If you are searching for a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances crispy textures and bold flavors, look no further than this Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. It takes the classic crab cake that everyone loves and wraps it in a crunchy egg roll, then pairs it with a zesty, creamy fire sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something tasty for yourself, these egg rolls deliver an irresistible combination of fresh crab, spices, and vibrant accompaniments all cooked effortlessly in the air fryer for that perfect golden finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe requires simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and color. From fresh lump crab meat to crunchy cabbage and savory spices, every component brings something special to the table.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds fresh crunch and slightly sweet flavor to balance the richness.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: The crisp, golden shells that wrap around the savory filling for that perfect bite.
- 1 egg, for egg wash: Helps seal the egg rolls and gives them a beautiful shiny crust.
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash: Lightens the egg wash for easy spreading.
- 1 pound lump crab meat: The star ingredient, tender and flavorful crab chunks provide that authentic seafood taste.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds structure and a subtle crunch inside the crab cakes.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Binds the crab ingredients together while contributing a creamy richness.
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice mix that enhances the crab’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper: Adds a little heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the mixture with fresh acidity.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Adds a subtle pungency and splash of color.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Kicks up the heat and adds a tangy sweetness to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard: Gives a slight sharpness that complements the seafood.
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish: Provides a punchy, spicy undertone.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: The creamy base for the delicious fire sauce and slaw dressing.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweet heat with a delightful glaze for the dipping sauce.
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce: Intensifies the fire sauce’s complexity and spice level.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning: Sprinkled into the fire sauce to echo that seafood seasoning throughout.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make Crab Cakes
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes to get it ready while you prepare the crab cakes. In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, sea salt, lemon juice, green onions, sriracha, stone-ground mustard, and horseradish. Gently mix everything until evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the crab. Shape this mixture into small balls that will serve as the crab cake bases for your egg rolls.
Step 2: Air Fry Crab Cakes
Place the crab cake balls into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space for the hot air to circulate and crisp evenly. Cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. This step ensures the crab cakes have a firm texture that won’t fall apart when assembled inside the egg rolls.
Step 3: Make Fire Sauce and Slaw
While the crab cakes cook, whisk together the sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl for the fire sauce. Reserve about three-quarters of a cup for dipping later, and toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining sauce. This slaw will add moisture, crunch, and a fiery flavor contrast inside your egg rolls.
Step 4: Assemble Egg Rolls
Cut each cooked crab cake in half to make manageable pieces for rolling. Lay out one egg roll wrapper flat on your workspace. Spread about two tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down the center, then arrange three crab cake halves on top. Fold the wrapper carefully—start by folding in the sides, then rolling up tightly toward the top. Brush the edges with a mix of beaten egg and water to seal them securely.
Step 5: Air Fry Egg Rolls
Preheat the air fryer again to 400°F (200°C), and lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking. Place the assembled egg rolls in a single layer, cooking them in batches if needed. Air fry the egg rolls for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy, golden brown, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Serve with Fire Sauce
Once cooked, serve the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls hot alongside the reserved fire sauce for dipping. This creamy, spicy sauce elevates the crispy egg rolls and highlights the rich crab flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop and add some fresh notes, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the egg rolls. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a splash of bright acidity that guests can squeeze over the rolls for an extra zest. These simple garnishes bring color, freshness, and an inviting look to your plate.
Side Dishes
Pairing these crab cake egg rolls with light and refreshing sides such as a crisp mixed green salad or a cucumber and radish slaw creates a balanced meal with plenty of textures. Alternatively, serving alongside jasmine rice or a citrus-infused quinoa salad rounds out the flavors and makes for an elegant yet easy dinner option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the egg rolls diagonally and arrange them fan-style on a platter for easy sharing. Place small bowls of fire sauce interspersed between the egg rolls to encourage dipping and snacking. You can also serve them as part of a seafood appetizer board paired with olives, pickled vegetables, and fresh bread for a festive and impressive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 2 days, but be sure to reheat them properly to maintain that crisp exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked egg rolls before air frying. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time to ensure they are crispy and heated through.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch on leftovers or previously frozen egg rolls, pop them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 6 minutes. This method is far superior to microwaving, which can make the wrappers soggy. The air fryer crisps the exterior again while warming the inside evenly.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat?
Absolutely! While lump crab meat offers a more authentic and tender crab flavor, imitation crab works perfectly well in this recipe and helps keep the cost down without sacrificing texture.
Do I have to use an air fryer for these egg rolls?
The air fryer is ideal for getting that perfect crunch with less oil, but you can also bake or deep-fry them. Baking at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or deep frying until golden are great alternatives.
Is the fire sauce very spicy?
The fire sauce has a balanced heat level with the sriracha, hot sauce, and horseradish providing warmth without overpowering. You can always adjust the spice to your taste by adding less hot sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Can I prepare the crab cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the crab cakes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. This makes the assembly on the day you’re serving quick and stress-free.
What should I serve the crab cake egg rolls with for a party?
These egg rolls are perfect finger foods! Set out an array of dipping sauces like the fire sauce, a cooling ranch, or a citrus aioli along with some crudités and chips for a crowd-pleasing party platter.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, crispy Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe packed with fresh crab and zesty flavors. This recipe is sure to become a favorite, impressing friends and family with its perfect combination of texture and taste. Take a little time to whip these up, and you’ll be hooked on the delicious magic they bring to your table!
Print
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a delightful appetizer combining crispy golden egg roll wrappers with flavorful lump crab meat, tangy slaw, and a zesty fire sauce. Air frying ensures a crispy texture with less oil, making these egg rolls a perfect party snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Crab Cakes
- 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
Slaw and Fire Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Egg Rolls and Finishing
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Instructions
- Make Crab Cakes: In a large bowl, combine lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, coarse black pepper, coarse sea salt, lemon juice, chopped green onions, sriracha sauce, stone-ground mustard, and prepared horseradish. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly incorporated, then form the mixture into small balls.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on the crab cakes.
- Air Fry Crab Cakes: Place the crab cake balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown and cooked through, flipping if necessary for even browning.
- Make Fire Sauce and Slaw: While the crab cakes cook, whisk together sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. Reserve ¾ cup of this mixture for dipping later. Toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining sauce to create a flavorful slaw.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Cut each cooked crab cake in half. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down the center, then top with three crab cake halves. Fold the egg roll wrapper by folding the sides in and rolling tightly. Brush the seam with an egg wash made by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to seal.
- Preheat Air Fryer for Egg Rolls: Preheat the air fryer again to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes and lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Egg Rolls: Place assembled egg rolls in the air fryer basket in batches without overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy egg rolls immediately with the reserved fire sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor; adjust quantity to taste if preferred milder.
- Make sure to not overfill egg roll wrappers to prevent tearing during rolling.
- Turning the egg rolls halfway ensures even crispiness on all sides.
- Can substitute lump crab meat with imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option.
- Leftover fire sauce can be refrigerated and used within 3 days.
