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Crispy Crab Appetizer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 pieces
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crispy Crab Appetizer features delicate lump crab meat combined with creamy cheese and spices, wrapped in crisp wonton shells and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or as a savory snack, these crab wontons are served with a flavorful dipping sauce for an irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Crab Filling

  • 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 green onion (finely chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly and Frying

  • 20 wonton wrappers
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For Garnish and Serving

  • Chopped chives or parsley
  • Sweet chili sauce or spicy aioli


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab Mixture: In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and finely chopped green onion. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Fill the Wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the crab mixture in the center of each wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper with water using your finger or a brush to help seal.
  3. Seal the Wontons: Fold the wonton wrappers to form triangles or small pouches, pressing the edges firmly to ensure they are tightly sealed and will not open during frying.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet or deep pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), hot enough for frying.
  5. Fry the Wontons: Carefully place the filled wontons into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried wontons to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep them crisp.
  7. Serve: Serve the crispy crab wontons warm, garnished with chopped chives or parsley. Offer sweet chili sauce or spicy aioli on the side for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • For a lighter alternative, you can bake or air fry the wontons at 375°F. Brush them lightly with oil and bake or air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  • Enhance the crab mixture flavor by adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning.
  • Be sure to pick over the lump crab meat carefully to avoid any shell fragments.
  • Use fresh or good-quality cream cheese for best texture and flavor.