If there’s one appetizer that never fails to amaze friends and family, it’s this Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe. Imagine the sweet, tender taste of real crab, cozying up inside a crispy egg roll wrapper, with all the vibrant flavors of your favorite crab cake—but portable, crunchy, and paired with an irresistible, creamy fire sauce. Here’s a creative twist on two classics that brings a hint of coastal indulgence right to your kitchen, no deep-frying required. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make these crowd-pleasers for every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of humble ingredients come together to make these Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe extra special. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s building flavor, acting as a binder, or adding a burst of crunch and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you can’t skip them:
- Lump crab meat: The star of the show, providing sweet, delicate flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Adds light crunch and helps hold the filling together without making it heavy.
- Mayonnaise: Gives creaminess and binds everything in the crab cake mixture.
- Large egg: Essential for binding the crab mixture so it stays put inside the wrapper.
- Dijon mustard: A tangy kick that takes the crab filling from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Old Bay seasoning: Seafood’s best friend; brings that classic Chesapeake flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note—don’t underestimate this little boost.
- Green onions: A pop of freshness, color, and gentle sharpness in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony—season to taste!
- Egg roll wrappers: The super-crispy shell that holds all that luscious crab mixture together.
- Olive oil spray: Gives the egg rolls their signature crunch in the air fryer without excess oil.
- Mayonnaise (for Fire Sauce): The creamy, cool base for the kicky dipping sauce.
- Sriracha (for Fire Sauce): Infuses the sauce with bold heat and color—customize to your spice preference.
- Ketchup (for Fire Sauce): Adds sweetness and helps mellow out the fire.
- Lemon juice (for Fire Sauce): A hit of citrus to brighten the sauce and cut through richness.
- Garlic powder (for Fire Sauce): An extra touch of savoriness in the dipping sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (for Fire Sauce): For true fire-lovers—adds a slow, satisfying heat punch!
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Crab Cake Filling
Start by gently combining the lump crab meat, panko, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, Old Bay, garlic powder, and green onions in a large bowl. Be careful not to break up the crab too much—you want big, juicy pieces in every bite. Season with salt and black pepper to bring all those flavors together. Stir just until combined, and don’t be shy to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 2: Roll Up Your Egg Rolls
Set an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with a corner facing toward you. Scoop about three tablespoons of the crab mixture into the center. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. To seal, dab a little water along the edge before completing the roll. Don’t rush; a tight roll keeps every bite neat and satisfying. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for a few minutes—this ensures maximum crunch right from the start. Lightly spray each crab cake egg roll with olive oil spray so the wrappers turn golden and crisp. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the egg rolls are deeply golden and irresistibly crispy.
Step 4: Make the Fire Sauce
While the egg rolls are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, ketchup, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne in a small bowl. Taste and adjust for more kick or creaminess as desired. The fire sauce comes together in seconds but makes the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
As soon as your egg rolls are hot and crisp, let them cool for just a minute—then serve them right away alongside generous bowls of that creamy, spicy fire sauce. Listen for the crunch and enjoy the satisfying contrast of cool, spicy dip and warm, succulent filling. That first bite is pure bliss!
How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your egg rolls with an extra sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dusting of Old Bay for both color and flavor. A squeeze of lemon over the finished rolls brightens them up beautifully, and for a fancy touch, consider adding a little sprinkle of microgreens or fresh parsley.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe alongside a zesty slaw, Asian-inspired cucumber salad, or simple edamame. These lighter sides balance out the richness of the egg rolls and keep the meal tasting fresh and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the egg rolls on a bias and arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping bowls of fire sauce. Stack them in a pyramid for a party, or serve each roll in a basket lined with wax paper for a casual seafood shack vibe. However you plate them, the golden wrappers and vibrant sauce will capture everyone’s attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let the egg rolls cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll stay crispy and delicious for up to two days. Store the fire sauce separately in a small jar or covered bowl.
Freezing
For even fresher results, freeze un-fried egg rolls after assembling. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, add a couple minutes to the air fry time straight from frozen—no need to thaw first!
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispness, reheat the egg rolls in your air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes until hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving, as the wrappers lose their crunch. The fire sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab or shrimp instead of lump crab?
Absolutely! Substitute chopped shrimp or imitation crab if you like—it won’t mimic the same delicate flavor as real crab, but it still makes for a delicious and wallet-friendly alternative.
What is the best way to keep egg rolls from bursting?
Tightly rolling and sealing each wrapper with water at the edge is key. Overstuffing can also cause splitting, so resist the urge to pack in too much filling—three tablespoons is just right.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Place your assembled, sprayed egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden, about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as airy as air fried, but still deliciously crisp.
How spicy is the fire sauce?
The fire sauce has a nice kick from Sriracha and cayenne, but it’s super easy to adjust! Add more Sriracha or cayenne for extra heat, or dial back for a milder dip. Taste as you go until it fits your spice preference.
How far in advance can I make these for a party?
You can assemble the egg rolls up to a day ahead, then refrigerate until ready to air fry. Bring them to room temperature before cooking for best results. The fire sauce can also be made ahead and kept chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about transforming a classic into something new and unforgettable, and the Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe is exactly that kind of kitchen joy. Every element shines, from the sweet crab filling to the punchy, creamy sauce. Pour a drink, invite your favorite people, and treat yourself—these are bites you’ll crave again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with a zesty Fire Sauce are a delightful fusion of flavors in a crispy package. Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat, these seafood egg rolls are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- Olive oil spray
For the Fire Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Filling: In a bowl, combine crab meat, panko, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the Egg Rolls: Place filling on egg roll wrapper, fold, and roll tightly. Seal edges with water. Repeat.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, spray egg rolls with oil, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 mins, flipping halfway.
- Make the Fire Sauce: Mix mayo, Sriracha, ketchup, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy egg rolls with fire sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute lump crab with imitation crab or chopped shrimp.
- Adjust the heat level of the fire sauce by altering Sriracha and cayenne.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll with sauce
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
