Golden Crab Snacks

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Tried these crab snacks for game night, and wow, they disappeared fast! Piece of cake to make, about 40 minutes total. The fresh crab stands out—sweet, delicate, super tasty. Love how they crisp up perfectly yet stay moist inside. Old Bay is the secret weapon. Fancy but easy bites, perfect with lemon or aioli. Make extras—they vanish quickly!
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Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:28:51 GMT
Golden crispy seafood bites plated with a creamy dipping sauce on the side. Pin it
Golden crispy seafood bites plated with a creamy dipping sauce on the side. | tasteofmoms.com

These golden-crisp crab bites bring tasty snacks right to your home party. Crunchy outside with soft centers make these a standout starter for any get-together.

Genuine Crab

More seafood and less fillers work wonders here. The crunchy coating gives way to a smooth inside that creates an amazing mouthful.

What You Need

  • Crab: Mixed lump and backfin works best.
  • Mayo: Adds silky texture to hold things together.
  • Crumbs: Mix of crackers and cereal flakes for extra crunch.
  • Flavor: Seafood seasoning, spicy sauce and citrus brighten it up.
  • Bind: Eggs and yellow condiment keep everything intact.
  • Finish: Melted butter coating for golden goodness.

Simple Steps

Mix
Stir seafood, mayo, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings lightly.
Shape
Form small round portions and coat with extra crumbs.
Chill
Cool for a few minutes so they don't fall apart.
Bake
Coat with butter and cook till golden for twenty minutes.
Dip
Stir mayo with hot sauce and fresh citrus juice to serve alongside.

Handy Tips

More breadcrumbs in the mixture helps with shaping. A quick stint in the freezer keeps them perfectly round during baking.

A close-up image of crispy golden-brown food balls served with dipping sauces and garnished with lemon and herbs. Pin it
A close-up image of crispy golden-brown food balls served with dipping sauces and garnished with lemon and herbs. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prep these in advance?

Sure thing! You can shape and coat them a day early. Keep them cool in the fridge under wrap and brush on butter right before baking. Chilling helps the texture too.

→ What’s the best crab for this dish?

Lump or claw meat both work wonders here. Make sure to drain thoroughly and break up any big pieces. Fresh or pasteurized crab from the seafood section gives awesome flavor.

→ Can I deep fry instead of baking?

Totally, though baking’s simpler and healthier. Fry them at 350°F until golden, but handle them gently since they’re delicate. Baking tends to be more consistent, though.

→ Help! My crab snacks didn’t stay together.

They might have been too wet or not cold enough. Drain the crab really well, chill the mix for at least half an hour, and add extra breadcrumbs if they’re falling apart.

→ What substitute can I use for Old Bay?

If you’re out of Old Bay, blend celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Cajun or seafood seasoning mixes can also work great instead.

Conclusion

Small, golden bites of crabmeat, seasoned just right, coated with a crispy crust, and baked to perfection. Great for entertaining or easy snack options.

Golden Crab Snacks

Golden, crispy crab bites with a creamy, flavorful filling, spiced with Old Bay and paired with zingy mayo dip. Your go-to for party snacks.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 crab balls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs to coat.
02 1 egg, large, and at room temperature.
03 2/3 cup cracker crumbs for mixing together.
04 4 tablespoons melted butter for brushing over.
05 1/2 cup good-quality mayo.
06 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
07 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 teaspoon hot sauce, any brand you prefer.
09 1 pound crabmeat, remove moisture completely.
10 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, squeezed.
11 1 teaspoon Old Bay, seasoning blend.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 450°F and prepare two baking pans with parchment paper.

Step 02

Gently break apart any big pieces of crab and make sure it’s dry.

Step 03

Stir mayo, Worcestershire, mustard, lemon, hot sauce, and Old Bay together until smooth.

Step 04

Carefully fold the crab and cracker crumbs into the mayo mixture. Don’t overmix.

Step 05

Refrigerate the mix in a covered bowl for about half an hour so it firms up.

Step 06

Use a tablespoon to scoop out bits of the mix and roll into little balls.

Step 07

Roll each ball in crumb coating until fully covered.

Step 08

Brush melted butter onto the balls, then bake them for 15 minutes until they’re brown and crispy.

Notes

  1. Tastes amazing the next day served on top of greens.
  2. You can prepare them early and wait to bake when ready.
  3. Be gentle while handling when they’re fresh out of the oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Pastry brush.
  • Food processor.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.
  • Shellfish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 86
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g