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.

4.59 from 17 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

How long to put crab in the air fryer? ›

In a medium bowl, combine the crab, butter, and seasoning. 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.

Can you cook crab claws in an air fryer? ›

Although the best flavor experience will come from frying crab fingers in hot oil, you can use either of the following cooking methods: AIR FRYER : Once coated, add the crab claws to air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil or spray. Air fry at 400° for about 12 minutes (flipping half way through).

What is artificial crab meat made of? ›

Imitation crab is made with surimi, a paste made out of finely shredded or pulverized fish. After the fish is minced, it is heated and pressed into shapes that resemble meat from a crab leg. The resulting imitation crab looks similar to the original crab in its coloring and texture.

Is imitation crab healthy? ›

Imitation crab is a highly processed food made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and additives to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat. While it's significantly less expensive than real crab, it's also less nutritious.

Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer? ›

Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.

How do you know when crab is fully cooked? ›

Cook the crabs for about 18-20 minutes, depending on size. The crabs are done when they turn orange and the meat flakes when tested with a fork. Carefully remove the crabs from the pot with clean tongs and serve on a platter with a sprinkling of seafood seasoning and some lemon wedges.

Do you rinse crab claws before cooking? ›

You should rinse the stone crab claws under cold running water. This is done after carefully unwrapping them from the bags. Allow the stone crab claws to dry for 10-15 minutes, and place them in a large bowl. Add some cold water and ice cubes to the bowl, or place the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour.

How many crab claws per person? ›

How many stone crab claws per person can vary. Generally, one claw per person is a good rule. If you order them for a party, you may want to order 2 or 3 pounds per person; if you're having an appetizer, count 2/3 of a pound of claws per person.

Can I air fry frozen breaded crab claws? ›

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 canned crab meat as good as fresh? ›

If possible, buy fresh or frozen crabmeat rather than canned, which has less flavor.

Are crab sticks bad for cholesterol? ›

Moreover, those that are packaged as snack-sized crab sticks can be eaten on the go. Nutritionally beneficial. Imitation crab has low calorie, fat, and cholesterol content. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to lose or maintain weight and are looking for low-cholesterol foods.

What fish is imitation crab? ›

What Is Imitation Crab? The key to that flavor is surimi, a seafood paste made from white fish, artificial and natural flavors, starch, sugar, and sodium. And the preferred white fish in this amalgam is Alaskan Pollock—the same variety most commonly utilized in frozen fish sticks and fast-food seafood sandwiches.

Is it OK to eat imitation crab everyday? ›

Imitation crab may be more affordable than regular crab, and can also offer a quick, convenient, snack-size alternative to crab. However, it also usually contains a variety of additives, such as MSG and phosphorous, which may have harmful side effects for some people.

How to tell if imitation crab is bad? ›

You'll know when imitation crab starts going bad. It will start to smell fishy, the texture will be slimy, and it will taste sour. If your imitation crab shows any of these signs, it's time to toss it immediately. Remember to sanitize every surface that came in contact with it.

Is imitation crab high in mercury? ›

Imitation crab meat checks both boxes, so it's safe to eat during pregnancy. Pollock, which is the fish of choice for makers of imitation crab meat, is a low mercury fish and pregnancy-safe in reasonable amounts (two or three servings per week).

How long to cook frozen crab in air fryer? ›

Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for approximately five to seven minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. When dealing with frozen crab legs, either thaw them beforehand and follow the same procedure or add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

How long to heat up crab legs in air fryer? ›

Reheat crab legs in an air fryer — 5 minutes

Wrap the seasoned crab legs in foil. Place the crab legs in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the crab legs from the basket and remove the foil to serve.

How long to cook fully cooked crab? ›

#2. Steam Cooked Crabs Legs
  1. Fill a large pot with about two inches of water. Place a steamer or colander over the water. ...
  2. Cover the pot and heat over high until the water is boiling.
  3. Place crab legs in the steamer or colander and cover with a lid.
  4. Remove them from the heat using tongs after six to eight minutes.

How long does it take to cook a crab? ›

1: Bring a large pot of water to the boil and approximately 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Once water is at the boil place crabs in the pot upside down. 2: Cook for approximately 5-8 mins. Once they start floating & are a very vibrant orange colour it is a good indicator to tell they are cooked.

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