Delicious Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon in 15 Minutes!
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon… I mean, who hasn’t stared at those fish fillets and wondered how to jazz ‘em up, right? You’re tired, maybe you just got home, and suddenly the thought hits: “Can I seriously make a killer dinner in 15 minutes?” Oh yeah, you totally can. If you’ve ever drooled over restaurant-style stuffed salmon but got scared off by complicated recipes, hold on—this is the short-cut, weeknight savior version. And hey, if you want a full lowdown with even more tasty ideas, I spill all the details over at this perfect crab & shrimp stuffed salmon recipe (yep, click it—you won’t be sorry).
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Listen, I can get picky about fish (I didn’t always like it, truth be told). But when you tuck some crab and shrimp into salmon? It’s like, wild flavor party in every forkful. Big bonus: this air fryer version makes things so easy. Clean-up? Practically nothing. Plus, no grilling, no fumbling with the oven, no standing over a hot stove. So good I’m tempted to call it a five-star restaurant hack—honestly, this meal stuns at a dinner party, but it’s simple enough for a Wednesday. My sister, who “doesn’t do fish,” actually cleaned her plate last time. No joke.
“I tried this last night and couldn’t believe it was that easy! The salmon was juicy, and the stuffing… wow. My husband thought I’d ordered takeout.” – Jamie T.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Let’s get real—sometimes you want to switch things up, right? I sure do. If crab feels fancy, swap for canned or even imitation—nobody’s judging. For a bigger punch, toss in Old Bay or Cajun seasoning to the stuffing. I had a friend toss in some lemon zest once, and now I’m convinced it’s magic. Oh, and try a thin slice of provolone melted on top for a creamy finish, or tuck a few spinach leaves inside for something green (makes you feel healthy, too). Don’t have shrimp? Just double the crab. This recipe plays nice with whatever you’ve got kicking around.
STUFFING VARIATIONS
I get tired of the same old flavors. You? Sometimes I start with the classic crab-shrimp combo and then just go rogue. A squirt of sriracha or a diced jalapeño if you’re spice-happy. No crab on sale? Sub in some flaked white fish (like tilapia… sounds weird, but totally works). Chopped fresh herbs bring a bright vibe—dill, parsley, even a little green onion. Cream cheese instead of mayo gives a cheesecake-y richness that seems fancy but is, frankly, effortless. Basically, don’t overthink it—the goal is big taste, minimal stress.
HOW TO MAKE STUFFED SALMON IN AIR FRYER: STEP BY STEP
Alright, so here’s how I do it when I’m pressed for time (read: always). Whip up your stuffing first—mix crab, shrimp, mayo, a bit of panko, squeeze of lemon, whatever seasonings tickle your fancy. Pat those salmon fillets dry (helps the whole thing crisp up nicely). Make a little slit in the side of each fillet—like a pocket. Spoon in your stuffing; get generous. Not gonna lie, I usually mound on as much as humanly possible. Light spray of oil—air fryer at 390°F—twelve minutes, give or take. If your fillets are super thick, tack on another minute or two. Done and done.
I made this last week for my book club, and every last piece disappeared. Couldn’t have been easier, and I didn’t break a sweat.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS CRAB-STUFFED SALMON RECIPE
So, you cooked the main dish… now what? No need to overcomplicate things. Here’s what I reach for:
- Lightly dressed mixed greens (just use what’s in the fridge… that old spinach, yep)
- Simple roasted potatoes or even tater tots if the cupboard is looking sad
- Garlic bread (buy it frozen if you’re tired, nobody will know)
- A big squeeze of fresh lemon over the fish before serving gives it that ta-da factor
These sides keep it light, easy, and not pretentious. Translation: more time eating, less time fussing.
Common Questions
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Sure thing. Make the stuffing in advance—up to a day ahead. Stuff the fish just before air frying for best texture.
Q: I don’t have an air fryer… what now?
A: No problem! Bake it at 400°F in your oven for about 15-18 minutes. Not quite as quick, but still awesome.
Q: Can I freeze leftover stuffed salmon?
A: I wouldn’t—seafood gets weird in the freezer. Best to enjoy fresh or make a smaller batch.
Q: What kind of salmon works best?
