Air fryer crab sticks offer a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying ways of cooking chips. With the help of an air fryer, these imitation crab chunks can be cooked to perfection with a unique twist.
Not only do these crab sticks provide a delicious taste and satisfying texture, but the air fryer also reduces the need for excessive oil, making them a lighter option.
The air fryer ensures that the crab sticks turn out crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender and juicy interior.
Whether you want to enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, air fryer crab sticks provide a tasty treat that is both easy to prepare and a healthier choice for seafood lovers.
How To Cook Air Fryer Crab Sticks
Imitation crab chips, also known as crab-flavored chips, are a unique and flavorful snack that can be made in the air fryer or oven. Here, I will advise steps for cooking crab sticks in both the air fryer and oven. Results will be the same, but the air fryer just saves half of the cooking time.
Air frying eliminates the mess associated with deep frying and offers a hassle-free way to enjoy this seafood delight.
These chips offer a taste reminiscent of crab with a crunchy texture, making them a popular choice for seafood lovers.
So, let’s get started with the cooking procedure.
Ingredients
6 Oz imitation crab sticks
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of olive oil
Step-By-Step Guide
Step-1: Take a pack of imitation crab sticks. Open the plastic wrapping and unroll the crab sticks.
Step-2: Slice each crab stick with a knife. It’s better to cut in slices of moderate size, not too long and thick.
Step-3: Add the crab slices to a glass bowl.
Step-4: Add olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step-5: Brush the basket lightly with oil and add the crab sticks to the basket.
Step-6: Cook at 320 F for 8 minutes. Take the basket out, stir with a spatula, and give them a shake. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook further for 8-9 minutes.
And that’s it, your air fryer imitation crab chunks are ready. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
1- If you want to make the crab sticks more crispier, then cook for 20 minutes at 320 F.
2- You can customize seasonings according to your choice. Some nice options are cayenne and Cajun seasoning.
3- I like to cut the crab chips in strips of 1” in thickness and 3” in length.
Imitation Crab Chips Oven
You can also make these imitation crab chips in the oven as well. Here’s how you can make these chips in the oven:
- Preheat your oven.
- Lightly season them and spray them with oil.
- Align crab chips in an oven safe dish.
- Cook for 35 minutes at 300 F.
Healthy Alternative To Potato Chips
These air fryer imitation crab chunks are a healthier and more nutritious alternative to potato chips. They are not just healthy but tasty and crispy as well. That’s why they are my family favorite, and my toddlers love to have them regularly.
Health wise, compared to potato chips, these crab chips contain less fat, and air frying removes the use of excess oil as well.
Secondly, crab sticks also have fewer calories compared to potato chips. This can be beneficial for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthier diet.
How long should I cook crab sticks in an air fryer?
Air fried crab sticks just need 16 minutes of cooking in the air fryer. If you want them to be crispier, then cook them further for 3-4 minutes.
What temperature is best for cooking crab sticks in an air fryer?
I like to cook them at a medium temperature of 320 F, so they can cook nicely and turn out crispier.
What type of fish are crab sticks made from?
Crab sticks are not made from actual crab meat but are instead a seafood product that tastes just like a crab.
The primary protein source used in making crab sticks is white fish, typically Alaskan Pollock. Other types of white fish, such as Pacific Whiting or Hake, are also used.
How do I prevent crab sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket?
You can do a couple of things here. First, lightly coat crab sticks with olive oil or any other oil. Secondly, brush the air fryer basket with oil. This will ensure your crab sticks cooks well without sticking to the air fryer basket.
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How To Cook Dino Nuggets Perfectly In Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Oz Imitation crab sticks
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Take a pack of imitation crab sticks. Open the plastic wrapping and unroll the crab sticks.
- Slice each crab stick with a knife. It’s better to cut in slices of moderate size, not too long and thick.
- Add the crab slices to a glass bowl.
- Add olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Brush the basket lightly with oil and add the crab sticks to the basket.
- Cook at 320 F for 8 minutes. Take the basket out, stir with a spatula, and give them a shake. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook further for 8-9 minutes.
