This Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender crab meat, delivering all the flavors of your favorite buffet dish at home. Ready in minutes, it’s an easy appetizer or side that’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese buffet right into your kitchen with this Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender crab meat, this casserole is an effortless crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly in the air fryer.
Perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a main for seafood lovers, it’s a simple way to impress guests, or treat yourself, without all the fuss of a restaurant.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer speeds up cooking, giving you a creamy, golden casserole in a fraction of the time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With cheesy, savory crab and a perfectly crisp top, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends.
- Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home: Enjoy that classic Chinese buffet taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for seafood lovers.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes than traditional oven baking means less time scrubbing and more time eating.
Ingredients Needed
- Lump Imitation Crab Meat: Sweet, flaky, seafood-flavored crab meat chunks for casseroles.
- Scallions: Fresh green onions adding mild, crisp onion flavor.
- Red Bell Peppers: Sweet red peppers for color and crunchy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy, tangy binder to hold casserole ingredients together.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese for a rich, golden topping.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor and balance taste.
How To Make Chinese Crab Casserole In The Air Fryer
Step One: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, scallions, red bell peppers, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
Step Two: Gently fold in the mayonnaise and stir until fully incorporated.
Step Three: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and press it evenly. Air fry at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, and remove once it begins to bubble.
Step Four: Cooked before adding cheese.
Step Five: Top the crab casserole with shredded cheese and return it to the air fryer or oven. I used the air fryer’s broiler setting to melt the cheese, but if your air fryer doesn’t have a broiler, heat at 300°F until melted, or use your oven’s broiler until golden and bubbly.
Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use fresh or well-drained imitation crab: Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy, so gently pat the crab meat dry before mixing.
- Cheese timing matters: Add the cheese near the end of cooking to avoid over-browning or burning.
- Adjust for air fryer size: Cooking times can vary depending on your model; start checking a minute or two early.
- Customize your mix-ins: Add diced water chestnuts, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover crab casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep it covered to maintain moisture and prevent the top from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the air fryer at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe Faqs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab? Absolutely! Fresh or cooked crab meat works beautifully. Just adjust for moisture content to avoid a watery casserole.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can mix the ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add the cheese right before air frying.
Can I make it spicy? Definitely! Add a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the mix before cooking.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Instant Pot Queso
- Instant Pot Copycat Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip
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Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lump imitation crab meat
- 2 stalks scallion, diced
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the 12 ounces lump imitation crab meat, 2 stalks scallion, 1/4 cup red pepper,1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper mix well.
- Fold in the 1 cup mayonnaise and then mix well.
- Spread into a baking dish, and pat flat. Set into the air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. As soon as it starts bubbling, remove the pan.
- Top the crab casserole with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and return it to the air fryer or oven. I used the air fryer’s broiler setting to melt the cheese, but if your air fryer doesn’t have a broiler, heat at 300°F until melted, or use your oven’s broiler until golden and bubbly.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Baking Pan
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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MimiG
5 stars based on the ingredients. I can’t do a casserole in my air fryer.
Can I bake it in my oven, and what temp and time?
I want to make it because I think it would be really good!
Laurie Fleming
Bake at 350 degrees F, for about 35-40 minutes.