HOW LONG TO COOK FROZEN CRAB CAKES IN AIR FRYER (5 MIN GUIDE)

Ever open your freezer, spot those golden crab cakes, and instantly crave that crispy, restaurant-style bite? We’ve all been there. The only question that stops you is—how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer for that perfect crunch without drying them out?

Well, good news—your air fryer’s got you covered! In just minutes, you can turn those frozen crab cakes into a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside masterpiece. No thawing, no mess, and zero stress. Stick around, because I’m sharing my foolproof timing, secret tips, and a few flavor-boosting tricks that’ll make your crab cakes taste like pure coastal magic.

Love easy air fryer dinners? You’ll also enjoy my Lamb Shoulder in Air Fryer or these quick Frozen French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer  bites for busy nights.

About Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a classic seafood favorite made with crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a mix of tasty seasonings. They’re most famous in Maryland’s coastal cuisine and loved for their crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside. (Learn more about their history and variations on Crab Cake – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_cake

WHY THE AIR FRYER IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR COOKING FROZEN CRAB CAKES

Once you know how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer, you’ll see how easy it is to get crispy, tender results every single time. Let me be honest Once I tried crab cakes in the air fryer, there was no going back. It’s quicker, easier, and delivers perfect crispiness every time—just like my TGI Friday’s Boneless Chicken Bites Air Fryer and Air Fryer Frozen Mushrooms recipes.

Unbeatable crunch: The air fryer’s hot, swirling air gives your crab cakes that golden, crunchy shell without drowning them in oil. They stay perfectly crisp, even after cooling a bit—no soggy bottoms here!

Crazy fast: No more waiting forever for the oven to preheat. Most air fryers are ready in minutes, and your crab cakes turn golden and ready to serve in just 10–12 minutes flat.

Healthier indulgence: You get that satisfying fried texture with almost zero oil. It’s comfort food made guilt-free—and still bursting with flavor.

Perfectly even cooking: Every crab cake gets the same love. No burned edges, no cold centers—just tender, flaky bites wrapped in a crisp, golden crust.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made them any other way.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To cook frozen crab cakes in the air fryer perfectly, you only need a few simple ingredients.

Main ingredient:

• Frozen crab cakes (any brand works—I’ve tested everything from Phillips to store brands, and they all turn out great)

Optional extras for flavor:

• Cooking spray or melted butter (for extra golden color)
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

HOW LONG TO COOK FROZEN CRAB CAKES IN AIR FRYER: STEP-BY-STEP

Here’s exactly how to get perfect results every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for around 3 minutes. This initial blast of heat is what creates that immediately crispy exterior.

Step 2: Arrange the Crab Cakes

Place your frozen crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is crucial—don’t stack them or overcrowd the basket. If you’re cooking more than 2-3 large crab cakes, you’ll want to cook them in batches.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around the 5–6 minute mark). This ensures even browning on both sides and answers the key question — how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer for golden, crispy perfection.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Your crab cakes are ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they contain raw crab (check the package), the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Most frozen crab cakes are pre-cooked, so you’re mainly looking for that golden color and heated-through center.

Frozen Crab Cakes Air Fryer Cook Time Chart

Here’s a quick reference chart to help you nail the perfect timing no matter the size of your crab cakes or your air fryer model:

Type of Crab Cake	Temperature	Cook Time	Flip?
Small (2 oz)	375°F (190°C)	8–9 minutes	Yes
Medium (3 oz)	375°F (190°C)	10–12 minutes	Yes
Jumbo (4–5 oz)	370°F (188°C)	13–15 minutes	Yes

PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER CRAB CAKES

After testing dozens of frozen crab cakes, here are the secrets that make all the difference:

Understanding how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer helps avoid common issues like soggy centers or burnt edges.

Never thaw them first: 

Cooking from frozen actually helps prevent the crab cakes from falling apart. The frozen structure holds everything together while the outside crisps up.

Give them breathing room: 

Leave at least an inch between each crab cake. Crowded crab cakes steam instead of crisp, and nobody wants that.

A light oil spray works wonders: 

If your crab cakes look a little pale or dry, a quick spritz of cooking spray before cooking adds extra golden color and crispiness.

Check early: 

Start checking at 8 minutes if you’re cooking smaller or thinner crab cakes. Thick, restaurant-style ones usually need the full 10-12 minutes.

Know your air fryer:

Some models run hotter than others. Use my timing as a starting point, but trust your eyes—you’re looking for that golden-brown color.

If you’re experimenting with different textures, try recipes like Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes or Simply Potatoes in Air Fryer to master timing and crispness.

