Crispy Crab Balls (Crab Bites)

My crispy crab balls have an extra crunchy breading with a smooth crab mixture inside. They are so satisfying and make for the perfect appetizer if you're hosting, snack on gameday, or a side for a fancy dinner party! 

Everyone Loves These Crab Balls

This recipe is inspired by my aunt Kathleen, who’s known for her incredible seafood dishes. She taught me how to make my famous seafood stuffing! She first introduced me to these crab balls when she made them at a family gathering. They were the talk of the party, so I had to learn her recipe to share with all of you!

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. These Maryland-style crab balls are perfect as an appetizer, served over a salad, or even stuffed into a sandwich. If you need an appetizer to serve at your next get-together, I promise these crab bites will be a huge hit!!

Ingredients For Crab Balls

Here’s what you’ll need to make crab balls:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup red bell pepper
• ¼ cup onion
• ¼ cup celery
• ¼ cup green onion
• 1 lb crab meat
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil

How to Make Crispy Crab Balls

Step 1- Prepare the Crab Mixture:

In a nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper, onion, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Transfer the cooked vegetables to a bowl. Add the crab meat, green onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 2- Shape and Chill:

Portion the crab mixture using a cookie scooper, then roll it into balls. Place the crab balls on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 3- Bread the Crab Balls:

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for a whisked egg, and one for seasoned panko bread crumbs.

Roll each crab ball in flour, dip it into the egg, and coat it in the panko.

Step 4- Fry to Perfection:

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the crab balls in batches, cooking for about 5 minutes total, turning to ensure all sides are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, transfer the crab balls to a wire rack to cool and let any excess oil drain.

Step 5- Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish the crab balls with chopped green onion and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro-Tips To Make The Best Crab Balls

• Refrigerate the crab balls before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling in the oil.
• While canned crab works in a pinch, fresh lump crab meat elevates the flavor and texture.
• Adjust the cajun seasoning to suit your spice level, or add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a classic Maryland-crab balls flavor.
• If the oil is too hot, the mini crab cake bites will brown too quickly without cooking through. A drop of batter should sizzle gently when the oil is ready.
• These crab balls freeze super well! Make extras, freeze before frying, and cook them fresh when you need an easy appetizer.

FAQ's About This Crab Balls Recipe

Can I bake these crab balls instead of frying?

Yes, you can definitely make baked crab balls instead! Place the breaded crab balls on a lined baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Just them towards the end of baking to ensure they're crispy. 

What dipping sauce pairs best with crab balls?

A classic remoulade, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce all complement these crab balls perfectly.

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Imitation crab meat can work as a substitute, but fresh crab meat gives the fried crab bites a superior flavor and texture.

How to store crab balls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them longer by freezing in a freezer-safe bag for a few months. To reheat them, just pop the balls in the oven at 400F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy. Add more reheating time if they're frozen.

Can I make these crab balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep and bread the crab balls, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to fry or bake. Either fry or bake them as directed above and add a little more cooking time. 

More Recipes With Crab To Make

• Crab casserole
• Crab dip
• Crab stuffed shrimp
• Crab rangoon