Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK Recipe) (2024)

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Crispy air fryer crab bites are the latest sensation to take TikTok by storm. There’s a good reason these crispy crab snacks have gone viral too. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re a perfectly crunchy snack or appetizer that can be made to feed a crowd.

Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK Recipe) (1)

If I had to pick a favorite appliance, hands down it would be my air fryer.

That thing saves me so much time in the kitchen, it’s like meal time magic.

I also really enjoy crab, and a good snack.

When I saw this recipe for crispy air fryer crab bites on TikTok- I knew I had to make it.

Boy, was I right!

This is a delicious crunchy snack that takes no time at all to make.

Crispy, crunchy and better than potato chips but still just as portable and pop-able.

Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK Recipe) (2)

Ingredients Needed

Making these easy crispy crab bites only requires a couple ingredients, and an air fryer.

You’ll need:

  • Imitation Crab Meat – For this recipe you need the leg style, NOT flake, imitation crab meat. If you hate imitation crab meat, then this recipe probably isn’t for you.
  • Butter – I recommend using salted butter. Half the butter is for tossing with the meat and seasoning before crisping, and the rest makes for a delicious seasoned dipping sauce.
  • Seasoning – We season the crab meat with Old Bay seasoning, which is a Mid Atlantic seafood seasoning. If you can’t find it you can use any brand’s seafood seasoning, or even Cajun seasoning, in it’s place.

That’s it.

Gather up your ingredients, and it’s time to get a batch of these air fryer crab bites started!

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How To Make Air Fryer Crispy Crab Sticks

Making these crispy air fryer crab bites is super easy.

Start by slicing the crab sticks into roughly 1 inch pieces, and then transfer the crab chunks to a mixing bowl.

Pour three tablespoons of melted butter over the crab pieces, then toss them gently to coat.

Sprinkle the Old Bay seafood seasoning over top of the meat, and then toss again gently- just until evenly coated.

Add the seasoned crab to the basket of your air fryer, and spread it out in an even layer.

You want a single layer, so if you have a smaller air fryer you may need to cook it in two batches.

Cook the air fryer crab bites at 380F for 9-10 minutes.

Open the air fryer, and carefully give the basket a good shake.

Only hold the handle as the rest of the basket will be HOT.

Close the air fryer, and continue cooking the crab for another 8-10 minutes.

You can judge your desired level of ‘crispness’.

We like ours on the extra crispy side.

You’ll know they’re technically done when they’re visibly golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Carefully transfer the crispy crab bites to a waiting plate or bowl, and set them aside.

Making A Simple Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

Add three tablespoons of melted butter to a small bowl.

I recommend using salted butter, but if salt’s a concern you can use the unsalted variety.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the butter, and then whisk together to combine.

Serve the warm garlic butter dipping sauce with the still warm crispy crab bites.

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Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely.

Transfer them to an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to enjoy again, add them back to the basket of your air fryer and cook them at 320F for 5 minutes.

They will be just as warm and crispy as when freshly made.

Can Crispy Crab Bites Be Made In The Oven?

Yes!

If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries.

Prepare the crab the same way, but instead of adding them to the basket of an air fryer spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake them at 400F for 10-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, and to your desired level of crispness.

Do These Taste Like Crab Chips?

Yes!

They have a bit of a different texture since it’s a lump of meat as opposed to a thin chip, but with the seafood seasoning that’s exactly what they remind me of.

Because they’re thicker, I also think they’re a much more satisfying snack than traditional crab chips.

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TIPS & TRICKS

  • Be careful not to toss the crab pieces too long when mixing with the butter and seasoning. Too rough or too long and the meat will break up.
  • I made these in a 7 quart basket style air fryer. If using a smaller version, you may need to cook the imitation crab bites in batches to ensure a single layer that cooks & crisps evenly.
  • As written, this recipe makes about 6 servings. You can easily double or triple if making them as an appetizer to feed a crowd.

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Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Making a hearty snack shouldn’t be hard or super inconvenient.

Luckily, these crispy air fryer crab bites are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious making for snacking perfection!

Looking for other easy recipes to make in your air fryer?

Try these:

  • Air Fryer S’mores Recipe
  • Spicy Air Fryer Asian Wings
  • Air Fryer Pasta Chips
  • Air Fryer Hot Pockets
  • Air Fryer Taco Seasoned Crackers

If you’ve tried thisCRISPY AIR FRYER CRAB BITES, or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me onPINTEREST,FACEBOOK, andINSTAGRAMto see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!

Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK Recipe) (7)

Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK)

Crispy air fryer crab bites are the latest sensation to take TikTok by storm. There's a good reason these crispy crab snacks have gone viral too. Ready in under 20 minutes, they're a perfect crunchy snack or appetizer that can be made to feed a crowd.

