Description
These Crispy Golden Crab Bites are flavorful, bite-sized seafood appetizers made with lump crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay and fresh herbs, then air-fried or pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. Perfect for parties or a delicious snack, they offer a satisfying crunch and tender interior, served best with lemon wedges and dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Bite Mixture
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking
- Vegetable oil spray or a few tablespoons for pan-frying
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the crab meat, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, chopped parsley, green onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the texture light.
- Form Crab Bites: Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or patties, about 1 tablespoon each. Lightly coat them in additional breadcrumbs for an extra crispy outer layer.
- Chill the Bites: Place the formed crab bites on a plate and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. This helps them firm up to maintain shape during cooking.
- Cook the Crab Bites: Preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C), or heat a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat. For air frying, cook the bites for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For pan-frying, cook 2–3 minutes per side until they achieve a crispy golden crust.
- Serve: Serve the warm crab bites with lemon wedges and your choice of tartar sauce, spicy aioli, or another favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Alternatively, bake the crab bites at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes as a lighter cooking option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Using mini muffin tins can help shape the crab bites neatly and cook them more evenly when baking.
