If you love the bold taste of crab cakes combined with the irresistible crunch of egg rolls, then you are going to absolutely adore this Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. It brilliantly fuses the classic flavors of succulent lump crab meat and zesty spices wrapped in golden, crispy egg roll wrappers, all made healthier and easier with an air fryer. The accompanying fiery, tangy fire sauce perfectly elevates every bite, making these egg rolls a delightful appetizer or party favorite that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes for impressing friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet high-impact ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, crispness, or that perfect crunch, ensuring your Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe truly shine.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds freshness and a crunchy contrast inside the egg rolls.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: Provide that crispy, golden outer shell.
- 1 egg, for egg wash: Helps seal the egg rolls and gives them a beautiful color when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash: Thins the egg wash for easy spreading and sealing.
- 1 pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab meat): The star ingredient, offering tender, flavorful bites.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds binding and a light texture to the crab mixture.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Keeps the crab cakes moist and rich.
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic crab seasoning for authentic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the crab mixture with acidity.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard: Brings tang and texture.
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish: Delivers a sharp, zesty edge.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: Forms the creamy base of the fire sauce and slaw dressing.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce: Boosts the fire sauce’s boldness.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning: Sprinkled into the dipping sauce for continuity of flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cakes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all the crab cake ingredients in a bowl — lump crab meat, panko, mayo, Old Bay, pepper, salt, lemon juice, green onions, sriracha, mustard, and horseradish. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, then shape the mixture into small balls. These crab cake balls are the flavorful centers of your egg rolls and set the stage for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Crab Cakes
Place your crab cake balls in the preheated air fryer basket without overcrowding, then cook for 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This quick air frying locks in moisture and gives the crab cakes a tender yet slightly crispy exterior, which is essential for the perfect texture inside the egg rolls.
Step 3: Make the Fire Sauce and Cabbage Slaw
While the crab cakes are cooking, whisk together the sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. Reserve about ¾ cup of this fiery mixture for dipping. Toss the shredded cabbage into the remaining sauce—this will create a flavorful slaw with just the right amount of kick and creaminess.
Step 4: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Once the crab cakes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat and spread 2 tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down its center. Layer it with three crab cake halves on top. Fold and roll the wrapper tightly, sealing the edges with the egg wash mixture made from the beaten egg and water. This step ensures your egg rolls stay perfectly intact during air frying and maintain a beautiful crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Preheat your air fryer again to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer and air fry in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. When they’re done, you’ll have a batch of golden-brown, crispy egg rolls that are irresistible to bite into.
Step 6: Serve with Fire Sauce
Serve these deliciously crispy Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with the reserved fire sauce for dipping. The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce pairs beautifully with the savory crab filling and crunchy wrapper, bringing the whole dish to a flavorful crescendo.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and texture, consider sprinkling the egg rolls with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. A light squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving brightens all the rich flavors. These little touches give your presentation flair and elevate the dish visually and gastronomically.
Side Dishes
Serve these egg rolls alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a tangy Asian slaw for a refreshing counterpart. Steamed jasmine rice or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley also pairs wonderfully, balancing out the dish and making for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress at a party, slice the egg rolls diagonally and fan them out on a platter with small bowls of fire sauce scattered around for easy dipping. For a fun twist, serve the egg rolls inside lettuce cups or alongside pickled vegetables to add contrasting textures and flavors that excite the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents sogginess and preserves their crispy texture when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, uncooked egg rolls by placing them on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. This makes for a convenient ready-to-cook snack or appetizer whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover or frozen egg rolls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the wrapper soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab?
Absolutely! Using imitation crab meat still delivers great flavor and texture, making the recipe more budget-friendly without sacrificing much in taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway until they turn golden and crispy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the regular egg roll wrappers with gluten-free wrappers and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just ensure your sauces and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I prepare the crab cakes mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare and store the crab mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. This can even help the flavors meld beautifully.
How spicy is the fire sauce?
The fire sauce has a nice balance of heat and sweetness, thanks to the combination of hot sauce, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. Adjust the hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe are pure magic in appetizer form. They blend the best of crispy comfort and fresh, zesty, spicy flavors into every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you turn to time and time again. Give it a try—you may just find your new signature dish!
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
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce are a delicious twist on classic crab cakes, combining crispy air-fried egg rolls filled with savory crab meat and a zesty cabbage slaw. Served with a spicy and tangy fire sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s quick to prepare and healthier with air 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 of sauce made from 1 ½ cups sour cream, ½ cup sweet chili sauce, ½ tablespoon hot sauce, and 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (reserved as fire sauce; the rest is mixed with cabbage)
Egg Rolls
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Fire Sauce for Dipping
- ¾ cup sour cream, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning mixture reserved from above
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crab Cake Mixture: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. In a mixing 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 into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the crab cakes turn golden brown and are cooked through, ensuring a crispy exterior.
- 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. Set aside ¾ cup of this mixture to use as a dipping sauce. Toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining sauce thoroughly to create the slaw.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Cut each cooked crab cake in half. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cabbage slaw down the center of the wrapper, and top it with 3 crab cake halves. Carefully fold the wrapper, sealing the edges securely. Brush the outside of the wrapper with an egg wash made by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of 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. Arrange the egg rolls in batches inside the basket and cook them for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and serve them hot alongside the reserved fire sauce for dipping, adding a flavorful and spicy complement to the crispy egg rolls.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor, but imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative.
- The egg roll wrappers should be handled gently to avoid tearing; keep them covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent drying out.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the egg rolls in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the heat level in the fire sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce according to your preference.
- Leftover fire sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
