You know that feeling when you take your first bite of a dish and instantly think, “Wow, I made this?!” That’s exactly what happened the first time I tried my Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon. I was trying to impress some friends with a fancy seafood dinner but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The air fryer worked its magic – giving me perfectly crisp edges while keeping the salmon moist and flaky, with that luxurious crab and shrimp stuffing oozing out just right. What I love most is how it makes me feel like a gourmet chef without any of the stress. The air fryer’s concentrated heat locks in all those amazing flavors while cooking everything evenly – no dry spots, no undercooked centers, just restaurant-quality results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
This recipe has become my go-to when I want something fancy but don’t want to spend all evening cooking. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too. Here’s why:
- Restaurant-worthy in minutes: From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes – the air fryer works its magic fast!
- Looks like you slaved all day: That gorgeous stuffed salmon presentation will impress everyone at your table.
- All the flavor, none of the guilt: The air fryer gives you that perfect crisp without drowning everything in oil.
- Seafood heaven: The combo of flaky salmon, sweet crab, and tender shrimp is absolutely irresistible.
- No fancy skills needed: If you can mix and stuff, you can make this – I promise it’s easier than it looks!
Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes – quick, impressive, and crazy delicious. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this seafood masterpiece – and yes, fresh ingredients really do make all the difference! I learned that the hard way when I once tried using frozen crab that turned the stuffing watery. Never again!
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (skin on or off – your choice!)
- 1/2 cup fresh cooked crab meat, well-drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (about medium size)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (trust me, it makes the stuffing so creamy)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (just enough to bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is better)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular works too, but smoked adds magic)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for that pretty green finish)
Pro tip: Splurge on the good crab meat if you can – my local fishmonger’s fresh lump crab makes this dish incredible!
Required Equipment
Before you start, gather these simple tools – nothing fancy required! Just:
- A medium mixing bowl (for that dreamy crab & shrimp stuffing)
- A sharp knife (to carefully cut pockets in the salmon without massacring it)
- Your trusty air fryer (of course!)
That’s it! See? I told you this was easy.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Okay, let’s get cooking! This process is so simple, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your stuffed salmon turns out perfect. The first time I made this, I was nervous about cutting the salmon pockets, but after a few tries, it became second nature. You’ve got this!
Preparing the Stuffing
This stuffing is what makes the dish so special, so take your time here. In your mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Now, here’s my little secret – use a fork to gently mix everything together. You want it well combined but still chunky enough to see those beautiful pieces of crab and shrimp. Overmixing will turn it into mush, and we definitely don’t want that!
Stuffing the Salmon Fillets
Now for the slightly tricky part – cutting the pockets. Lay your salmon fillets flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a deep horizontal cut along the side of each fillet, stopping about 1/2 inch from the other side and ends. Think of it like making a little sleeping bag for your seafood stuffing! Spoon the mixture evenly into each pocket – I use about 1/4 cup per fillet. Don’t overstuff or it might burst open during cooking (been there, done that!). Gently press the edges together to seal in all that goodness.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes – this helps get that perfect crisp. Carefully place the stuffed salmon in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes. The exact time depends on how thick your fillets are – mine are usually perfect at 14 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally. And oh, the smell while it’s cooking! That heavenly seafood aroma will have everyone asking “When’s dinner?”
Let the salmon rest for a couple minutes after cooking – this gives the juices time to settle. Then sprinkle with that fresh parsley for a pop of color, and you’re ready to impress!
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
After making this recipe dozens of times (and yes, making some mistakes along the way), I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. First – pat your crab and shrimp completely dry with paper towels before mixing. My first attempt was a watery mess because I skipped this step! For perfect doneness, use an instant-read thermometer – 145°F at the thickest part means it’s ready. And please, give your salmon some breathing room in the air fryer basket. I learned the hard way that overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. One last tip? Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes after cooking – the stuffing will set beautifully!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
This showstopper of a dish deserves sides that match its elegance without stealing the spotlight. My go-to is always simple steamed asparagus – that bright green looks gorgeous next to the salmon, and it cooks in minutes while the fish rests. For heartier meals, I love pairing it with lemon rice (just stir some zest into cooked rice – so easy!). A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. And don’t forget crusty bread to scoop up any escaped stuffing – trust me, you’ll want every last bite!
Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it’ll turn that beautiful crispy top soggy. Instead, pop it back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. This gentle heat warms it through while keeping the texture perfect. Just be careful not to overcook – nobody wants dry salmon! The stuffing reheats beautifully this way too.
Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon FAQ
Over my many test runs (and feeding very honest friends), I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to what people ask most:
Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely! I’ve done it many times when fresh wasn’t available. Just make sure to fully thaw and drain your crab and shrimp first – I press mine between paper towels to remove every drop of moisture. Frozen seafood can make the stuffing watery if you skip this step (learned that the messy way!).
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
For sure! You can stuff the salmon up to 2 hours before cooking and keep it refrigerated. Any longer and the salt in the seasoning starts breaking down the fish. I sometimes prep everything during naptime so dinner comes together in minutes!
What if I want to use a different fish?
Go for it! Thicker fillets like cod or halibut work great, but you’ll need to add 1-2 minutes to the cook time. For thinner fish like tilapia, reduce by a few minutes and be extra gentle when stuffing – they’re more delicate than salmon.
Help! My stuffing keeps leaking out!
Been there! Two tricks: First, don’t overstuff – the pocket should close easily without bulging. Second, make sure your pocket isn’t cut all the way through (leave about 1/2 inch uncut on all sides). If some still escapes? No worries – that crispy bits are delicious too!
Nutritional Information
Each beautiful stuffed salmon fillet comes in at about 350 calories, packed with 35g protein to keep you satisfied. Here’s the full breakdown per serving: 20g fat (5g saturated), 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, and 400mg sodium. Now, remember – these numbers are estimates. Your exact counts might vary depending on your salmon’s size or whether you use light vs. regular mayo. But one thing’s for sure – it’s a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal!
Rate This Recipe
Tried this Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tap those stars below and tell me about your seafood masterpiece in the comments.
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring salmon stuffed with crab and shrimp, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup crab meat, cooked
- 1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each salmon fillet with the crab and shrimp mixture.
- Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh crab and shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American