Crispy Crab Bombs

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

Create crispy panko-coated balls with crab, mozzarella, and cream cheese for a fun spin on an old favorite.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:18 GMT
Golden, crispy balls on a plate, with one split open to reveal a creamy, crab-stuffed filling. Pin it
Golden, crispy balls on a plate, with one split open to reveal a creamy, crab-stuffed filling. | linacooks.com

I stumbled upon these Crab Rangoon Bombs while staring at extra rangoon filling sitting in my fridge. They've now turned into the app everyone begs me to bring! Just think about that first bite - cracking through that golden crust into a dreamy blend of smooth cheese and tender crab. Whenever I whip these up, folks huddle around my kitchen counter asking if they're done yet.

Absolute Crowd Pleasers

These tasty bites take all the good stuff from regular crab rangoon and transform it into the ultimate party snack. The crunchy panko shell breaks open to reveal that amazing creamy filling inside. My pals tell me they're impossible to resist, and I totally get it. I've learned to cook extra batches because they vanish almost instantly.

What You'll Need

  • Cream Cheese: Get it completely softened as it forms the base of our mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: You'll want two cups to get that wonderful pull when you bite in.
  • Crab Meat: I mix imitation and real for better overall mouthfeel.
  • Green Onions: Chop five stalks finely to add that fresh pop.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: They're the key to that incredible crunch factor.
  • Eggs: You'll need these to create that amazing crispy exterior.
  • Vegetable Oil: This helps achieve that perfectly golden outside.

Creating These Delights

Whipping Up That Delicious Filling
First I blend the soft cream cheese with stretchy mozzarella, tasty crab and chopped green onions. The yummy smells start filling my kitchen right away.
Setting Up Your Dipping Station
I arrange my coating supplies like a mini food factory. Whisked eggs in one dish, panko crumbs in another, all within easy grabbing distance.
Forming Your Tasty Bites
The fun part is creating each little bomb. I dunk them in the beaten egg then roll them around in crunchy panko until they're totally covered.
Getting That Oil Just Right
The oil temp matters so much. I keep a close eye to maintain it around 350°F.
Cooking Until Beautiful
Watching these treats turn golden in the hot oil is so satisfying. I can barely wait to try one.
Ready To Devour
Let them sit on paper towels briefly, then serve them up. Just don't burn your mouth - the filling gets super hot!

Tricks I've Learned

You can't skip chilling the mixture first - it makes forming the bombs way easier. My food thermometer keeps me from guessing about oil temps. I like to shape all my bombs before I even turn the heat on, then I can focus completely on the frying part without rushing.

Great Companions

They taste amazing dunked in sweet chili sauce, though sometimes I make a quick garlicky mayo too. Put them on a platter with some egg rolls and dumplings and watch everyone's faces light up. Add a tangy Asian cabbage salad on the side to balance out the richness.

Storing For Later

On the rare chance you've got some left, they'll stay good in your fridge for about three days. Heat them up in your air fryer or regular oven to bring back their crunch. Don't even think about using the microwave - it'll turn that crispy coating all soggy.

Try These Twists

When I'm feeling fancy I'll splurge on premium crab meat. Tossing in some chopped herbs makes everything taste fresher, and my friends who love heat appreciate when I add a splash of sriracha to the mix. Feel free to put your own spin on them - that's what makes cooking fun.

Never Fail Appetizers

These crunchy bombs have come to my rescue at countless gatherings. I can't even put a fresh tray down before they start vanishing. There's something about that contrast between the crispy outside and smooth inside that makes everyone grab for more. I've caught friends literally hanging around my kitchen waiting for the next batch to come out.

A pile of golden-brown, crispy triangular dumplings with a creamy filling, garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A pile of golden-brown, crispy triangular dumplings with a creamy filling, garnished with chopped green onions. | linacooks.com

From Leftovers To Legend

What began as using up extra ingredients has grown into one of my go-to creations. I love how a traditional favorite can transform into something fresh and exciting. Each time I make this batch, I remember that first experimental attempt and how sometimes just playing around in the kitchen leads to the tastiest discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use only imitation crab?
Yep! For a richer taste, mix real crab and imitation, but only imitation works too.
→ What’s the reason for chilling it?
It firms everything up, so shaping is easier, and they stay intact while frying.
→ Can these be baked instead of fried?
Frying crispifies them best, but baking works too. Set your oven to 375°F and spray with oil for crunch.
→ How do I check if the oil’s hot?
Either use a thermometer (350°F) or toss in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle and turn brown within 30 seconds.
→ Could I prep these in advance?
Form them ahead and chill. Coat and fry just before serving to keep them crispy.

Crispy Crab Bombs

Golden bites filled with crab, cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella, wrapped in crispy panko. A modern take on a classic idea.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Blend

Yield: 12 Servings (24 pieces)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 cans of lump or white crab meat, drained.
02 1 cup flaked imitation crab.
03 1 package of cream cheese.
04 5 chopped green onions.
05 2 beaten eggs.
06 Salt, adjust to taste.
07 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 Panko for coating.
09 Vegetable oil for frying.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix together both kinds of crab meat, cream cheese, mozzarella, green onions, and salt. Let it chill for half an hour.

Step 02

Grab one bowl for the eggs and another one for the panko.

Step 03

Roll the crab mixture into small balls, about the size of half a dollar coin.

Step 04

Dip each ball into the beaten egg first, then roll them in the panko crumbs until fully coated.

Step 05

Heat up oil to 350°F and fry the balls until they’re golden on the outside and crispy.

Step 06

Set fried balls on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Notes

  1. Finish shaping all your balls before you start frying.
  2. Feel free to mix real crab with imitation crab for a new texture.
  3. Tastes best when eaten fresh and still warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls.
  • Thermometer for oil.
  • Large pan for frying.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Has eggs.
  • Made with wheat.
  • Includes shellfish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 15 g