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Crispy Air Fryer Crab Bites: A Must-Try New Air Fryer Recipe

The culinary world is ever-evolving, with new techniques and recipes constantly emerging to tantalise our taste buds. One such delightful addition to the air fryer repertoire is the Crispy Air Fryer Crab Bites. This modern twist on traditional crab cakes brings a burst of flavour and texture without the heaviness of frying in oil. Whether you’re hosting a soirée, enjoying a relaxed evening at home, or seeking an impressive appetiser for a special occasion, these crab bites are sure to make a memorable impression.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these crispy delicacies, gather the following ingredients:

• 250g fresh crab meat (or canned, if preferred)
• 100g breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small red chilli, deseeded and chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil spray

Preparation

1. Prep the Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional chilli. Gently fold in the beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want to retain some texture.

2. Form the Bites:
   With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into bite-sized balls or patties, about 3-4cm in diameter. Place them onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You should have enough mixture for around 12 – 15 bites, depending on the size.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough for even cooking.

Cooking

1. Air Fry the Crab Bites:
   Lightly spray the crab bites with olive oil to encourage crispiness. Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

Serving

Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the crab bites from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a minute before plating. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of colour and serve with a side of lemon wedges and your favourite dipping sauce—tartar sauce or a spicy aioli works wonderfully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Air Fryer Crab Bites offer a perfect balance of flavours—the sweetness of the crab mingles beautifully with the zing of mustard and lemon, while the air fryer ensures they remain light and crispy without the excess oil. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties, and they come together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional frying methods.

Conclusion

If you haven’t yet explored the delights of air frying, now is the perfect time to dive headfirst into this culinary trend. These Crispy Air Fryer Crab Bites are just the beginning of what you can achieve. With their crispy exterior and tender crab filling, this recipe is bound to become a household favourite.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself and your guests to these scrumptious bites today! Enjoy the crunch, embrace the flavour, and relish in the compliments that are sure to follow. Happy cooking!