Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
If you love bold flavors and crave a snack that hits that perfect crispy-chewy mark, you’re about to fall head over heels for the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy egg roll wrappers packed with luscious crab cake filling and dipped into a spicy, creamy fire sauce—this is pure appetizer bliss! Whether you’re throwing a party, looking for a showstopping game day snack, or simply in the mood to treat yourself, this recipe delivers everything you adore about classic crab cakes but with an irresistible twist. Let’s dive in and make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of hard-to-find items for the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Each ingredient brings something vital to the flavor, moisture, or that golden crunch that makes this dish special. With fresh crab, a handful of pantry staples, and a few zesty extras, you’re well on your way to crispy, savory perfection.
- Egg roll wrappers: These form the irresistibly crisp exterior that holds everything together—don’t skip the olive oil spray for extra crunch!
- Lump crab meat: Go for the real deal—sweet, delicate crab makes every bite luxurious. Pick over for shells to keep it flawless.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give your filling lift and a light, delicate texture without overpowering the crab.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the crab cake mixture.
- Egg: The glue that holds the crab cake filling together for easy rolling.
- Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle tang and sophistication that perfectly highlights the crab’s natural sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce: For that little hit of umami and depth—just one tablespoon takes it over the top!
- Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood partner; it brings warmth and spice without being overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlicky bite to round out the filling.
- Green onions: They offer freshness, color, and a mild onion flavor—finely chop for best results.
- Salt and pepper: Taste and season as you go; a simple sprinkle lifts all the flavors.
- Olive oil spray: For that golden, crispy finish that makes air fried treats so satisfying.
- Mayonnaise (for fire sauce): The perfect creamy base for your spicy dip.
- Sriracha: Delivers slow-building heat and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
- Hot sauce: Adds another kick—adjust to fit your preferred spice level!
- Lemon juice: Freshens the whole sauce and brightens every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes color and a touch of smokiness for depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Only for those who like it seriously hot—use a pinch or skip as desired.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Crab Cake Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combine the lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, chopped green onions, plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Gently fold it all together using a fork or spatula—easy does it! Try not to overmix, as you want to keep those lovely crab lumps intact for a tender, juicy filling. This step is where all those flavors start to marry into something truly special.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing toward you (diamond, not square!). Spoon two to three tablespoons of the crab mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, snugly tuck in the sides, and roll it up until just the top corner remains. Dab the edge with a bit of water to help seal, then finish rolling. You don’t have to be a sushi chef—just aim for a tight, secure bundle so none of that delicious filling escapes. Repeat with the rest!
Step 3: Prep and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)—the ideal zone for that golden finish. Arrange your crab cake egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s a little breathing room between each one. Lightly mist them all over with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the wrappers are deeply golden and crispy on all sides. The magic of the air fryer is you get all the crunch with a fraction of the oil!
Step 4: Make the Fire Sauce
While the egg rolls are sizzling, whip up that fiery dipping sauce. Whisk the mayonnaise, sriracha, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you’re brave!) in a small bowl until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the heat to your liking—you can easily tone it up or down. Creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy, this sauce is the absolute finishing touch!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe is crispy and cooked through, plate them up while they’re still piping hot. Serve with the fire sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzle it right over the top for dramatic flair. Every bite will have you reaching for more!
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives brings out the freshness in every roll, while a shower of sesame seeds or a pinch of extra Old Bay gives them that restaurant-level finish. For a pop of color and zing, a few lemon wedges on the side are both pretty and functional—just a little squeeze can brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls are a standout on their own, but if you want to round out the plate, try serving them alongside a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. Sweet potato fries or roasted veggies offer a satisfying contrast, and a refreshing cucumber salad is always a crowd-pleaser with anything spicy.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice the egg rolls on a bias and line them up on a platter for an elegant appetizer tray. For a fun, interactive vibe, serve with little ramekins of fire sauce for dunking and pass around at parties. Or, make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe the star of a seafood night, paired with a chilled glass of white wine and a few friends—you’ll look like a kitchen rockstar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover egg rolls as crisp as possible, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Place a paper towel beneath them to absorb any excess moisture, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store the fire sauce separately in a tightly sealed jar or bowl.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, uncooked egg rolls for up to one month—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple extra minutes to the cook time. This makes it super easy to grab a few when the craving strikes!
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, pop leftover Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe into the air fryer at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the wrappers soggy. If you froze them, reheat straight from frozen as outlined above.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh lump crab tastes incredible, good-quality canned crab works just fine for the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Just be sure to drain it well and pick over for any bits of shell before adding to your filling.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries—these egg rolls can also be baked at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray them well with olive oil and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. You’ll still get that addictive crunch!
Can I make the crab mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. The crab mixture holds well in the fridge for up to a day before assembly. This can actually help the flavors meld together and makes hosting a breeze when you plan ahead.
Is the fire sauce very spicy?
The beauty of the fire sauce is its customizable heat. Start with less sriracha or hot sauce if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more a little at a time until you reach your perfect level. The lemon and mayo keep it creamy and balanced.
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes! While you won’t get the same burst of sweetness you find in real lump crab, imitation crab will still yield a tasty egg roll. Just chop it into small pieces before mixing for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime seafood fan or just looking to wow your guests, the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe is a must-try. Clever, quick, and wildly delicious, it’s sure to earn a spot at the top of your appetizer rotation. Go on—give it a spin, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in minutes!
Print
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crab cake egg rolls with a spicy kick! These crispy air fryer egg rolls are filled with lump crab meat and served with a zesty fire sauce. Perfect for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Main Filling:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for air frying
For the Fire Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Main Filling: In a bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork.
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the crab mixture onto the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Seal the edge with a dab of water. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Fire Sauce: Whisk together all fire sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Serve egg rolls hot with fire sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- You can prepare the crab mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the egg rolls again halfway through air frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll with sauce
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
