Here’s a copycat-style recipe inspired by Joe’s Crab Shack–style Crab Cakes, adapted perfectly for the air fryer. Crispy outside, tender and crab-forward inside—without deep frying.
🦀 Air Fryer Joe’s Crab Shack–Style Crab Cakes (Famous-Style Recipe)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes 6–8 crab cakes)
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Meal Items
Total Calories: 0 kcal
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Calorie Calculator
Meal Items
Total Calories: 0 kcal
- Crispy golden crust without excess oil
- Packed with real crab flavor (not bready)
- Quick and easy in the air fryer
- Just like restaurant-style crab cakes—lighter and healthier
🧾 Ingredients
Crab Cakes
- 1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat (fresh or pasteurized, drained)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Dipping Sauce (Joe’s-style)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crab Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix:
- Egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices.
Fold in:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Crab meat (very gently to keep chunks intact)
2️⃣ Shape the Crab Cakes
- Form into 6–8 patties (about ¾-inch thick).
- Place on a tray, cover, and refrigerate 15 minutes (helps them hold together).
3️⃣ Air Fry the Crab Cakes
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush basket with oil.
- Brush tops of crab cakes with melted butter or olive oil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Coleslaw
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh lemon wedges
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a seafood appetizer platter.
🔥 Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Crab Cakes
- Use lump crab meat for best texture
- Don’t overmix—keep those crab chunks intact
- Chilling before cooking prevents crumbling
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
🦀 Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Joe’s Crab Shack–Style Crab Cakes deliver that famous coastal flavor—crispy, juicy, and packed with real crab—without the deep fryer. Ideal for a quick gourmet meal at home.
