Crab Bombs are the ultimate seafood appetizer—golden and crispy on the outside, rich and creamy on the inside, and bursting with sweet crab flavor. These bite-sized delights are perfect for game day, holidays, parties, or anytime you want an impressive starter that disappears fast. Easy to prep and even easier to love, crab bombs bring big flavor in a small package.
What Are Crab Bombs?
Crab Bombs are crab-stuffed balls made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, seasoning, and cheese, then coated and fried or baked until irresistibly crispy. Think of them as a cross between crab cakes and cheese balls—with extra indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🦀 Crab Filling
8 oz (225 g) lump crab meat, drained and picked over
6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Black pepper, to taste
🧂 Coating
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
🔥 For Cooking
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🧀 Step 1: Make the Crab Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, Old Bay, garlic powder, lemon juice, herbs, and black pepper.
Fold in crab meat carefully to keep chunks intact.
💣 Step 2: Shape the Bombs
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (this helps them hold shape).
🧂 Step 3: Coat
Roll each ball in:
Flour
Beaten egg
Breadcrumbs
Press lightly so the coating sticks well.
🔥 Step 4: Cook
Frying (Best Crunch):
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C)
Fry 2–3 minutes until golden brown
Drain on paper towels
Baking (Lighter Option):
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C)
Spray crab bombs lightly with oil
Bake 15–18 minutes, turning once
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Crab Bombs
Use lump or jumbo lump crab for best texture
Chill before cooking to prevent spreading
Don’t overmix—keep crab chunky
Panko gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs
🔥 Flavor Variations
Spicy Crab Bombs: Add diced jalapeño or hot sauce
Bacon Crab Bombs: Mix in crispy bacon bits
Cajun Style: Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once
🍋 Dipping Sauce Ideas
Garlic aioli
Sweet chili sauce
Lemon butter
Spicy remoulade
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead
Freeze uncooked bombs up to 1 month
Cook straight from frozen—add 1–2 minutes
✅ Conclusion
Crab Bombs are crispy, creamy, and packed with seafood goodness—an instant hit at any gathering. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these flavor-packed bites deliver restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.