Crab Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits with Lemon Butter Recipe in an Air Fryer
Crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuits offer a perfect fusion of seafood and buttery, cheesy goodness, with a bright pop of lemon to elevate each bite. This recipe is tailored for an air fryer, making the process easier, quicker, and resulting in a crispy, golden crust. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these biscuits will be an irresistible hit.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix – 1 package (approximately 11 ounces)
- Cold Water – ¾ cup
- Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted
- Fresh Chopped Parsley – 1 tablespoon
For the Crab Stuffing
- Lump Crab Meat – 8 ounces (fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells)
- Cream Cheese – 4 ounces, softened
- Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Old Bay Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Green Onions – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Lemon Zest – 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
For the Lemon Butter
- Butter – 4 tablespoons, melted
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Parsley – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough
- Combine the Mix – In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix with cold water. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light and fluffy.
- Add Butter and Parsley – Drizzle in the melted butter and fold in the fresh parsley. Set the dough aside while you prepare the crab filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Filling
- Mix the Ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine the lump crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, chopped green onions, and lemon zest.
- Season – Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Biscuits
- Portion the Dough – Divide the biscuit dough into small rounds, approximately 2 tablespoons each. Flatten each round into a small disk.
- Add Crab Filling – Place a spoonful of the crab mixture into the center of each disk. Fold the edges of the dough around the filling, ensuring it is fully enclosed. Pinch any seams to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Shape into Balls – Gently shape each filled biscuit into a round ball and place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Continue with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Arrange the Biscuits – Lightly grease the air fryer basket, and carefully place the stuffed biscuit balls in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow air to circulate.
- Cook – Air fry the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Butter
- Combine Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Brush on the Biscuits – As soon as the biscuits come out of the air fryer, generously brush each one with the lemon butter for a burst of flavor and shine.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crab-stuffed Cheddar Bay biscuits warm. These savory biscuits pair perfectly with a side salad, a bowl of creamy soup, or as part of a seafood platter.
Tips for Perfect Crab-Stuffed Biscuits
Choosing the Right Crab Meat
For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh or canned lump crab meat. Avoid imitation crab as it lacks the authentic flavor and texture.
Avoiding Overfilling
To keep the biscuits intact during cooking, use about a teaspoon of crab filling for each biscuit. Sealing the edges well will also prevent leakage.
Air Fryer Tips
Preheating the air fryer and leaving space between each biscuit allows for even cooking and a crisp, golden crust. Avoid overcrowding, as this may cause uneven browning.
Customizing the Flavor
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab mixture for a touch of heat, or a sprinkle of Parmesan in the biscuit dough for extra richness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fats | 8g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Biscuits Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the crab-stuffed biscuits up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to air fry them.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, place the biscuits in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Reheating in the air fryer helps maintain their crispiness.
Can I Use Another Type of Biscuit Dough?
While Cheddar Bay biscuit mix provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with homemade or store-bought biscuit dough. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.
