Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes
This easy method for Air Fryer Crab Cakes shows you how to get perfectly cooked crab cakes that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside using your air fryer or Ninja Foodi. Learn how to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer straight from frozen in no time for the perfect snack, dinner, or party appetizer!
I didn’t grow up eating much seafood but as I got older I really started to enjoy it! Crab cakes are one of the best transition foods into seafood and even though I can’t get my hands on fresh crab cakes often, I love a good frozen crab cake!
One of the best ways to cook frozen crab cakes is by using the air fryer.
When you cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer, they thaw out gently while staying tender and soft on the inside while a crispy crust develops on the outside.
This is especially true with frozen foods that are as delicate as crab cakes. They are thawing AND cooking during the air frying process, so the time and temperature will vary.
🦀Ingredients & Equipment
Frozen Crab Cakes – These days you can find frozen crab cakes in the frozen seafood section of most grocery stores. Popular store bought brands include Phillips (found at Costco!), Members Mark, Handy crab cakes, Dockside Classics, SeaPak, and Gorton’s. I’ve purchased crab cakes from Walmart and Aldi, too!
Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi – Any air fryer can be used to make crab cakes. I use my Ninja Foodi multicooker and Ninja Foodi Grill which both have air frying capabilities along with a permanent spot on our countertop.
📖Cooking Instruction
1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 375F for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add frozen crab cakes to the bottom of the air fryer basket and set the timer for 12 minutes. You may not use all of that cooking time.
3️⃣ At the 5 minute mark, check on the crab cakes to see how they are coming along. This is when you’ll decide if you need the full 12 minutes.
4️⃣ Cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the crab cakes are golden brown on the outside and warmed through on the inside. This amount of time will depend on how hot your individual air fryer is.
5️⃣ Remove carefully from air fryer with a spatula and serve hot with your favorite sauce.
⏲Best Time & Temperature To Air Fry Frozen Crab Cakes
How long to air fry frozen crab cakes depends on how thick and wide it is. These are general recommendations. The typical crab cake needs about 8-10 minutes to cook at a temperature 375F . Always check regularly within the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t burn or overcook.
| Crab Cake Type | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Crab Cakes | 8-9 minutes | 375°F |
| Standard Size | 10-12 minutes | 375°F |
| Homemade | 8-12 minutes | 350°F |
🔥Storing & Reheating
Storing Leftover Crab Cakes: Store your leftover cooked and cooled egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat cooked crab cakes by placing them in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 325F until warmed through and crispy again.
❔FAQ
Is it better to fry or bake crab cakes?
Neither! The air fryer is the best method because you get that crispy fried taste without the use of any excess oil.
How can I tell if a crab cake is done cooking?
If you’re using frozen crab cakes, chances are that it’s already pre-cooked. To check for sure, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature to see if it is 165F
Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes
Equipment
- air fryer or Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 4 Crab Cakes frozen
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375F for 3-5 minutes.
- Add frozen crab cakes to the bottom of the Ninja Foodi or air fryer basket and set the timer for 12 minutes. You may not use all of that cooking time.
- At the 5 minute mark, check on the crab cakes to see how they are coming along. This is when you’ll decide if you need the full 12 minutes.
- Cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the crab cakes are golden brown on the outside and warmed through on the inside. This amount of time will depend on how hot your individual air fryer is.
- Remove carefully from air fryer with a spatula and serve hot with your favorite sauce.
Notes
⏲Best Time & Temperature To Air Fry Frozen Crab Cakes
The amount of time it takes to air fry a crab cake roll depends on how thick and wide it is. These are general recommendations. The typical crab cake needs about 8-10 minutes to cook at a temperature 375F . Always check regularly within the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t burn or overcook.- Mini Frozen Crab Cakes – 8-9 minutes at 375F
- Standard Size Crab Cakes – 10-12 minutes at 375
- Homemade Crab Cakes – 8-12 minutes at 350
Haven’t tried the frozen crab cakes yet. Appreciate your instructors for Air Fryer times. I’ll let you know how I do !
Came out great.
Had Dockside brand and cooked 10 min @ 375F.
Love the crispy exterior and perfect middle.
Thaks for the instructions.