A: Whatever’s on sale. I use fillets with the skin off most often, but skin-on works in a pinch. Thicker fillets make stuffing easier.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Only if you want it that way! Toss in hot sauce or chili flakes if that’s your style.
Honestly, This Is Worth a Spot in Your Weeknight Rotation
Fast, crowd-pleasing, and tastes (I swear) like you paid a fortune at a fancy joint. Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon has gone from my “someday I’ll try that” list to a solid favorite. Even picky eaters get onboard. For even more variations, check out Stuffed Salmon in Air Fryer (10 Mins)—another stellar guide if you wanna compare tricks. And to see how meals like this shine in real life, just peek at Veteran Enjoys Meal at Local Restaurant for feel-good inspiration. So go on—give this recipe a whirl. Your taste buds and your weeknight sanity will thank you.

Print
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
-
Total Time: 22 minutes
-
Yield: 2 servings
-
Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and flavorful crab and shrimp stuffed salmon recipe cooked in an air fryer, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup shrimp, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing by mixing crab, shrimp, mayonnaise, panko, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and create a pocket by making a slit in the side of each fillet.
- Generously spoon the stuffing into each salmon pocket.
- Lightly spray the outside of the stuffed salmon with oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Place the stuffed salmon in the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (add a couple of minutes for thicker fillets).
Notes
Feel free to customize the stuffing with additional seasonings or toppings like provolone or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Alright, so here’s how I do it when I’m pressed for time (read: always). Whip up your stuffing first—mix crab, shrimp, mayo, a bit of panko, squeeze of lemon, whatever seasonings tickle your fancy. Pat those salmon fillets dry (helps the whole thing crisp up nicely). Make a little slit in the side of each fillet—like a pocket. Spoon in your stuffing; get generous. Not gonna lie, I usually mound on as much as humanly possible. Light spray of oil—air fryer at 390°F—twelve minutes, give or take. If your fillets are super thick, tack on another minute or two. Done and done.
I made this last week for my book club, and every last piece disappeared. Couldn’t have been easier, and I didn’t break a sweat.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS CRAB-STUFFED SALMON RECIPE
So, you cooked the main dish… now what? No need to overcomplicate things. Here’s what I reach for:
- Lightly dressed mixed greens (just use what’s in the fridge… that old spinach, yep)
- Simple roasted potatoes or even tater tots if the cupboard is looking sad
- Garlic bread (buy it frozen if you’re tired, nobody will know)
- A big squeeze of fresh lemon over the fish before serving gives it that ta-da factor
These sides keep it light, easy, and not pretentious. Translation: more time eating, less time fussing.
Common Questions
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Sure thing. Make the stuffing in advance—up to a day ahead. Stuff the fish just before air frying for best texture.
Q: I don’t have an air fryer… what now?
A: No problem! Bake it at 400°F in your oven for about 15-18 minutes. Not quite as quick, but still awesome.
Q: Can I freeze leftover stuffed salmon?
A: I wouldn’t—seafood gets weird in the freezer. Best to enjoy fresh or make a smaller batch.
Q: What kind of salmon works best?
A: Whatever’s on sale. I use fillets with the skin off most often, but skin-on works in a pinch. Thicker fillets make stuffing easier.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Only if you want it that way! Toss in hot sauce or chili flakes if that’s your style.
Honestly, This Is Worth a Spot in Your Weeknight Rotation
Fast, crowd-pleasing, and tastes (I swear) like you paid a fortune at a fancy joint. Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon has gone from my “someday I’ll try that” list to a solid favorite. Even picky eaters get onboard. For even more variations, check out Stuffed Salmon in Air Fryer (10 Mins)—another stellar guide if you wanna compare tricks. And to see how meals like this shine in real life, just peek at Veteran Enjoys Meal at Local Restaurant for feel-good inspiration. So go on—give this recipe a whirl. Your taste buds and your weeknight sanity will thank you. 
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and flavorful crab and shrimp stuffed salmon recipe cooked in an air fryer, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup shrimp, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing by mixing crab, shrimp, mayonnaise, panko, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and create a pocket by making a slit in the side of each fillet.
- Generously spoon the stuffing into each salmon pocket.
- Lightly spray the outside of the stuffed salmon with oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Place the stuffed salmon in the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (add a couple of minutes for thicker fillets).
Notes
Feel free to customize the stuffing with additional seasonings or toppings like provolone or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
