Golden Crab Balls Recipe: Crispy Bites for Seafood Lovers

Crafting delectable crab balls can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

These bite-sized delights pack an incredible punch of coastal flavor and maritime charm.

Small gatherings or elegant parties become memorable when you serve these irresistible morsels.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate the delicate blend of fresh crab meat and complementary seasonings.

Every carefully rolled ball promises a burst of maritime goodness that melts in your mouth.

Crispy exteriors and tender interiors create a textural experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings restaurant-quality appetizers directly to your kitchen table.

Crab Balls That Impress at Any Party

• Packed with zesty Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley, these crab balls deliver a punch of maritime taste that’ll wow guests at any party or family dinner.
• Perfect for game nights, holiday appetizers, or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized delights can be served hot or at room temperature, making them incredibly convenient for entertaining.
• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these crab balls offer a gourmet-style appetizer without the complex cooking techniques, appealing to both novice and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients to Make These Bite-Sized Seafood Treats

• Crab Meat: Fresh, delicate protein that forms the heart of the dish, best when lump or backfin for superior texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps bind the mixture, traditional or panko work well.

• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and creamy richness to the mixture.
• Egg: Acts as a key binding agent to hold the crab balls together.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a tangy, sharp flavor that complements seafood.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall taste and adds a fresh citrus note.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice mix that provides signature maritime flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Offers subtle, aromatic background warmth.
• Paprika: Adds mild sweetness and beautiful color to the crab balls.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh herb notes and green color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.

How to Fry or Bake Perfect Crab Balls

Step 1: Mix Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Fresh crab meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Dijon mustard
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients with a gentle touch, carefully folding to preserve the delicate crab meat’s texture. Avoid aggressive mixing that could crush the tender seafood chunks.

Step 2: Shape Perfectly Rounded Bites

Use clean hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres. Aim for uniform balls that will cook evenly and look appetizing on the plate.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Select your preferred cooking method:

Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F

Air frying: Warm air fryer to 375°F

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Baking: Place crab balls on prepared sheet, bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown

Frying: Carefully lower balls into hot oil, fry 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden

Air frying: Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter. Accompany with tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon wedges for an extra flavor kick. Best enjoyed immediately while crisp and warm.

Tips for Crisp Coating and Tender Crab Centers

• Handle Crab Gently: Mix ingredients softly to keep crab meat chunks intact, preserving the delicate texture and preventing mushy results.
• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to help crab balls hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning Wisely: Taste the mixture before forming balls and customize Old Bay or salt levels to match your flavor preference.
• Perfect Binding Technique: Use fresh breadcrumbs for better moisture absorption and ensure egg is well-integrated to help crab balls stay together.
• Size Matters for Cooking: Form uniformly sized balls (about 1-inch diameter) to guarantee even cooking and consistent golden-brown exterior.

Storing Crab Balls Without Drying Them Out

• Store leftover crab balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap them carefully to prevent moisture and maintain their crispy texture.
• Warm crab balls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, spreading them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method helps restore their original crispiness.
• Skip microwave reheating, as it can make the crab balls soggy and tough. The texture will become rubbery and lose its delicate flavor.
• Freeze uncooked crab balls for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.

Sauces That Go Great with Crab Balls

• Pair these delicate crab balls with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness and complements the seafood’s delicate texture.
• Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, enhancing the crab’s natural brightness and adding a peppery counterpoint to the creamy appetizer.
• Whip up a tangy remoulade sauce with Dijon mustard, capers, and fresh herbs, providing a zesty companion that amplifies the crab balls’ subtle seasoning.
• Plate with a light cucumber salsa or pickled vegetable slaw, introducing a crisp, cool element that balances the warm, rich crab balls and adds exciting crunch.

New Flavors for Crab Balls Beyond Old Bay

• Gluten-Free Crab Bites: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Keto Seafood Spheres: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb mayonnaise to create a protein-packed, ketogenic-friendly version of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Crab Rounds: Substitute mayonnaise with mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt alternative to accommodate those with dairy sensitivities while keeping the creamy consistency.
• Spicy Cajun Crab Balls: Add cayenne pepper, additional Old Bay seasoning, and diced jalapeños to create a heat-packed variation that brings bold, zesty flavors to the classic recipe.

Crab Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Maryland Crab Balls bring coastal charm to your plate, blending fresh seafood with zesty seasonings. Delicate crab meat mingles with herbs and breadcrumbs, creating irresistible appetizers you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of ½ lemon

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 g) additional breadcrumbs, for rolling (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Frying Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Mix lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring delicate handling to preserve the crab’s texture.
2. Incorporate mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, fresh parsley, and a splash of zesty lemon juice into the seafood mixture.
3. Delicately fold the ingredients together, using a light touch to maintain the crab meat’s integrity and prevent excessive breaking or shredding.
4. Assess the mixture’s consistency, ensuring it holds together well enough to form cohesive spherical shapes without becoming too dense or compact.
5. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, compressing gently to help them retain their shape.
6. Place the formed crab balls on a clean plate or baking sheet, covering and refrigerating for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up and prevent potential crumbling during cooking.
7. Select your preferred cooking method: pan-frying for a crispy exterior, baking for a lighter approach, or deep-frying for maximum golden crunchiness.
8. Cook the crab balls until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and are heated thoroughly, typically 3-5 minutes depending on the cooking technique.
9. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve immediately with a complementary dipping sauce like remoulade or tartar sauce.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your crab balls.
• Mix ingredients gently to maintain the delicate crab meat’s integrity and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before forming balls to help them hold together better during cooking and prevent falling apart.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg