Crab Melts
Get the ultimate crab melt experience with this air fryer recipe. You'll get a crispy, gooey, and super satisfying savory treat.
Servings (Adjustable):
Calories: 472kcal
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Ingredients
CRAB MIXTURE:
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese divided
- ⅓ cup canned crab meat
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- ⅛ kosher salt to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
- lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley divided
- 2 thick slices salad tomato ¼ inch thick
BREAD:
- 2 thick slices of sourdough bread ½ inch thick
- 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 10 minutes.
- Smear butter on both sides of the thick sourdough bread.
- Place bread onto Air Fryer tray and slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Air Fry thick sourdough bread slices for 2 minutes on each side or until slightly golden. Remove slightly golden bread slices from the Air Fryer.
- Add crab meat, dill, parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, and mayonnaise to a large bowl.
- Mix ingredients until well combined.
- Spread crab mixture over lightly toasted bread slices. Sprinkle half the grated mozzarella. Top with 1 slice of tomato and the rest of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Return the Air Fryer tray with crab-filled bread slices. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
This Air Fryer recipe uses an Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Not all Air Fryers cook the same way. It’s best to keep watch during your initial tests after purchasing.
While filling the bread slices with the crab mixture, close the door of the Air Fryer Oven. If you will not close the door, the Air Fryer temperature might change. It’s best to close the door and manually adjust the timer as needed.
Slightly toasting the thick sourdough slices will provide a sturdy base for the crab mixture. It would be easier to hold them, should you prefer. Freshly grated mozzarella cheese was used in this recipe.
Only use mild blocks of cheeses to avoid overpowering the delicate crab.
Fresh dill is light, bright, and refreshing. It is recommended to use fresh dill as dried dill or dill weed can overpower the delicate crab meat.
Budget-friendly canned crab meat is used but lump crab (canned or fresh) would be recommended if you prefer to see large pieces of crab and don’t mind the hefty price.
Nutrition
Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 822mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 3mg
Equipment
Serrated Knife
Chopping board
Zester
Knife
Grater
Measuring Cup
Kitchen tongs
Air Fryer Tray
Air Fryer Oven
