Game Day Snacks

A healthy take on crab cakes will have guests cheering

By Liz Murray

If these crab cakes have you hankering for more seafood feasts, you’re in luck – the Charlestown Seafood Festival takes place August 4-6. Be inspired by local chefs’ takes on all kinds of seafood fare, from lobster rolls and steamers to fish and chips. CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com

With football season around the corner, let’s not forget the most important facet of any game-day gathering: the food. Fried apps from the freezer aisle may be an easy goto, but why not mix up the playbook? This healthy air fryer crab cake recipe comes together quickly and makes for a crowd-pleasing addition to any spread. All of the ingredients get mixed together in a bowl before they are shaped into patties and air fried until golden crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Rather than mayo, swap in Greek yogurt for a savory dipping sauce. No air fryer? No problem – pop these cakes in a pan with some oil and cook a few minutes per side.

Air Fryer Crab Cakes Ingredients

• 16 oz. crab meat, the fresher the better

• ¼ cup whole wheat crackers, smashed into crumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 5.3 oz plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ Tbsp dried oregano

• ⅛ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• Cooking spray of choice (optional, but recommended)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended)

Steps

1. Start by mixing together the paprika, dried oregano, nutmeg, salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Sift through the crab meat with your hands to make sure there are no shell pieces.

3. In a large bowl, add the crab meat, crushed crackers, spice mixture, Dijon mustard, dill, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, egg yolks, and plain Greek yogurt. Mix it all together until fully combined.

4. Spray the bottom of your air fryer with a light coating of cooking spray. Form the crab mixture into patties and place in the air fryer, arranging as many in one batch as possible without them touching.

5. Place a crisper lid on top if you have one, then place the air fryer lid on and set it to 380ºF for 12 minutes, and cook.

6. Once finished, remove the crab cakes with a spatula and repeat the process until all of the mixture is used. Serve with aioli, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce, and enjoy!