instructions
Different brands might require slight adjustments. Here are specific guidelines:
Phillips Crab Cakes
- Cook at 350°F for 12-13 minutes
- Flip halfway through
- Internal temperature should reach 140-160°F
Dockside Classics
- Place in a single layer
- Cook at 350°F for 13 minutes
- Let stand for 1 minute before serving
Pro Tips for Success
Through extensive testing in our Air Fryer Recipes collection, I’ve discovered these key tips:
- Remove all packaging before cooking
- No need to thaw – cook directly from frozen
- Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness
- Let rest 1-2 minutes before servingv
- Check internal temperature (140-160°F)
Perfect Pairings
Create a complete meal by pairing your crab cakes with these tested combinations:
Light and Fresh
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Buffalo Chicken Salad (skip the chicken)
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs
Comfort Food Style
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer with crab cakes? While possible, I recommend cooking directly in the basket for optimal crispiness.
What’s the ideal temperature for air frying crab cakes? Start at 320°F (160°C) for 8 minutes, then increase to 350°F (180°C) for the final 6 minutes.
How do I know when they’re done? Look for a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature between 140-160°F.
Storage and Reheating
- Store cooked crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes
- Keep frozen crab cakes frozen until ready to cook
More Air Fryer Seafood Favorites
If you enjoy these crab cakes, try these other air fryer seafood recipes:
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Success
Looking to master your air fryer? Check out our guide to the Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer for more tips and tricks.
Conclusion
Air frying frozen crab cakes is a game-changing method that delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes. With these tested temperatures and timing, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, tender crab cakes every time. Try this method and join the thousands of home cooks who’ve discovered the magic of air fryer seafood!
Frozen crab cakes in air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 frozen crab cakes any brand
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Tartar sauce or remoulade optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation (1 minute):
- Remove crab cakes from packaging
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
Arrange (30 seconds):
- Place frozen crab cakes in single layer
- Leave space between each for air circulation
- First Stage Cooking (8 minutes):
- Set air fryer to 320°F (160°C)
Cook for 8 minutes
- Second Stage Cooking (6 minutes):
- Increase temperature to 350°F (180°C)
- Continue cooking for 6 minutes until golden brown
Final Step (1 minute):
- Let rest for 1 minute
- Check internal temperature (140-160°F)
- Serve with lemon wedges and sauce
Notes
- Don’t thaw before cooking
- Cook in batches if needed to maintain single layer
- Different brands may require slight timing adjustments
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray crab cakes with oil before cooking
- Always preheat the air fryer
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- No need to flip during cooking
- Let rest before serving to set
- Check internal temperature for doneness
