Crispy and Easy Crab Balls

Crab balls are the perfect bite-sized seafood treat, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavors. They’re a versatile appetizer for parties, holidays, or casual dinners at home. This baked version gives you that golden, crispy finish without frying, keeping it lighter and less messy.

With handful ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have these Crab Balls ready in no time.

If you’re into crispy appetizers, these Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer make the perfect pairing with crab balls for a delicious snack spread!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Crab Meat: You’ll want either fresh crab or canned crab meat. Ensure it’s drained well. If there are any big chunks, break them up so the mixture is smoother.

Breadcrumbs: This ingredient is necessary for both incorporating into the mix and for the crunchy outer coating.

Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and acts as a binder, holding everything together with its creamy texture.

Egg: Acts as an important binder to ensure the crab balls don’t fall apart.

Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice , it will help other flavors shine through.

Worcestershire Sauce:  this adds a delicious, savory layer of taste.

Mustard: You can add either Dijon or yellow mustard for a nice bit of tangy zest.

Hot Sauce: Although this is not required, a bit of it will provide you some underlying warmth.

Old Bay Seasoning: Absolutely essential for anything with crab, this adds the signature seafood taste.

Salt: Enhances and brings out the natural flavors of the crab.

Butter: Brushing the tops with melted butter contributes to a nice golden color and crispy texture once baked or fried.

Equipment Needed for Crab Balls

To make these crispy, flavorful crab balls, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining the crab mixture.
• Whisk: For mixing the wet ingredients into a smooth base.
• Fork or Hands: To gently break up any lumps of crab meat.
• Small Scoop or Spoon: For portioning the crab mixture into evenly sized balls.
• Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Pastry Brush: To lightly coat the crab balls with melted butter before baking.
• Spatula: To carefully move the delicate crab balls onto serving plates after baking.

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How to Make Crab Balls

Prep the Crab Meat

Drain the crab meat thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. If it’s lumpy, gently break down the larger pieces with a fork or your fingers. Unlike crab cakes, you’ll want a finer texture for these small balls.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and salt until smooth and well combined. Add the crab meat and breadcrumbs, then gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture will be wet and slightly loose—that’s okay!

Chill the Mixture

You cover the bowl with plastic wrap then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to work with.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 450°F then line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the coating crumbs in a shallow bowl and melt the butter for brushing.

Form the Crab Balls

Use a small scoop or spoon to portion out rounded tablespoons of the crab mixture. If the mixture feels too wet to form, you add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together loosely. Roll each portion into a ball and set them on the baking sheets.

Coat the Crab Balls

Roll each ball in the coating crumbs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Use one hand to handle the wet crab balls and the other for the crumbs to keep things tidy. Re-roll the balls gently to make them round after coating.

Bake

Place the coated crab balls back on the baking sheets and lightly dab melted butter on top of each ball using a pastry brush. Bake in the center of the oven for 15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Depending on your oven, you may need to lower the temperature slightly if they brown too quickly.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer the crab balls to a serving plate—they’ll be delicate. Serve hot with your dipping sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

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What to Serve with Crab Balls

Crab balls pair beautifully with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy remoulade. Add lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. For sides, try a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or roasted asparagus. If you’re serving them as part of a party spread, include shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, or a charcuterie board for a well-rounded table.

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How to Reheat Crab Balls

For the best results, reheat crab balls in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Baked vs. Fried: This recipe is baked, but you can fry them in oil for a crispier result.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Herb Options: Swap parsley for cilantro or dill for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a rich, cheesy flavor.

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FAQs About Crab Balls

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