Description
Crab Crunchies are crispy, bite-sized crab cakes made with a blend of fresh or imitation crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Fried to golden perfection, these crunchy appetizers are perfect for parties or a tasty snack, served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Mixture
- 1/2 pound cooked crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the crab meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper, taking care not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or patties about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they hold together; add more breadcrumbs if necessary.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of crab mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately if ready.
- Fry Crab Crunchies: Carefully place the crab patties in the hot oil in batches without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked crab crunchies and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon aioli.
Notes
- Use fresh crab meat for a more authentic flavor, or imitation crab meat as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy crunchies.
- Cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Can be served as appetizers or party snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
