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Five golden-brown Maryland crab cakes on a plate, expertly cooked in an air fryer and garnished with chopped parsley.

Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake is the way to go if you want to bring that classic Maryland feel to your kitchen with the rich flavor of crab. It's perfect when you want something that feels a little special without a ton of effort. It's quick to pull together, cooks up beautifully in the air fryer, and works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for holidays or simple get-togethers. You can make it ahead, stash it in the fridge or freezer, and just cook when you're ready.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake
Servings: 8 patties
Calories: 109kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 15 ounces lump crabmeat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

To serve:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine Panko, mayonnaise, seasoning, fresh parsley, yellow mustard, egg and crabmeat until well combined.
    1 cup Panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning, 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 egg, 15 ounces lump crabmeat
  • Form the patties (about ½ cup each).
  • Cook the patties in the greased air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Serve with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
    Fresh parsley, Lemon slices

Notes

  • Start with real lump crabmeat: Real crab gives you the most flavor and texture, and makes a big difference compared to imitation crab.
  • Don’t overmix the crab mixture: Stir just until everything comes together so the crab stays in nice big chunks.
  • Form the patties gently: Press the mixture together lightly with your hands—they should be just firm enough to hold but not so tight that they get dense.
  • A light brush of oil helps with browning: It gives them that golden color and a little extra crunch without needing a deep fry.
  • Preheat your air fryer: Starting with a hot basket helps you get that crisp, golden crust right from the start.
  • Give them space in the basket: Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp, so cook in batches if needed.
  • Flip carefully halfway through: Use a flat spatula and go slowly to keep them from falling apart.
  • Serve with lemon or sauce on the side: Tartar sauce, remoulade, or just a good squeeze of lemon works really well with the richness of the crab.

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg
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