These Cream Cheese and Imitation Crab Pinwheels are an easy, delicious, and perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dish that’s great for parties, gatherings, or even just a quick snack at home. The combination of rich cream cheese, the subtle flavor of imitation crab, and the meltiness of mozzarella cheese makes for a perfect bite-sized treat. Baking them in the air fryer gives them a nice crispy exterior without the need for deep frying—making them a healthier option too!
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 Brick of Cream Cheese, softened (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 Cup Imitation Crab, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Large Flour Tortilla (8-10 inch)
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Soy Sauce for dipping (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded imitation crab, chives, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help smooth it out—about a teaspoon or two should do the trick. This will make it easier to spread on the tortillas without tearing.
- Prepare the Tortilla
- Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Use a spoon or spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface of the tortilla. Spread it out as thinly as possible to prevent it from bubbling up during baking. Make sure you leave about a half-inch border around the edges to help seal it when rolling.
- Add Cheese and Roll
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese and crab mixture. Then, starting at one edge, roll the tortilla up tightly, as if rolling a burrito or sushi roll. Press the edges slightly to seal them. You should get around 8-10 pinwheels, depending on how thick you slice them.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that the pinwheels cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Air Frying
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper (optional but recommended for easy cleanup). Place the pinwheels inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t stacked or touching too closely so that they cook evenly.
- Cook at 325°F for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, check to see if they are golden brown and crisp. If not, cook for another 1-2 minutes until they reach the desired level of crispiness.
- Serving
- Once the pinwheels are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Arrange them on a serving plate, and optionally, serve with a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping. The soy sauce adds a delicious salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. These pinwheels can be enjoyed hot, warm, or at room temperature, making them great for parties or as a quick snack.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: For a bit more crunch and flavor, you can toss in some finely chopped cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers into the cream cheese mixture before rolling it up.
- Cheese Variations: You can use different types of cheese depending on your taste. Try mixing in some cheddar, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor kick.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and then air fry them just before serving. This makes them a convenient option for parties or when you’re short on time.
Storage
- Any leftover pinwheels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (149°C) for about 3 minutes to crisp them up again.
Why You’ll Love These Pinwheels
These Cream Cheese and Imitation Crab Pinwheels are a quick and tasty option that combines creamy, flavorful cream cheese with fresh imitation crab. Whether served at parties, gatherings, or just for a snack at home, they’re sure to be a hit! The air fryer gives them the perfect crisp texture without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier and lighter option compared to traditional fried crab rangoons or crab appetizers. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients and take just minutes to prepare!
Enjoy these delicious pinwheels as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal!