You’ll go insane for these Crispy crab balls recipe if you adore crab cakes! These little golden bits are loaded with sweet lump crab meat and spicy spices, crispy on the outside and tender and tasty inside. They are flawless as an appetizer, party snack, or even a game day treat.
Not to mention the zesty dipping sauce, a tangy, somewhat hot concoction of Old Bay, lemon, and a hint of heat that goes well with the crispy crab excellence.
Best of all? They gather in barely half an hour.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Will Make You Loveable
✔ Crispy & Golden: Inside soft and supple, outside perfectly crunchy.
✔ Packed with Taste : Loaded with fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay.
✔ Simple Made: Mix, roll, fry, and enjoy!
✔ Perfect for Parties: Present these as a crowd-pleaser appetizer or snack.
✔ Perfectly pairs with Dipping Sauce; the zesty, creamy sauce elevates them!
For those who love experimenting with seafood, you might also enjoy this Crab Brûlée Recipe a decadent way to elevate crab flavors.
Ingredients: All you will need to create these mouthwatering crab balls are here:
For the Crab Balls:
- 8 ounces of sweet, delicate, and incredibly flavorful lump crab meat.
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs, panko, or normal helps things stay together.
- One beaten egg serves as the mixing binder.
- One tablespoon of mayonnaise preserves moisture and adds creaminess.
- One tsp of Dijon Mustard gives a sour depth of taste.
- One tsp of Worcestershire Sauce accentuates the flavorful richness.
- The traditional seafood spice mix is Old Bay Seasoning, ½ tsp.
- Mix half a teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder for a better taste.
- One chopped tablespoon of fresh parsley brings freshness.
- For ideal seasoning, use half a teaspoon of salt and one-fourth of black pepper.
- One tablespoon of lemon juice sharpens the taste.
- For the crispy coating, it helps the breadcrumbs stick with half-cup flour.
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs will coat and give a crispy outside.
- Vegetable oil: Enough for deep fries (approximately 1 ½ inches in a skillet).
For the Zesty Dipping Sauce,
- the creamy basis is ½ cup mayonnaise.
- One tablespoon of lemon juice gives a tanginess.
- One tsp of hot sauce would provide a modest kick.
- Half a teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning ties the tastes together.
- ½ tsp of garlic powder brings a little garlicky excellence.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
For another delicious crab dish, try this Dungeness Crab Recipe a great way to enjoy a different type of crab.
Making Crispy Crab Balls: Method
Create the crab mixture first.
Combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a big mixing bowl.
Carefully stir everything together, avoiding too much breaking up of the crab.
Shape and coat the crab balls in the second step.
Form the mixture into roughly one-inch-in-diameter tiny balls.
Roll each ball in flour; for a very crispy finish, cover in breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fry pan set over medium heat about 350°F/175°C.
Drop the crab balls gently into the hot oil; fry in batches for three to four minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Remove using a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
Making the dipping sauce comes in step four.
Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, spicy sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a little bowl.
Until creamy and smooth, mix.
Step 5: Present and Savour!
Present the hot crab balls, zesty dipping sauce, and lemon wedges.
If you love bite-sized seafood appetizers, check out this Salmon Bites Recipe another perfect party snack.
Expert Advice for Perfect Crab Balls
✔ Use Fresh Lump Crab Meat; it is sweetest and has the nicest texture.
✔ To maintain the crab flesh chunky, gently fold the ingredients without overmixing.
✔ Chill the Crab Mixture: Their shape holds better if you let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
✔ Make It Spicier by adding more spicy sauce or cayenne pepper pinch.
✔ Bake Rather Than Fry : Indeed! 15 to 18 minutes at 375°F (190°C) will result in golden brown.
Serving and pairing crab balls:
Perfect as these crispy crab balls are as:
🍤 An appetizer; present them at gaming evenings, holidays, or parties. A side salad a light arugula or citrus salad fits wonderfully.
🍞 Turn them into little crab ball sliders with lettuce and aioli on a Slider Bun.
Bonus:
Present for a complete seafood dinner with coleslaw and fries!
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Conserving Leftovers
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
freezing
Arrange uncooked crab balls on a baking sheet, then slide into a freezer bag.
Straight from frozen, give the cooking time an extra minute or two.
Reheat the oven. To crispen them, bake for ten minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Air fryer: Heat for five to six minutes 375°F (190°C).
Microwave: Not advised; quick but may lose crispeness.
Questions and Answers
Are these crab balls possible in an air fryer?
Definitely yes. Flip halfway through after 8 to 10 minutes of 375°F (190°C).
What is Old Bay seasoning’s greatest replacement?
It works fantastically with paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Is imitation crab flesh something I could use?
However, lump crab has a far better taste and texture.
Are these something I could prepare ahead of time?
Indeed! Shape the crab balls beforehand and refrigerate them until needed for fryability.
Conclusion
Easy, mouthwatering, and bursting with taste, these Crispy Golden Crab Balls will be quite popular whether you are making them for a family dinner, a celebration, or just because you love crab!
So start making a batch and savor every crispy, delicious morsel! 🦀✨.
Happy and enjoyable cooking! 😊
Crispy Crab Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Crab Balls:
- 8 oz lump crab meat drained, shells removed
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For Frying Optional:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for coating
- 1/2 cup flour for dredging
- 1 egg beaten (for dredging)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Crab Mixture
- In a bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until well combined, being careful not to break the crab meat too much.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the mixture firm up.
- Step 2: Shape the Crab Balls
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls.
- If frying, roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Cook the Crab Balls
- ✅ For Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry crab balls for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- ✅ For Baking:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place crab balls on a lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- ✅ For Air Frying:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place crab balls in a single layer and air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with tartar sauce, remoulade, or cocktail sauce.
Notes
Prefer spicy? Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.