If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, savory, and spicy all in one bite, you absolutely must try this Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender lump crab meat mixed with a tangy cabbage slaw, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp egg roll and paired with a fiery, creamy dipping sauce that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a fresh, fun, and absolutely irresistible way to enjoy classic flavors with a crunchy twist, and the air fryer makes it incredibly easy to get that golden finish without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but pack a punch. Each one plays a key role, whether adding freshness, texture, or spicy kick, coming together to create a standout dish that’s both satisfying and vibrant.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds a crisp and mild crunch that balances the rich crab meat.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: The essential crispy shell that holds everything together gorgeously.
- 1 egg, for egg wash: Helps seal the egg rolls and gives them a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash: Lightens the egg wash so it spreads smoothly.
- 1 pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab meat): The star ingredient, tender and flavorful for that authentic crab cake taste.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a lovely light texture helping the mixture hold its shape.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and binds the filling perfectly.
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning that brings that iconic crab cake flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors brilliantly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the mix with a refreshing citrus note.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that lightens the crab mix.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Brings that perfect gentle heat and tang for the filling.
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard: Adds a textured tanginess that complements the crab beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish: Gives a punch of sharpness that wakes up every bite.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: Forms the creamy base for the fire sauce and cabbage toss.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: Creates a sweet-spicy balance in the dipping sauce and slaw.
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce: Adds an additional layer of heat to the fire sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning: Folded into the fire sauce for a familiar, delicious crab cake twist.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Crab Cakes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to get it nice and hot. In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, panko, mayonnaise, seasonings, lemon juice, green onions, sriracha, mustard, and horseradish. Mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork it to keep the texture light. Shape the mixture into small balls that will fit nicely into your egg roll wrappers. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer does a fantastic job here, sealing in moisture while giving that perfect crust without any extra oil.
Step 2: Make the Fire Sauce and Cabbage Slaw
While your crab cakes are cooking away, whisk together the sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. This fiery sauce is not only a delicious dipping companion but also doubles as a marinade for the cabbage. Reserve about ¾ cup of this sauce for serving. Toss the shredded cabbage in the remaining sauce so it’s evenly coated, adding a tangy, spicy crunch to the egg rolls that will bring every bite to life.
Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Once your crab cakes are cooked and slightly cooled, cut each into halves to fit perfectly inside your wrappers. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your workspace and spoon 2 tablespoons of the spicy cabbage slaw down the center. Top it with 3 halves of crab cake, creating a generous but manageable filling. Fold the sides in, roll tightly from one edge to encase all ingredients, and seal the edge with an egg wash made from the beaten egg and water. Don’t rush this step; secure wraps make crispier, neater egg rolls.
Step 4: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Preheat your air fryer once again to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes and lightly grease the basket. Arrange the assembled egg rolls in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space to crisp evenly. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the wrappers turn a perfect golden brown and the filling is warmed through. The result is a crunchy, flavorful egg roll without any greasy mess.
Step 5: Serve with Fire Sauce
Take your freshly air-fried egg rolls out and serve immediately with the reserved fiery sauce on the side for dipping. The creamy, spicy sauce complements the savory crab and crunchy wrappers like nothing else, making every bite addictive.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a huge difference here. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness that brightens every bite. If you like a bit more heat, a few additional dashes of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a cool cucumber salad or a light Asian-inspired slaw balances the spice and richness perfectly. You might also enjoy them with steamed jasmine rice or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering. You can also arrange them upright in a stylish bowl or plate, with mini dipping bowls of fire sauce scattered around for easy access. For an elegant touch, drizzle some fire sauce artistically across the serving platter before placing the egg rolls on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh when the egg rolls are at their crispiest.
Freezing
These egg rolls freeze beautifully! Assemble but do not cook them, then freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect crispness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the egg rolls back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This method brings back that crispy exterior without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Imitation crab meat works well and is a budget-friendly option. It still provides that delightful crab flavor and tender texture for your egg rolls.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake or fry these?
You can bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway. Deep frying is also an option for an extra crunchy treat, but the air fryer is the healthiest way to get that perfect texture.
Is the fire sauce very spicy?
The fire sauce strikes a balanced heat level—spicy but not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce and sriracha to suit your personal spice tolerance.
Can I make the crab cake filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Just shape and cook the crab cakes fresh for the best texture before assembling the egg rolls.
What’s the best way to seal the egg rolls?
Using an egg wash is key to sealing the egg rolls well. Make sure the wrapper edges are slightly damp from the egg wash before pressing to close. This ensures they stay intact while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings something special to your appetizer or snack game. Crispy, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of spice, they are a joy to make and even more fun to eat. I can’t recommend giving them a try enough—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy crab cakes!
Print
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls paired with a zesty fire sauce make for an irresistible appetizer or snack. These golden-brown egg rolls are filled with tender lump crab meat, crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce, and perfectly seasoned crab cake filling, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to frying.
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
Cabbage Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ¾ cup fire sauce (see below for recipe)
Fire Sauce
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Egg Rolls
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Crab Cakes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. 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 and form the mixture into small balls.
- Cook Crab Cakes: Place the crab cake balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare Fire Sauce and Cabbage Slaw: While the crab cakes are cooking, whisk together sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl to create the fire sauce. Set aside ¾ cup of this mixture for dipping later. Toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining fire sauce to make the cabbage slaw.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Cut each crab cake into halves or thirds as needed. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down the center of the wrapper, then top with 3 crab cake halves. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, roll tightly while sealing the edge with egg wash made from whisking 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water.
- Cook 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. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the hot crab cake egg rolls immediately with the reserved fire sauce for dipping. Enjoy the combination of crunchy, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the crab cakes or egg rolls; cook in batches if necessary.
- If you prefer a less spicy fire sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or sriracha used.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, but imitation crab meat can be used as a budget-friendly substitute.
- Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly with the egg wash to prevent filling from leaking during air frying.
- These egg rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
