Famous Crab Bombs
Famous Crab Bombs are crispy, bite-sized seafood appetizers featuring tender fresh crab meat mixed with cream cheese and seasonings, coated in a golden breadcrumb crust and fried or baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or snacks, they deliver a delightful contrast of crunchy exterior and flavorful, creamy filling with customizable spice and herb options.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 crab bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Filling
- 8 oz fresh crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for spicy variation)
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (for cheesy variation)
- Optional: 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives (herb-infused variation)
Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for gluten-free version)
For Cooking
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil) or cooking spray/oil for baking
- Prepare the Crab Filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh crab meat with softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings or herbs you prefer. Mix just enough to blend while keeping crab pieces intact.
- Shape the Bombs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the crab mixture into small, round balls about the size of golf balls. Make sure all portions are similarly sized for even cooking.
- Coat the Bombs: Roll each crab ball first in the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer for optimal crispiness.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry crab bombs for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place bombs on a parchment-lined tray, lightly oil or spray them, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
- Drain and Serve: Remove cooked crab bombs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil if fried. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, alongside your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use the freshest crab meat possible for best flavor.
- Mix the filling gently to retain crab texture.
- Shape crab bombs evenly for uniform cooking.
- Test fry one bomb first to check seasoning and oil temperature.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) when frying for ideal crispiness.
- Baking is a healthier alternative and still yields a crispy crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Freeze unbaked bombs on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags; cook from frozen adding extra time.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to preserve crispness, avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crab bombs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crab bombs, seafood appetizers, crab bites, crispy crab snacks, party appetizers, gluten free seafood, baked crab bombs, fried crab bombs