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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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