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Air Fryer Crab Sticks

Name: Air Fryer Crab Sticks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces imitation crab sticks (or lumps, or flakes); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning

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Air Fryer Crab Sticks — If you love a tasty snack or are looking for an excellent air fryer snack or appetizer, this is one of the best, and air frying is so much fun!

If you love Air Fryer Crab Sticks TikTok, make these today. They are a simple recipe that is an excellent alternative to potato chips! Perfect for seafood lovers! The whole family will love this viral recipe! I hope you try today!

Easy Air Fryer Crab Stick Recipe

Air Fryer Crab Sticks –If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish, look no further than air-fried crab sticks! These little beauties are a cinch to make and are always crowd-pleasers. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners. So fire up your air fryer and try these crab sticks today!

Air fryers have been all the rage lately, and for good reason! They make it easy to cook delicious meals without using a lot of oil. This week, I decided to try making crab sticks in my air fryer, which turned out amazing! If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy your favorite seafood snack, then be sure to check out this recipe.

What Is Imitation Crab?

If you’re like most cooks, you probably buy imitation crab without ever giving it a second thought. But what is imitation crab, exactly? And is it all that different from the real thing?

Imitation crab, also known as Krab, is a type of seafood made from surimi, a Japanese word meaning “groundfish.” Imitation crab is typically made from white fish like pollock or cod, which are ground up and combined with other ingredients to create a seafood-like texture. While imitation crab may not be the most traditional item on your Thanksgiving table, it’s worth considering as an option this year! Check out these recipes that will help you incorporate imitation crab into your holiday feast.

Reasons To Try Air Fryer Crab Sticks

This option is healthier for making a fried texture without deep frying or pan-frying in oil. You will use minimal oil and get a nice crispy texture to the outside of the crab sticks.
A great snack, lunch, or even dinner option. Pair with your favorite sides and make it into a meal. Budget-friendly and won’t break the bank too.
This recipe is a great way to elevate the flavor of your crab sticks dramatically with just a few changes.
Change up the spices uses to create different flavors of crab meat.
Using your air fryer won’t heat up your home like deep frying or baking in the oven would. This is a great recipe to keep your home cooler, especially in the summer months.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the food and offers an even cook on all sides of the sticks. So, all sides have the same texture.

Crab Stick Crackers Recipe Air Fryer

Do you love crab? What about chips? If you answered yes to both questions, you’ll love crab chips! Crab chips are made from real crab meat that is mashed up and formed into thin, chip-like shapes.

Crab chips are an excellent snack for people who love seafood. They’re also a healthy option because they’re low in calories and high in protein. Plus, they taste delicious! If you’ve never tried crab chips before, now is the time. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Crab Sticks

Cooking deep-fried imitation crab sticks air fryer is amazing. They are simple to make and require only a few ingredients. So, gather up your supplies and get started on this tasty dish. You won’t regret it!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Imitation Crab Sticks: You can use fresh crab sticks, lump crab, or crab flakes.
Seasonings: You can use salt, black pepper, or garlic powder!
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Ensure your imitation crab is coated. Otherwise, it will not crisp up. You can also use melted butter or garlic butter.

How To Air Fry Crab Sticks

Here are the step-by-step directions to make air fryer crispy crab sticks.

Step One: Prepare The Crab Sticks

Cut the crab sticks into thin pieces or small bites using a sharp knife. Add the crab, olive oil, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl and toss well to coat.

Step Two: Air Fryer Imitation Crab Sticks

Set the crab in the air fryer basket in a single layer, set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket several times during the cooking process. Remove the crab when it is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the crab sticks as they cook.

Step Three: Serving

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or garlic butter.

Air Fryer Crab Sticks In Air Fryer Basket

Flavor Variations

Cajun Flavored: You can buy your favorite Creole or Cajun seasoning blend and use to season your crab. Or you can make your own by mixing up cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and some smoked paprika.
Lemon Pepper: Use lemon zest, black pepper, and salt to coat the crab sticks. Then once you are done cooking you will use garlic butter for dipping. Add on some fresh lemon juice to the sticks for even more lemon flavor.
Asian: Mix up some honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, parsley, minced garlic, and some grated ginger. Whisk it up, and then brush your crab sticks with the mixture. Then air fry the same, and before serving coat again in the mixture. Garnish with some sesame seeds.
Parmesan Breadcrumb Crusted: Mix up some breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley. Mix up and then lightly spray the sticks with cooking oil, and then coat in the mixture. Then place in the air fryer and lightly spray the coating with some oil. This will help it turn golden brown. Once done eat as is or dip in your favorite sauce like cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.
Create Your Own Flavoring: Now those are just ideas, but feel free to grab your favorite spices and herbs and create your own flavoring for the crab if you prefer. Same goes for sauce, you can create your own dipping sauces to customize your dish.

