Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy crab cake nestled between a perfectly toasted bun, with fresh lettuce and juicy tomato – all prepared in just 35 minutes using your air fryer! This isn't just another sandwich; it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Crab Cake Sandwich that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns
- Lettuce and tomato for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of crab meat, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper, 4 sandwich buns, and fresh lettuce and tomato for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Once the mixture is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to form into patties.
- While the mixture is chilling, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- After the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, making sure they are compact and hold together well.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the crab cake patties in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the crab cakes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
- While the crab cakes are cooking, prepare your sandwich buns by toasting them lightly, either in a toaster or on a skillet, if desired.
- Once the crab cakes are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
- Assemble your crab cake sandwiches by placing a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a crab cake and then place the top half of the bun on top.
- Serve the crab cake sandwiches warm with your favorite dipping sauce or condiments, and enjoy your delicious air fryer crab cake sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Crab Meat: Fresh or high-quality canned lump crab meat makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the crab meat's delicate texture intact.
- Chilling is Crucial: The 10-15 minute refrigeration helps the patties hold together during cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between crab cakes in the air fryer for even, crispy cooking.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 375°F for the perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Optional Enhancements: Try adding a remoulade or tartar sauce for an extra flavor kick.
- Serve Immediately: Crab cakes are best enjoyed right after cooking when they're hot and crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