DELICIOUS SERVING IDEAS

The beauty of perfectly cooked crab cakes is their versatility. Here are my favorite ways to serve them:

Classic appetizer style:

• No matter how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer, they always pair beautifully with fresh lemon wedges or creamy tartar sauce.
• Serve with remoulade sauce or a simple lemon aioli
• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.
• Arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces for variety

As a main course:

• Place over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette
• Pair with coleslaw and sweet potato fries for a complete meal
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables
• These crab cakes also pair beautifully with sides like  Air Fryer Frozen Mushrooms or Duck Fat Potatoes Air Fryer  

Sandwich style:

• Tuck into a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce
• Make crab cake sliders for parties

FUN RECIPE VARIATIONS

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try these creative twists:

Spicy kick: Brush with sriracha aioli or sprinkle with cayenne before serving

Cheesy goodness: Add a slice of provolone or sprinkle of Parmesan during the last 2 minutes of cooking

Herb-crusted: Mix melted butter with fresh dill, parsley, or chives and brush on after cooking

Gluten-free option: Look for gluten-free frozen crab cake brands—they cook exactly the same way

For another unique twist, check out Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls or the classic Air Fryer Karaage Chicken  

Common Mistakes When Cooking Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer

Even the best recipes can turn out less than perfect if you miss these small details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcrowding the basket — This traps steam and stops your crab cakes from getting crispy.
  
• Forgetting to flip halfway through — Both sides need even heat for the best texture.
  
• Using too much oil — A light mist or quick brush is enough. Too much oil makes them soggy.
  
• Skipping the preheat — Preheating helps the air fryer cook evenly from the start.
  
• Not checking temperature — Every air fryer cooks differently. Adjust time slightly if needed.
  

Pro Tip: Small adjustments can make a big difference. Keep this list handy for perfect results every time.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT FROZEN CRAB CAKES IN AIR FRYER

Leftover crab cakes (if you have any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

If you’re wondering how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer when reheating, just air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh—without losing that golden crunch

Reheating works similarly for recipes like Frozen Tamales Air Fryer and Reheat Tamales in Air Fryer  

Frequently Asked Questions

 Is it possible to air fry frozen crab cakes?

Absolutely! The air fryer is actually one of the best methods for cooking frozen crab cakes, giving you a crispy exterior and perfectly heated interior.

What temperature should I use to cook frozen crab cakes in the air fryer?

375°F (190°C) is the sweet spot for getting that perfect golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside heats through properly.

 How can I tell when my crab cakes are fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown, crispy exterior. If your crab cakes contain raw ingredients, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Do I need to flip the crab cakes?

yes! Flipping halfway through (around 5-6 minutes) ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.

What sauces go best with crab cakes?

Classic choices include tartar sauce, remoulade, cocktail sauce, or a simple lemon aioli. Fresh lemon juice is always a great option too.

Can I cook different brands of frozen crab cakes the same way?

Yes, but keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on size and thickness. Always check a few minutes early and adjust as needed.

How long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer for best results?

The ideal time is 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through. This gives you a crispy outside and a perfectly heated inside every time.

Now that you know exactly how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, restaurant-style results every time without the guesswork

You Might Also Like

Loved learning how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer? Try my other seafood air fryer recipes like SeaPak Tempura Shrimp or Parmesan Crusted Salmon.

• SeaPak Tempura Shrimp Air Fryer – Light, crunchy, and restaurant-style shrimp ready in minutes.
  
• Parmesan Crusted Salmon Air Fryer – Golden, cheesy crust with perfectly flaky salmon inside.
  
• Tai Pei Potstickers in Air Fryer – Crispy edges, juicy filling, and done in no time.
  
• Breaded Broccoli Air Fryer – A crispy veggie side that pairs perfectly with any seafood dish.
  

 Tip: These internal links help strengthen your site’s topical authority and keep readers exploring your other delicious air fryer recipes

TIME TO AIR FRY THOSE CRAB CAKES!

And there you have it — the complete guide on how long to cook frozen crab cakes in air fryer for restaurant-quality results every single time. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to oven-baked crab cakes again!

Say goodbye to soggy or overcooked crab cakes forever! Each bite will be flaky, tender, and bursting with flavor — like something straight off a seaside menu.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab those frozen crab cakes and let your air fryer show off its magic. When you give it a try, drop a comment below — I’d love to hear how yours turned out and what dipping sauce you paired them with!

And if you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Air Fryer Frozen Mini Tacos  and Super Pretzel in Air — both are perfect quick snacks between meals.