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Air Fryer Soft Shell Crab

Cleaned soft shell crabs dredged in a seasoned flour-cornstarch mix, egg, and panko, and air fried to a crisp shell with tender meat in about 12 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 crabs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 soft shell crabs medium, cleaned
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko
  • 1-2 tbsp neutral oil plus cooking spray
  • lemon wedges to serve

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. If not already cleaned, remove the gills and face and trim the apron. Rinse quickly and pat very dry.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in one bowl; beaten eggs in a second; panko in a third.
  3. Coat each crab in the flour mix, then egg, then press into the panko.
  4. Spritz the crabs and the basket with oil. Cook in a single layer 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crisp. Serve with lemon.

Notes

Dry the crabs very well — wet crab spatters and won't crisp.
Cornstarch in the flour is what makes the shell shatter.
Don't crowd — they need airflow on all sides.