Crispy Keto Crab Cakes – Low-Carb & Irresistible

Servings: 8 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Keto Crab Cakes
keto Crab Cakes Side view of keto crab cakes showing crispy texture with a blurred kitchen background. pinit

Ever try eating healthy and feel like all the good stuff is off the table? Yeah, me too. But crab cakes? They’ve been a saving grace for centuries. Native Americans were whipping up early versions of these in the 16th century, frying crab in—you won’t believe it—bear fat! Fast forward to the 1930s, and Maryland claimed them as their own with the “Baltimore Crab Cake.” Now, thanks to a keto twist, we’ve made history even tastier. Because let’s be real—who needs breadcrumbs when almond flour does the job perfectly?

Science Behind the Deliciousness

Here’s the thing… crab cakes aren’t just delicious, they’re basically nature’s multivitamin. Packed with omega-3s for your brain, selenium for your immune system, and zinc for that “I woke up like this” glow. And when you swap out the carbs for keto-friendly ingredients? It’s like hitting the jackpot. You’re not just eating; you’re fueling your body with some seriously powerful nutrients. Who knew crab cakes could be this smart?

Fun Crab Cake Fact

And get this—put ketchup on a crab cake in Maryland, and you might as well start packing your bags. Locals are so protective of their beloved dish, you’d think they were guarding a state treasure. I once heard someone say, “If you use imitation crab, don’t tell me—I’ll need therapy.” 😂 So, stick with lemon juice or tartar sauce, and you’ll stay out of trouble. Trust me, it’s safer that way!

Table of Contents

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Ingredients for Keto Crab Cakes
How to Make This Keto Crab Cakes
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Tips & FAQs
Health Benefits of Keto Crab Cakes

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)

Let’s break down what makes this keto crab cakes recipe an absolute keeper. Here are the highlights:

  • Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Goodness:
    With almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, these crab cakes have just 1g net carbs per serving. That’s right—indulgence without the guilt!
  • Quick and Easy to Make:
    From mixing to frying, you’re looking at about 35 minutes total. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute appetizers.
  • Packed with Flavor:
    The combination of seafood seasoning, fresh parsley, and a zesty lemon kick ensures these crab cakes are anything but boring.
  • Versatile Cooking Options:
    Fry them for that golden, crispy texture, bake for a lighter option, or even pop them in the air fryer for convenience.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free:
    Naturally free of dairy and gluten, making them perfect for those with specific dietary needs.
  • Meal Prep Superstar:
    Make a batch, freeze them, and you’ve got a go-to meal or snack ready to go anytime.
  • Family-Friendly:
    Even picky eaters will fall in love with these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside crab cakes. Pair with a tangy sauce, and they’re an instant hit!

In short, these keto crab cakes tick all the boxes—low-carb, flavorful, easy to make, and oh-so-versatile. Seriously, what’s not to love? 😊

Ingredients Needed

keto Crab Cakes Glass bowl with crabmeat, almond flour, and chopped veggies on a wooden countertop.
  • Fresh or canned crabmeat
  • Almond flour (low-carb substitute for breadcrumbs)
  • Egg
  • Mayonnaise (sugar-free)
  • Celery, green bell pepper, onion (finely chopped)
  • Lemon juice
  • Seafood seasoning (e.g., Old Bay)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Black pepper
  • Hot pepper sauce (optional, for heat)
  • Avocado oil (for frying)
  • Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Keto Crab Cakes

Prepare the Mixture: Combine all ingredients gently to preserve the crab’s texture.

Shape the Cakes: Form into small patties and refrigerate to firm them up.

Cook: Pan-fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides.

Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and pair with a keto-friendly dipping sauce or side salad.

keto Crab Cakes Plate of golden keto crab cakes with lemon wedges and parsley on a wooden table.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Storage Tips

Keeping those delicious crab cakes fresh is key! Here’s how to store them like a pro…

  • Refrigerate:
    Got leftovers? No problem! Place the cooked crab cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy!
  • Freeze for Later:
    Want to prep in advance? Shape the uncooked crab cakes, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months! When you’re ready to cook, just fry or bake directly from frozen—easy peasy!
  • Reheating:
    For the crispiest results, reheat in a skillet or air fryer. Avoid the microwave unless you like soggy crab cakes (and let’s be real, no one does).

