Can I use canned crab meat for Air Fryer Crab Bites?

Yes! Canned crab meat works great, especially when you’re short on time. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before mixing it with the other ingredients. Too much moisture can make your crab bites fall apart or turn soggy.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes , flipping halfway. They’ll come out golden and slightly softer but still delicious.

How long can I store leftover crab bites?

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating and affects texture.

Are Air Fryer Crab Bites suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze them before cooking for up to 1 month . Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen — just add 3–4 extra minutes to your normal cooking time.

Air Fryer Crab Bites – The Best Crispy Seafood Snack (2025)

Name: Air Fryer Crab Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American Seafood
Ingredients: 1 cup crab meat (fresh, imitation, or canned, drained well); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 egg, beaten; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating); 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Nonstick cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

Air Fryer Crab Bites

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Air Fryer Crab Bites are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with seafood flavor. Made with crab meat, cream cheese, and Old Bay seasoning, these easy bites are perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers and cook to golden perfection in just minutes using an air fryer.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12–14 crab bites
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American Seafood
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1 cup crab meat (fresh, imitation, or canned, drained well)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, egg, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Gently fold in crab meat, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley. Add breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture holds its shape.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls. Coat each with extra breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
Place the crab bites in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as spicy aioli, tartar sauce, or lemon butter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
Chill the crab mixture before air frying for firmer bites.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Freeze uncooked crab bites and cook directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the cooking time.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/air-fryer-crab-bites-crispy-recipe/