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Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin Spread

Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin Spread - featured image
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A decadent, creamy crab and cheese spread with a golden, crunchy topping, made quickly in the air fryer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this easy appetizer is a crowd-pleaser with bold flavor and comforting texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz lump crab meat, well-drained
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for spicier version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko optional)
  • 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Crostini, baguette slices, or sturdy crackers (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or chives, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Carefully check crab meat for shells and cartilage, and drain any excess liquid.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  4. Gently fold in drained crab meat and most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish.
  5. Spoon mixture into a greased 6- or 7-inch oven-safe ramekin or dish that fits your air fryer. Smooth the top.
  6. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Place ramekin in air fryer basket and air fry for 10-14 minutes, until top is golden and edges are bubbling. Check at 10 minutes; cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Let spread sit for 2-3 minutes after removing from air fryer to set.
  10. Garnish with reserved green onions and fresh herbs. Serve hot with crostini, crackers, veggie sticks, and lemon wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF panko or omit topping. For keto, skip panko and serve with veggies. Use room temperature dairy for best texture. Can be made ahead (minus topping) and air fried before serving. Watch air fryer closely to avoid overcooking. Substitute Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist, or use plant-based dairy for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab au gratin, air fryer appetizer, cheesy crab dip, party spread, seafood recipe, easy appetizer, holiday snack, game day, gluten-free option, keto option

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/air-fryer-crab-au-gratin-spread-easy-cheesy-appetizer-recipe/