Prepare to be wowed by this incredible twist on a classic favorite with the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden egg rolls stuffed with tender, flavorful crab cake filling that bursts with fresh herbs, crunchy bell pepper, and the perfect hint of Old Bay seasoning. Paired with a creamy, smoky, and spicy fire sauce, these appetizers bring together the best of seafood and finger food worlds, ready in under 40 minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer. If you love bold flavors and crave a showstopper appetizer that’s easy to assemble, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, the ingredients are delightfully simple but each one plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these egg rolls unforgettable. From sweet lump crab meat to the crunchy veggies and rich seasonings, every component is a star.
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat: Pick carefully for shells to ensure a smooth, tender bite packed with seafood goodness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess that binds the filling together without weighing it down.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural binder for the mixture, helping everything hold inside the wrapper.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the crab filling.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The secret to that classic crab cake spice profile that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery: Gives a pleasant crunch and fresh, green undertone.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Infuses fresh herbaceous brightness that lightens the seafood flavors.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Provides structure to the filling, absorbing moisture and ensuring a perfect consistency.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out every nuance of flavor.
- 8 egg roll wrappers: The crispy, golden envelope for your luscious crab filling.
- Olive oil spray: For that beautifully crispy, lightly fried exterior without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Filling
Start by gently folding together the crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, chopped parsley, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. The key here is to combine everything so it’s well mixed but avoid overworking it, which can break up the crab too much. Season with salt and pepper, then check the consistency—if it feels too wet to roll, add a little more breadcrumbs until it’s just right.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls
Lay out an egg roll wrapper with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the crab mixture into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then bring in the side corners snugly, and roll tightly towards the top corner. Seal the edge with a little water so it stays closed during cooking. Repeat until all the filling and wrappers are used up.
Step 3: Air Fry Your Egg Rolls to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the outside of each egg roll with olive oil spray—this ensures they get beautifully crisp without deep frying. Arrange them in a single layer inside the fryer basket, leaving some space to breathe. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the egg rolls are golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Fire Sauce
While your egg rolls cook, mix together the fire sauce ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and an optional pinch of cayenne for a little extra kick. This sauce is the perfect tangy, smoky complement to the sweet crab filling and crispy exterior.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a bright green note that complements the rich crab filling. For an extra touch, a wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a fresh citrus finish that lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these egg rolls alongside a refreshing crunchy salad or classic coleslaw to balance out the richness. A crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled vegetables also make for great companions, bringing brightness and acidity to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider slicing the egg rolls diagonally and arranging them on a platter around a bowl of fire sauce for dipping. Drizzle some fire sauce artistically over whole egg rolls for a gourmet look, and add a few sprigs of fresh herbs to complete the presentation. They also pair beautifully with chilled white wine or a sparkling cocktail for elevated entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), wrap them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from the sauce to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze these egg rolls before air frying by lining them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can be cooked directly from frozen when you’re ready for a quick snack or appetizer.
Reheating
To bring back their signature crispiness, reheat leftovers or frozen egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as that can make the wrappers chewy and detract from the texture.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
While fresh lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with good-quality imitation crab if needed. Just be aware the taste and tenderness may differ slightly.
Is it possible to bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the egg rolls at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the crab filling can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This helps deepen the flavors and saves time when assembling the egg rolls.
What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
A mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can approximate the Old Bay spice blend if it’s not on hand, though Old Bay does give that classic crab cake taste.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
For an indulgent melty twist, adding a small amount of shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack inside the filling is delicious and pairs nicely with the spicy fire sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe are a total crowd-pleaser that take your appetizer game to the next level with minimal fuss. Crispy on the outside, bursting with fresh crab flavor and a kick of spice from the fire sauce, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or whenever you want a special treat. I encourage you to try them soon—you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and zesty in every bite!
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Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls served with a spicy and smoky fire sauce. These seafood egg rolls are a delicious appetizer, blending lump crab meat with classic seasonings and fresh vegetables, cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- Olive oil spray
Fire Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crab mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, chopped parsley, and breadcrumbs. Gently fold all ingredients together until just combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs to achieve a workable consistency.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the crab mixture into the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold the sides in tightly, and roll the wrapper firmly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water to secure the roll. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Air fry the egg rolls: Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with olive oil on all sides to promote crispiness. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook the egg rolls for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy once done.
- Make the fire sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the air-fried crab cake egg rolls hot with the fire sauce on the side for dipping or drizzled on top as preferred.
Notes
- The crab mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble the egg rolls.
- If an air fryer is unavailable, bake egg rolls at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- For an extra melty twist, add shredded cheese to the crab filling before assembling.
