Crispy Crab Bombs

Featured in Party Starters Everyone Will Fight Over.

Crispy crab snacks made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and crab, coated in panko and fried till golden.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:58:44 GMT
A dish of crispy fried balls sliced open, showing a creamy seafood filling with veggies. Pin it
A dish of crispy fried balls sliced open, showing a creamy seafood filling with veggies. | cookbybook.com

I stumbled upon these Crab Rangoon Bombs while trying to use up extra rangoon mixture sitting in my refrigerator. They've now turned into the top-requested finger food at my gatherings! Just wait till you crunch through that golden outer layer into a dreamy mix of silky cheese and delicate crab. Whenever they're cooking, folks crowd my kitchen asking when they can grab one.

Absolute Crowd Pleasers

These tasty morsels take all the good stuff from traditional crab rangoon and transform it into the ultimate party snack. The crunchy panko shell breaks open to reveal that amazing velvety filling. My buddies call them downright habit-forming, and I couldn't agree more. I've learned to cook extra batches since they vanish so quickly.

Let's Round Up What We Need

  • Cream Cheese: Get it properly 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 genuine and fake crab for the ideal consistency.
  • Green Onions: Grab five stalks and chop them finely for that fresh kick.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to boost the overall taste.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These give us that unmistakable crackle.
  • Eggs: They're key for sticking our crispy coating on.
  • Vegetable Oil: This helps us get that beautiful brown color.

Let's Create Something Special

Whipping Up That Fantastic Filling
First thing I do is combine the soft cream cheese with gooey mozzarella flavorful crab meat and those crisp green onions. The adventure begins right here and my cooking space already has an amazing aroma.
Setting Up Your Coating Station
I arrange my breading area like a tiny food factory. Whisked eggs in one container panko in another with everything close at hand.
Forming Your Bombs
This is the part I enjoy most - crafting each little bomb. I dunk them in egg then roll them around in crunchy panko until they're fully covered.
Getting The Oil Just Right
Making sure the oil hits the perfect temperature matters a lot. I keep a close eye on it to maintain 350°F.
Cooking Until Golden
These little treats change before your eyes in hot oil turning a beautiful shade of gold. It's hard waiting for them to finish.
Finishing Touches
Let them drain briefly on paper towels before serving. Try not to rush into eating them straight away as the inside will be super hot.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

Don't even think about skipping the chilling step for your filling - it really helps when you're molding your bombs. My food thermometer ensures the oil stays just right every time. I always shape all my bombs before I start heating any oil so I can focus completely on frying them properly.

Great Companions

We can't get enough of these dunked in sweet chili sauce though I sometimes throw together a quick garlic aioli too. Place them next to some spring rolls and wontons and watch your company get excited. Adding a fresh Asian slaw helps cut through all that wonderful richness.

Keeping Some For Tomorrow

If you somehow don't finish them all they'll stay good in your fridge for a couple days. Warm them up in your air fryer or regular oven to bring back their crunch. Just don't use the microwave as it'll make that crispy outer layer go all soggy.

Tweak It As You Like

When I'm feeling fancy I'll splurge on fresh crab meat instead. Tossing in some fresh herbs really wakes up the flavors and my friends who love heat appreciate a splash of hot sauce mixed in. Feel free to adjust them to your taste that's what makes cooking fun.

Wow Factor For Any Gathering

These bombs have come to my rescue at countless get-togethers. Fresh batches vanish before I can even tell folks they're ready. There's just something about that combo of crunchy outside and smooth inside that gets everyone excited. I've caught friends literally hanging around the kitchen waiting for more 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. | cookbybook.com

Food That Brings Joy

What began as a clever way to use leftovers has grown into one of my favorite go-to dishes. It feels so good taking a classic dish and spinning it into something fresh and exciting. Each time I cook these I remember that first batch I tried and how sometimes the tastiest foods come from just playing around and having fun in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I stick to imitation crab?
Sure! Mixing real and imitation tastes best, but all imitation works too if that's easier.
→ Why refrigerate the filling?
It makes the mixture firmer, so rolling and frying are way smoother.
→ Could these be baked?
Frying is crispiest, but baking at 375°F works. Spray a bit of oil to help them brown nicely.
→ How do I check the oil's ready?
Use a thermometer for 350°F or toss a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle and brown in 30 seconds.
→ Can I prep them in advance?
Yes, roll them early and chill. Just coat and fry right before serving so they stay fresh.

Crispy Crab Bombs

Golden bites of panko-coated crab, cream cheese, and mozzarella. A fun, modern take on a classic favorite.

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

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion-Asian

Yield: 12 Servings (24 pieces)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together crab meat, mozzarella, green onions, salt, and cream cheese. Set in the fridge for half an hour.

Step 02

Pour the eggs into one bowl and the panko in another.

Step 03

Roll the crab mix into little balls, about the size of half a dollar coin.

Step 04

Coat each ball by dipping it into the egg first, then cover it with panko.

Step 05

Heat oil to 350°F and fry balls until crispy and golden-brown.

Step 06

Place fried balls onto paper towels to soak up the extra oil.

Notes

  1. Finish rolling all balls before you start frying.
  2. Feel free to mix real crab and imitation.
  3. They taste best nice and warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls.
  • A frying pan.
  • Oil thermometer.

Allergy Information

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

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