4.55 from 20 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 176kcal

Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

  • 2 8 oz pkgs imitation crab meat leg style
  • 6 tbsp melted butter divided
  • 1/2-1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Slice the crab sticks into roughly 1" pieces, and transfer the chopped meat to a waiting mixing bowl.

  • Pour half of the melted butter evenly out over the crab pieces, then sprinkle with the Old Bay seasoning. Toss gently, just until evenly coated.

  • Transfer the prepared crab meat to the basket of an air fryer and spread out in an even, single layer.

  • Cook at 380° for 9-10 minutes. Open the air fryer, and give the basket a good shake. Close and cook for another 8-10 minutes- depending on your desired level of crispness.

  • Transfer the crispy crab bites to a waiting plate or bowl. Set aside.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining melted butter and garlic powder until evenly combined.

  • Serve the garlic butter on the side with the warm air fryer crab bites, for dipping.

Notes

  • Be careful not to toss the crab pieces too long when mixing with the butter and seasoning. Too rough or too long and the meat will break up.
  • I made these in a 7 quart basket style air fryer. If using a smaller version, you may need to cook the imitation crab bites in batches to ensure a single layer that cooks & crisps evenly.
  • As written, this recipe makes about 6 servings. You can easily double or triple if making them as an appetizer to feed a crowd.

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @4sonsrus or tag #4sonsrus!

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Air Fryer Crispy Crab Bites (VIRAL TIKTOK Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Can you air fry Phillips crab cakes? ›

Cooking Phillips crab cakes in the air fryer results in perfectly cooked crab cakes that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. With the use of any air fryer, you can cook your Phillips crab cakes straight from frozen in no time for the perfect snack, dinner, or party appetizer!

What is artificial crab meat made of? ›

Imitation crab is made from surimi, which is fish flesh that has been deboned, washed to remove fat and unwanted bits, then minced into a paste. This paste is blended with other ingredients before being heated and pressed into shapes that mimic crab meat ( 1 ).

How long do you cook crab in the air fryer? ›

Put the crab in the air fryer (in batches, if necessary) at 380 degrees for 8 minutes, shake, and put in for 8 more minutes, or until the crab reaches your desired crispiness. Serve immediately with Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce.

Is imitation crab healthy? ›

It's a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. It's more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat.

How to cook good catch crab cakes in an air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Instructions: (1) Preheat air fryer at 370 degrees F (187 degrees C). (2) Lightly brush/spray frozen crab cakes with oil. Air fry crab cakes for 12 minutes then flip. (3) Air fry for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Is it better to fry or bake crab cakes? ›

Mayonaise, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and old bay are the only seasonings used. Is it better to bake or fry Maryland crab cakes? I prefer baking because you don't add additional calories via the cooking oil. Baking crab cakes with little filler is also easier and they are less likely to fall apart.

Are crab sticks bad for cholesterol? ›

Crab is very good to eat if you are looking after your heart - its nutrients are shown to reduce bad cholesterol in your blood. Crab contains chromium which helps increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in your body – therefore reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Are crab sticks healthy for weight loss? ›

Imitation crab sticks are a popular seafood option due to their affordability, convenience, and versatility. They are a great source of protein and are low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Can you cook crab in an airfryer? ›

As a general guideline, you can cook crab meat in an air fryer for about 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Can you air fry crab claws? ›

Dip the stuffed crab claws in flour, egg and then breadcrumb. 6. Put into the Airfryer and fry at 160˚C for 8 minutes then turn the heat up to 180˚C for another 6 minutes. Ready to serve.

Is it OK to eat imitation crab everyday? ›

Despite its health drawbacks, eating the occasional crab rangoon or crab cake made from imitation crab meat is generally safe, although making it a regular part of your diet is not recommended. There also are some people who should avoid this ingredient altogether.

How to tell if imitation crab is bad? ›

The most obvious sign that imitation crab has gone bad is a fishy smell, so toss it out if the odor is strong. Whenever leftovers look slimy or taste sour you can bet the imitation crab is past its prime and needs to go in the garbage, even if you haven't reached the sell-by date that's on the package.

Can you eat raw crab? ›

Crab: A raw crab is pretty much impossible to eat. Crab meat is so rich in moisture that separating it from the shell is pointless. Most 'raw' crab recipes you see on the Internet are pickled at great lengths — that is, the acids (vinegar, wine, or citrus) in the recipe gently 'cook' the meat over time.

How to cook phillips crab rangoon in air fryer? ›

Air Fry from Frozen:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Cook for 5½ to 6½ minutes until Rangoon are golden brown on each side.

How do you cook frozen phillips crab cakes? ›

Cook on center rack in convection oven for 7 minutes, then flip cakes and bake for an additional 4 minutes.

How long to bake phillips crab cakes? ›

Pan fry for 5 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until evenly browned on each side and cakes reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

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