If you love the crispy, savory goodness of crab cakes but crave a fun twist, these Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender lump crab meat wrapped inside perfectly crisp egg roll wrappers, with a zesty cabbage slaw and a fiery, creamy dipping sauce that brings every bite to life. The best part? Cooking these in the air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delicious Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an important role. From the flaky crab to the crunchy cabbage and the tangy, spicy fire sauce, every element balances taste, texture, and color perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the crab.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: The crispy shell that holds all the flavorful fillings together.
- 1 egg, for egg wash: Helps seal the egg rolls and gives them a golden finish when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash: Thins out the egg for easy brushing on wrappers.
- 1 pound lump crab meat: The star of the dish providing tender, sweet seafood flavor.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light texture and helps bind the crab cakes.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Keeps crab cakes moist and flavorful.
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic spice blend that elevates seafood dishes.
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the crab filling with a refreshing citrus note.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and fresh contrast.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adds a smoky heat in the crab mixture.
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard: Brings a tangy sharpness to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish: Delivers a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: Forms the creamy base of the fire sauce.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: Balances spice with a gentle sweetness for dipping.
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce: Adds a fiery depth to the dipping sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning: Encore of the signature seafood spice in the dipping sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make Crab Cakes
Start by mixing the lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, sea salt, lemon juice, green onions, sriracha, stone-ground mustard, and horseradish in a large bowl. Gently combine everything without breaking up the crab too much. Then, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. These will form the hearty filling inside your egg rolls.
Step 2: Cook Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the crab cakes in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This air frying method keeps them crispy on the outside but tender inside, making them perfect for the next assembly step.
Step 3: Prepare Fire Sauce and Cabbage Slaw
While your crab cakes cook, whisk together the sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. Reserve about ¾ cup of this spicy, creamy fire sauce for dipping later. Then toss the shredded cabbage in the remaining sauce to create a tangy, crunchy slaw that adds freshness and bite inside each egg roll.
Step 4: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Once the crab cakes are done and cooled slightly, cut each crab cake in half. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, then spread about 2 tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down the center. Top with three crab cake halves. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly to seal the egg roll, brushing the edge with your egg wash to hold it together. This step is where it all comes together into that irresistible pocket of flavor.
Step 5: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Preheat the air fryer again to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking and place the egg rolls in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are crisp and golden brown all over. This cooking method guarantees you get that satisfyingly crunchy exterior without excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy delights hot with your reserved fire sauce on the side for dipping. The creamy, spicy dip perfectly complements the savory crab and crunchy slaw inside each egg roll, creating an addictive bite that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the egg rolls for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side also add brightness and a chance for guests to add an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with a simple cucumber salad or a light Asian-style slaw to keep the meal balanced and fresh. Steamed jasmine rice or a crisp green salad are also excellent options to round out this flavorful appetizer or main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe on a large platter with small bowls of extra fire sauce spaced around for easy dipping. You can even cut the egg rolls diagonally and arrange them in a fan shape for a dramatic and inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid stacking too many on top of each other.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled egg rolls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave to maintain that perfect crunch that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat?
Absolutely! Imitation crab meat works fine in this recipe and still delivers great flavor and texture. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing to avoid soggy filling.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer for this recipe?
While the air fryer gives the crispiest and quickest results with less oil, you can bake these egg rolls in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or deep fry them for a classic approach.
How spicy is the fire sauce?
The fire sauce balances heat and sweetness thanks to the hot sauce, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Can these egg rolls be made vegan or vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the crab with hearts of palm or artichoke hearts and using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives. The flavors will differ but it’s a fun twist to try!
What is the best way to seal the egg rolls?
Brush the edges of the wrapper with the egg wash (egg beaten with water). This acts like glue to securely hold the wrapper closed during cooking, preventing the filling from spilling out.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy classic crab cakes in a fun, crispy package loaded with bold flavors. Perfect for gatherings or satisfying a seafood craving anytime, the combination of crunch, creamy heat, and fresh tang makes every bite memorable. I can’t wait for you to try making these and impress your friends and family with this sensational twist on a beloved dish. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls combine crispy, golden egg rolls with flavorful lump crab meat and a zesty fire sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist, this recipe features a crunchy cabbage slaw inside and a spicy, creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Crab Cake Mixture
- 1 pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
Vegetables and Wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 12 egg roll wrappers
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Fire Sauce and Slaw Dressing
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Make Crab Cakes: In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, sea salt, lemon juice, chopped green onions, sriracha sauce, stone-ground mustard, and prepared horseradish. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the mixture. Once combined, shape the mixture into small crab cake balls.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Cook Crab Cakes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange the formed crab cakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Air fry for 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, shaking or flipping halfway for uniform crispness.
- Prepare Fire Sauce and Cabbage Slaw: While the crab cakes cook, whisk together the sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl to create the fire sauce. Reserve ¾ cup of this sauce for dipping. Toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining fire sauce to make a flavorful cabbage slaw.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Cut each cooked crab cake in half to create smaller pieces. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the prepared cabbage slaw down the center of the wrapper. Top the slaw with three halves of crab cakes. Carefully fold the sides of the egg roll wrapper inward and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Use the egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) to brush the edges to seal the egg roll securely.
- Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Preheat the air fryer again to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the assembled egg rolls in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot, accompanied by the reserved fire sauce for dipping. Enjoy this crispy and flavorful appetizer or snack!
Notes
- You can substitute lump crab meat with imitation crab meat for a more budget-friendly option.
- Ensure the egg rolls are sealed properly with the egg wash to prevent filling leakage during air frying.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the egg rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding, which affects crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the fire sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Leftover crab cakes can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches or salads the next day.
