This oven-fried crab balls recipe is a delicious appetizer made with lump crab meat, eggs, mayo, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Shape crab mixture into bite-size balls and baked until golden brown and crispy. You will love this recipe because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and provides a flavorful seafood snack or appetizer option.
Best Fried Crab Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp mayonaisse
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the lump crab meat, celery, parsley, and panko bread crumbs to the bowl. Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula until well combined.
- Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, spacing the crab balls evenly on the baking sheet.
- Brush the crab balls with melted butter for extra flavor and browning. (optional)
- Refrigerate the crab balls for at least 30 minutes or overnight to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F
- Bake the crab balls for 12-15 minutes, or until they become lightly browned and crispy.
- Serve the crab balls as an appetizer with tartar sauce for dipping, or alongside a fresh salad.
➡️ See more classic seafood recipes.
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute canned crab meat for fresh crab meat in this recipe. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Fresh crab meat tends to have a sweeter and more delicate taste, but canned crab meat can still yield delicious results.
Make sure to line your cooking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will create a non-stick surface to release easily without losing its shape.
Yes. Simply shape the crab mixture into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and cover them with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature, and then proceed with the baking instructions.
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or a spicy sriracha aioli are popular choices. Also, try a zesty cocktail sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