Serving Tips

Now for the fun part—digging in! Here’s how to make your crab cakes shine on the plate…

  • With a Zesty Sauce:
    Serve these with a tangy keto-friendly dipping sauce like spicy mayo, remoulade, or garlic aioli. It’s the perfect match!
  • Add a Fresh Side:
    Pair them with a crisp side salad, roasted asparagus, or even keto coleslaw for a balanced meal.
  • Make It a Meal:
    Stack your crab cakes on a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or mashed cauliflower for a hearty dinner.
  • Garnish Galore:
    Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley for that chef’s kiss of flavor and presentation.
  • Appetizer Ready:
    Hosting a party? Miniaturize the crab cakes and serve them with toothpicks for an elegant, low-carb appetizer that guests will rave about.

When it comes to storage and serving, these crab cakes are as versatile as they are delicious. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking! 😊

Tips & FAQs

How do I reheat crab cakes?

  • Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place crab cakes on a foil-lined baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes. Uncover for the last 2-3 minutes for crispiness.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium heat. Reheat crab cakes for 2-3 minutes per side until warm and crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place crab cakes in the basket and air fry for 4-5 minutes.

How long should I bake crab cakes at 375°F?
Baking crab cakes at 375°F takes about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How long should I broil crab cakes?
Set the oven to broil and place crab cakes 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

How many calories are in a crab cake?
A typical crab cake contains 100-150 calories, depending on ingredients and cooking methods. For more accurate nutritional information, refer to specific recipes or packaging.

How do I make frozen crab cakes?

  • Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours (optional for even cooking).
  • Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake thawed crab cakes for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil. Fry crab cakes for 4-5 minutes per side.
  • Air Frying: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Cook frozen crab cakes for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I cook premade crab cakes?

  • Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Flip once for even cooking.
  • Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. Always check packaging for brand-specific instructions.

These FAQs are your go-to guide for mastering crab cakes, whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking frozen ones, or cooking premade varieties. Enjoy your perfectly cooked crab cakes every time! 🦀

Health Benefits of Keto Crab Cakes

Keto crab cakes aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle while fitting perfectly into a low-carb diet. Here’s why you’ll love them even more:

1. High in Protein
Crabmeat is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and keeping you feeling full longer.

2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Crab is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and improve brain function.

3. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
By swapping traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour, these crab cakes keep net carbs minimal, making them perfect for those aiming to stay in ketosis.

4. Naturally Gluten-Free
With almond flour and no wheat-based fillers, these keto crab cakes are safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

5. Packed with Essential Minerals
Crabmeat provides important minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and selenium, which support immune function, bone health, and antioxidant defense.

6. A Great Source of Vitamins
Rich in B vitamins, crabmeat helps boost energy, improve metabolism, and support overall cellular health.

7. Healthy Fats for Sustained Energy
Ingredients like mayonnaise, avocado oil, and almond flour provide healthy fats, a cornerstone of the keto diet, helping you feel satiated and energized.

8. Low in Calories, High in Flavor
Despite their indulgent taste, keto crab cakes are relatively low in calories, making them a guilt-free treat for weight management.

9. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Thanks to the omega-3s and other nutrients, crab cakes may help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting joint and heart health.

Whether you’re on a keto journey or just looking for a nutrient-dense dish, keto crab cakes combine flavor and health benefits seamlessly, making them a must-add to your meal rotation! 🦀

I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Keto Crab Cakes—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨

keto Crab Cakes Single keto crab cake on a white plate with a hand holding a fork, set on a classy table.
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 20 mins
Cooking Temp: 190  C Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 170
Best Season: Summer, Spring

Description

Crispy keto crab cakes bursting with rich flavor, perfect for appetizers or meals. Low-carb, gluten-free, and ready in under 35 minutes!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crab Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, almond flour, egg, mayonnaise, celery, green bell pepper, onion, lemon juice, seafood seasoning, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce (if using).
  2. Mix lightly to avoid breaking up the crabmeat too much, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined.

2. Shape the Cakes

  1. Using clean hands, shape the mixture into 8-10 patties, about 3 inches wide.
  2. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

3. Cook the Crab Cakes

  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet, leaving space between them.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking the cakes.
  4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 170kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 15g30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that satisfy both my family’s picky palates and my keto goals. These crab cakes were a game-changer! My husband called them “restaurant-worthy,” which, coming from him, is the ultimate compliment. My kids? Let’s just say they went from “What’s that green stuff?” to sneaking seconds when they thought I wasn’t looking. 😂 Watching them devour these crispy, golden bites made me realize: this recipe isn’t just keto-friendly—it’s family-approved. Trust me, if these crab cakes can win over my crew, they’ll win over yours too! 😊

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Kristy Cook

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Kristy Cook, A passionate food enthusiast and recipe creator. I love crafting delicious, healthy meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. My goal is to inspire you to embrace wholesome cooking in your everyday life, making it simple and enjoyable.

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