Air Fryer Crab Shack Style Crab Cakes

These air fryer crab cakes are inspired by the popular Joe’s Crab Shack–style recipe. They are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and full of real crab flavor. You get restaurant-style taste without deep frying, making them lighter and easier to prepare at home.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people (makes 6–8 crab cakes)

Crispy texture using very little oil
Strong crab flavor, not heavy on breadcrumbs
Fast and simple air fryer method
Tastes like restaurant crab cakes but healthier

Ingredients

Crab Cakes

1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat (fresh or pasteurized, drained)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Dipping Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crab Mixture

In a large bowl, gently mix together:

Egg
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Lemon juice
All seasonings and spices

Once mixed, carefully fold in:

Panko breadcrumbs
Crab meat

Mix very gently so the crab pieces stay chunky.

2. Shape the Crab Cakes

Shape the mixture into 6–8 patties, about ¾-inch thick.
Place them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
This step helps the crab cakes stay firm while cooking.

3. Air Fry the Crab Cakes

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Brush the tops of the crab cakes with melted butter or olive oil.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook until the crab cakes are golden and crispy.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients together.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crab cakes with

Coleslaw
French fries or sweet potato fries
Corn on the cob
Fresh lemon wedges

Notes

Use lump crab meat for the best texture.
Do not overmix the mixture to keep crab chunks whole.
Chilling the patties helps stop them from breaking.
Leave space between crab cakes in the air fryer for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer crab cakes bring classic coastal flavor to your kitchen. They are crispy, juicy, and packed with crab taste—without the mess of deep frying. Perfect for a quick but special homemade meal.