Golden-fried or baked crab bombs filled with a luxurious mixture of lump crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings. A show-stopping seafood appetizer that’s perfect for special occasions!
Author:Ranime
Prep Time:30 mins
Cook Time:15 mins
Total Time:1 hr 15 mins (includes chilling)
Yield:18-20 bombs 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Frying/Baking
Cuisine:American (Chesapeake-style)
Ingredients
Scale
Filling:
1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or pasteurized)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Coating:
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp horseradish
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Make filling: Gently mix crab, cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, Old Bay, Worcestershire, lemon juice, bell pepper, green onions, and parsley. Chill 30 mins.
Shape bombs: Form into 2-tbsp balls (about 18-20). Freeze for 15 mins to firm up.
Bread: Roll balls in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko mixed with garlic powder. Repeat egg and panko for extra crunch.
Cook: Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2-3 mins until golden, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. OR Bake: Spray with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 mins until crispy.
Make sauce: Mix sour cream, horseradish, lemon zest, and paprika.
Serve hot with sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
For best texture: Hand-pick crab to remove any shells
Make ahead: Assemble unbreaded bombs up to 1 day ahead
Gluten-free: Use GF panko and flour
Spicy version: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne to filling
Storage: Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 mins