Pro Tips Air Fryer Crab Sticks Recipe

High-Quality Crab Meat: Always choose high-quality crab meat, preferably lump or jumbo lump, to ensure the best flavor and texture for your crab bites.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the ingredients to prevent breaking up the crab meat too much. This will ensure that your crab bites have nice chunks of crab and a great texture.
Uniform Size: When forming the crab bites, aim for a consistent size to ensure even cooking. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon can help with consistency.
Preheat the Air Fryer: While some recipes may not require it, preheating the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior, improving the texture of your crab bites.
Spacing is Key: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each crab bite enough space so the hot air can circulate them, ensuring even cooking and a crispy crust.
Oil Mist: Lightly spray the crab bites with cooking oil spray or oil mist. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
Flip Halfway: For even cooking and browning, consider flipping the crab bites halfway through the cooking process.
Temperature Check: If you are unsure about doneness, you can use a food thermometer. While the crab meat is already cooked, you aim for the filling to be heated through and cohesive, usually around 145°F (63°C).
Customize Seasoning: Crab pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of Old Bay, garlic salt, cajun seasoning, curry powder, a dash of cayenne for heat, or some fresh herbs for a unique twist.
Serve Immediately: Crab bites are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer to enjoy their crispy exterior and tender inside. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an enhanced flavor experience!

Storing

If you have leftover sticks you can place them in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Then eat them cold or opt to warm them up.

For reheating in the air fryer preheat the air fryer to 350-375 degrees. Place the sticks in the air fryer and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Don’t overheat or it will dry out the crab.

Ways To Serve Up Crab

Here are a few ways you can serve up this crab stick recipe to make into a savory dish for your whole family to enjoy.

Appetizer – Eat them as is with your favorite dipping sauces. This is a great recipe for serving up at parties and events. Or use it for snacking on to break up the day.
Salad—Consider chopping up the sticks and using them as a topper for a green salad. I recommend a vinaigrette dressing to help keep the salad light.
Sushi Bowl – Start with sushi rice, then dice up the crab. Top with fresh cucumbers, seaweed paper, avocado, and other toppings. Make a rice bowl, add some yum-yum sauce, and dive in.
Pasta—Cook your favorite pasta and toss in garlic butter with parmesan. Feel free to add some vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, etc. Once the dish is done, top with pieces of the crab.
Stir-fry – Cook up all your favorite vegetables, and then serve over steamed rice or your favorite noodles with a teriyaki-based sauce. Once it is done, toss in the crab.
Wrap – Grab a tortilla or lavish bread and make a wrap with fresh greens, carrots, cucumbers, and more all wrapped up and paired with your favorite condiments.

Crab Sticks in Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use canned crab meat. Ensure it’s well-drained to remove any excess moisture and pick through it to remove any shells or cartilage.

How long do the crab bites take to cook in the air fryer? Typically, crab bites take about 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F (190°C) in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on their size and the specific air fryer model.

Can I make these crab bites gluten-free? Absolutely! Use different seasonings that are gluten-free.

How to make breaded fried intimation crack sticks air fryer: To make breaded fried imitation crab sticks in the air fryer, start by dipping the crab sticks in beaten egg, then coat them in breadcrumbs seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices. Place the coated crab sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer? While some models may not require preheating, doing so can lead to more consistent and quicker cooking results. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, it’s recommended to use it.

How should I store leftover crab bites? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.

Can I freeze the crab bites? You can freeze the uncooked crab bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with crab bites? Tartar sauce, aioli, cocktail sauce, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and spicy mayo are great options. Feel free to get creative with your dips!

Can I use imitation crab meat? While real crab meat is recommended for the best flavor and texture, imitation crab meat is a budget-friendly alternative. Just be aware that the taste and texture may vary.

Are these crab bites keto-friendly?To make them keto-friendly, replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds and ensure other ingredients align with your keto guidelines.

Can I add other seasonings to the crab mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preference. Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped herbs can all add a unique twist to the recipe.

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