Description
Crab Crunchies are golden, crispy bites filled with tender crab and just the right hint of seasoning. Perfect as an appetizer or light seafood snack, they’re irresistibly crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lump crab meat – fresh or canned, or use imitation crab if preferred
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – adds the signature crunch; regular breadcrumbs work too
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – softened; low-fat version works as well
- 1/4 cup green onions – finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a zesty kick
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – brings umami depth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – boosts flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – classic seafood seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying – vegetable or canola oil works best
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Carefully fold in crab meat and chopped green onions, trying not to break up the crab too much.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties and coat each one in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry crab bites in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy bite.
Notes
To make them lighter, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes. Air fryer also works great. Don’t crowd the pan while frying or you’ll lose the crispiness. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crab, crab cakes, seafood appetizer, party snacks, crunchy bites