Air Fryer Crab Bites

Air Fryer Crab Bites are a crispy, savory seafood snack made with imitation or real crab, lightly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they’re perfect for parties, appetizers, or a simple seafood treat without the need for deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Crispy texture without deep frying
• Made with simple ingredients
• Budget-friendly when using imitation crab
• Perfect for snacking or entertaining
• Kid-friendly and customizable
• Great for meal prep and freezer storage
• Gluten-free adaptable
• Packed with protein
• Pairs perfectly with dips and sauces

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• imitation crab meat or real crab meat
• melted butter
• Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
• garlic powder (optional)
• lemon juice (optional)
• chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• dipping sauce (e.g., garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo)

Directions

this recipe

• Cut imitation crab into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks).
• In a bowl, mix crab pieces with melted butter, seasoning, and garlic powder if using.
• Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Place the crab bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 8 minutes, shake the basket, then air fry for another 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Optionally drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Crab Bites: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Asian-Inspired: Toss with sesame oil and soy sauce; garnish with scallions.
• Cheesy Crab Bites: Sprinkle with Parmesan before cooking.
• Real Crab Version: Use lump crab meat and handle delicately when seasoning.
• Breaded Bites: Lightly coat in panko before air frying for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 4–5 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, seasoned crab bites on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen (add 3–4 minutes to cooking time).

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation?

Yes, but be gentle when mixing and cooking to avoid breaking up the delicate meat.

What kind of seasoning works best?

Old Bay, Cajun, or your favorite seafood blend all work great.

Are these keto-friendly?

Imitation crab contains carbs. Use real crab for a low-carb option and check seasoning and dips for added sugar.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Prep and season the crab, then store in the fridge and air fry when ready.

How do I keep them from sticking to the basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil before cooking.

What dips go well with these?

Garlic aioli, spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce are all great options.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure all ingredients and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I add breadcrumbs?

Yes, toss bites in seasoned panko for a crispy coating.

Do I need to flip them?

No, just shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crab Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that delivers big seafood flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick weeknight treat, these crispy bites are sure to please. Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy every crunchy, savory bite.

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