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Crispy Crab Balls

Featured in Easy Party Snacks.

Made these crab balls for a potluck and brought home an empty plate! Super easy, about 40 minutes total. The fresh crab makes all the difference - so sweet and tender inside. Love how the outside gets golden and crunchy while the middle stays moist. Old Bay seasoning is a must. They're perfect bite-sized party food that feels fancy but isn't fussy. Make extra because they go fast. Great with lemon aioli or just squeeze some fresh lemon on top.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:04:21 GMT
A plate of crispy golden cheese balls served with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of crispy golden cheese balls served with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. | lastminrecipes.com

My crispy crab balls bring perfect party bites home. Golden outside tender inside makes special appetizer any occasion.

Pure Crab

Less filler more crab makes magic happen. Crisp shell melts smooth inside creates perfect bite.

What You Need

  • Crab: Fresh blend cake style best.
  • Mayo: Creamy smooth texture bind.
  • Crumbs: Ritz corn flakes crisp coat.
  • Flavor: Old Bay hot sauce lemon lift.
  • Bind: Egg mustard holds shape right.
  • Finish: Butter brush golden bake.

Quick Steps

Mix
Combine crab mayo egg crumbs spices gentle.
Shape
Roll inch balls coat extra crumbs set.
Chill
Ten minutes firm holds shape well.
Bake
Brush butter golden crisp twenty minutes.
Dip
Mix mayo hot sauce lemon serve side.

Perfect Tips

Add crumbs wet mix shapes better. Quick freeze helps hold round perfect bake.

A close-up image of crispy golden-brown food balls served with dipping sauces and garnished with lemon and herbs. Pin it
A close-up image of crispy golden-brown food balls served with dipping sauces and garnished with lemon and herbs. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these crab balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the balls and coat them up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and brush with butter just before baking. The mixture actually benefits from chilling time.

→ What type of crabmeat works best?

Both lump crab meat and claw meat work well here. Just make sure to drain it well and break up any large lumps. Fresh or pasteurized crabmeat from the seafood counter both give great results.

→ Can I fry these instead of baking?

While baking is healthier and easier, you can deep fry these at 350°F until golden brown. Just be very gentle when turning them as they're delicate. Baking gives more consistent results.

→ Why did my crab balls fall apart?

This usually happens if the mixture is too wet or wasn't chilled enough. Make sure to drain the crab well and chill for at least 30 minutes. You can add more breadcrumbs if needed to help binding.

→ What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?

You can make your own blend with celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Cajun seasoning or any seafood seasoning blend also works well as a substitute.

Conclusion

These bite-sized crab balls combine fresh crabmeat with classic seasonings, coated in crispy crumbs and baked until golden. They're perfect for parties and casual snacking.

Crispy Crab Balls

Crunchy breaded crab balls with a velvet-smooth interior, seasoned with Old Bay and served with spicy mayo dip. Perfect party appetizer.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mina


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 crab balls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound fresh crabmeat, well drained.
02 1/2 cup quality mayonnaise.
03 1 large egg, room temperature.
04 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice.
05 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
06 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
07 1 teaspoon hot sauce.
08 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning.
09 2/3 cup crushed crackers for mixing.
10 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for coating.
11 4 tablespoons melted butter for brushing.

Instructions

Step 01

Drain crabmeat thoroughly and break up any large chunks gently.

Step 02

Mix mayo, egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire, mustard, hot sauce, and Old Bay in a bowl until smooth.

Step 03

Add crab and crushed crackers to the mayo mix, fold gently to combine.

Step 04

Cover bowl and let mixture rest in fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 05

Warm oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.

Step 06

Scoop tablespoons of mix and roll into balls.

Step 07

Roll each ball in crushed cornflakes or crumbs until covered.

Step 08

Brush balls with melted butter and bake 15 minutes until golden.

Notes

  1. Makes great leftovers served over salad.
  2. Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
  3. Handle gently as they're delicate when hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 86
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g