Crispy Bite-Sized Crab Cake Poppers Recipe: Party Favorites

Bite-sized crab cake poppers deliver an explosion of coastal flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

These golden, crispy morsels pack serious seafood punch in every single bite.

Succulent crab meat mingles with delicate herbs and seasonings, creating an irresistible appetizer perfect for gatherings.

Each popper serves up a compact burst of maritime goodness that feels both elegant and playful.

Seasoned with just the right blend of spices, these little treasures offer a gourmet twist on classic crab cakes.

Light, crunchy, and seriously addictive, they’ll vanish from your plate faster than waves retreating from the shore.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing seafood sensation that promises to be the star of any menu.

Crab Cake Poppers Ingredient Checklist

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that binds ingredients with luxurious richness.
• Mayonnaise: Adds silky texture and tangy depth to the mixture.
• Egg: Natural binder that helps hold the crab cake poppers together perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus note that cuts through richness and enhances seafood flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic coastal spice blend that elevates the maritime essence.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex umami undertones and depth of flavor.

• Crab Meat: Star ingredient that brings delicate, sweet seafood character.
• Mozzarella: Melty cheese that creates irresistible stringy texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Panko: Crispy exterior that provides delightful crunch and golden finish.
• Chives: Fresh, oniony herb that adds elegant green color and sharp accent.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies overall savory profile.
• Parmesan: Sharp cheese sprinkled on top for extra nutty complexity.
• Parsley: Bright herb garnish that introduces fresh, clean flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for dipping sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty component that brightens the aioli.
• Pepper: Subtle heat that complements the seafood.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for achieving perfect golden-brown exterior.

Tools for Making Crab Cake Poppers

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements are key.
• Skillet or deep fryer: Perfect for achieving golden, crispy crab poppers.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Small bowl: For preparing the zesty aioli sauce.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping chives and parsley.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing and folding ingredients.

Frying Instructions for Crab Cake Poppers

• Crab Cake Base

Blend creamy ingredients into a silky smooth mixture, creating a rich foundation for the poppers. Gently incorporate delicate crab meat and complementary cheese for depth of flavor. The goal is a harmonious blend that captures the essence of ocean-fresh seafood.

• Shaping and Chilling

Form small, bite-sized spheres that promise a perfect one-pop experience. Carefully roll each popper in crispy coating, then let them rest in the freezer to firm up and lock in the remarkable texture.

• Zesty Companion Sauce

Craft a tangy, bright accompaniment that will elevate the poppers from delicious to extraordinary. This quick sauce balances creamy and bright notes to complement the rich crab mixture.

• Golden Crunch

Transform the chilled poppers into crispy, golden treasures through careful frying. Achieve a perfectly bronzed exterior that gives way to a succulent, tender interior. Finish with a sprinkle of herbs and serve immediately alongside the prepared sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that sparks conversation.

Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Crab Poppers

• Replace lump crab meat with shrimp, salmon, or imitation crab for budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver delicious flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the poppers into a spicier appetizer.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked poppers up to 2 weeks in advance, allowing for convenient party prep and stress-free entertaining.
• Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.

How to Serve Mini Crab Cake Poppers

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Complement the rich, golden crab cake poppers with a light, refreshing mixed green salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the fried appetizer.
• Create Party Platter: Arrange poppers on a large wooden board alongside other bite-sized appetizers like mini sliders, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Dip and Enjoy: Serve the homemade aioli in small ramekins or dipping bowls, encouraging guests to drizzle or dunk the crispy poppers for an extra burst of flavor.
• Wine and Appetizer Pairing: Match these seafood bites with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate crab meat and creamy texture.

Keeping Crab Poppers Fresh & Crispy

• Manage Meal Prep: Create crab cake poppers up to two days ahead, storing them carefully in an airtight container separated by parchment paper in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Place uncooked poppers on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for storage up to one month – perfect for unexpected guests or quick appetizers.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep leftover poppers in a sealed container for 3-4 days, reheating in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and warm, creamy interior.
• Serve Smart: Allow poppers to cool slightly after cooking to prevent burning, and always serve the zesty aioli chilled for maximum flavor contrast and food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Crab Cake Poppers Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

These irresistible crab cake poppers combine succulent Maryland blue crab with crisp panko breading. Compact appetizers deliver rich coastal flavors that guests will eagerly devour in single delightful bites.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lump crab meat
• ⅓ cup mozzarella, shredded
• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps chives, finely chopped, divided
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Parmesan, grated, for garnish
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce into a smooth, creamy base in a large mixing bowl.
2. Ingredient Integration: Fold in lump crab meat, mozzarella cheese, garlic, chives, and breadcrumbs, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a cohesive mixture.
3. Shaping and Coating: Craft uniform 1-inch spheres using hands or a cookie scoop, then roll each popper thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
4. Chilling Phase: Arrange poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to solidify their structure and prevent disintegration during cooking.
5. Aioli Creation: Blend chives, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl, adjusting seasoning with black pepper to enhance the dipping sauce.
6. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, preparing for a precise and controlled cooking process.
7. Cooking Process: Fry poppers in small batches, rotating gently to achieve an evenly golden, crispy exterior, approximately 3 minutes per side.
8. Finishing Touches: Drain fried poppers on a wire rack with paper towels to preserve their crunch, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
9. Serving Presentation: Plate hot poppers alongside the prepared aioli, inviting guests to enjoy these delectable maritime-inspired appetizers.

Notes

• Chill Before Frying: Freezing poppers for 30 minutes helps maintain shape and prevents falling apart during cooking, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
• Precise Oil Temperature: Maintain 350°F for golden-brown perfection, using a kitchen thermometer to avoid burning or undercooking the delicate crab mixture.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook poppers in small groups to prevent overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and result in greasy, soggy appetizers.
• Fresh Crab Matters: Use high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic and delicious flavor, avoiding canned or imitation crab products.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg