
If you love crab cakes, then these Crispy Crab Balls are about to become your new favorite appetizer! They’re golden, crunchy, and packed with real crab meat, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or seafood lovers. Serve them with a zesty remoulade or tartar sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients
For the Crab Balls:
- 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Remoulade or tartar sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crab Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the crab meat in chunks!
2. Shape the Crab Balls:
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls from the mixture.
- Roll each ball in the extra panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
3. Fry Until Golden & Crispy:
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the crab balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite remoulade or tartar sauce for dipping.
Baking & Air Fryer Options
✔ Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place crab balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
✔ Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spray crab balls with cooking spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tips & Variations
✔ Make Them Spicy: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
✔ Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ¼ cup shredded Parmesan for a richer taste.
✔ Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
✔ Make Ahead: Refrigerate uncooked crab balls for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
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