How Long to Air Fry Frozen Crab Cakes for Perfectly Crispy Results

Crab cakes are an indulgent, delicious treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, entree or snack Their crispy golden exterior encasing a moist, flavorful interior filled with sweet crab meat is hard to resist. But who has time to bread and fry crab cakes from scratch these days? That’s where frozen crab cakes come in handy Popping pre-made frozen crab cakes in the air fryer delivers crispy, golden results without the mess and hassle of deep frying. But how long should you cook frozen crab cakes in the air fryer? Follow this guide for timing and tips to achieve perfect crab cakes every time.

How an Air Fryer Works

Before diving into cook times, it’s helpful to understand what makes an air fryer different than other cooking methods. Air fryers use convection technology to circulate hot air at high speeds around the food. This allows food to cook fast while getting that crispy, golden exterior associated with deep frying. But unlike deep frying, air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier cooking option. When cooking frozen foods like crab cakes, the circulating high heat of the air fryer crisps up the outside while heating all the way through.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen crab cakes in the air fryer has several advantages

• Speed – No need to thaw, air fryers cook frozen foods in fraction of the time of an oven

• Convenience – Simple and easy cleanup with no need for multiple cooking oils.

• Taste – Gets a crispy, golden exterior with tender, moist interior.

• Variety – Most brands and sizes of frozen crab cakes work well.

• Healthy – Uses little to no oil compared to deep frying.

How Long to Cook Frozen Crab Cakes

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the crab cakes, but in general these guidelines will ensure perfect results:

1. Preheating

• Always preheat air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes before cooking.

• Preheating ensures the air fryer is fully heated for best results.

2. Cook Time

• Standard size (2-3 oz): Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Jumbo size (4-6 oz): Cook for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Mini (1 oz): Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Finish Temp

• Cook until golden brown and crispy outside.

• Internal temp should reach 165°F.

• Use meat thermometer to test center.

Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for extra crispy, delicious air fryer crab cakes every time:

• Use cooking spray or brush with oil before cooking – helps crisp exterior.

• Don’t overcrowd air fryer basket – leave space between crab cakes.

• Flip crab cakes halfway for evenly golden finish.

• Pat off excess moisture before cooking for crispiest exterior.

• Check frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Garnish with lemon wedges, remoulade sauce or creamy cocktail sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Crab cakes not crispy? First, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer, which can lead to steaming versus crisping. Also, brush an oil or spray before cooking to help crisp the exterior.

Crab cakes burnt on outside but raw inside? Lower temperature to 380°F and cook a couple minutes longer until fully cooked through. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Crab cakes fall apart? Be gentle when flipping and removing crab cakes, allowing time to set after cooking. Also check that internal temp reaches 165°F.

Crab cakes sticking? Make sure to spray or brush basket with oil before cooking. Don’t overcrowd basket.

Uneven cooking? Flip crab cakes halfway through and rotate basket for even exposure to circulating air.

Recipes to Try

Beyond the classic crab cake, there are many flavorful varieties that are delicious in the air fryer:

• Cajun Crab Cakes – With creole seasoning and spice.

• Thai Chili Crab Cakes – With Thai red curry paste and fresh cilantro.

• Southwest Crab Cakes – Topped with corn, black beans and salsa.

• Crab Cake Sliders – Served mini on Hawaiian rolls for fun bite-size snacks.

• Crab Cake Eggs Benedict – Top with crab cake, poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Cooking Other Frozen Seafood in an Air Fryer

The air fryer works wonderfully for all kinds of frozen seafood dishes. Follow a similar process of high heat for a short time to achieve crispy results:

• Frozen shrimp
• Frozen fish fillets or nuggets
• Frozen calamari
• Frozen fish sticks
• Frozen breaded scallops or oysters

Air frying frozen seafood provides fast, healthy meals with little effort. Experiment with cook times and temperatures to find your favorites.

The Verdict on Air Frying Frozen Crab Cakes

Air frying frozen crab cakes delivers hot, crispy, golden results in record time. With a preheated air fryer and 10-15 minutes cook time, you can enjoy tender crab cakes boasting a deliciously crispy exterior. Adjust cook times based on size, and use a thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F internally. Follow these simple guidelines for perfect crab cakes ready in minutes. Dinnertime, party appetizers and any occasion will benefit from keeping a bag of frozen crab cakes ready for the air fryer anytime.