The Best Crispy Crab and Shrimp Fritters Recipe Ever Made

Crispy crab and shrimp fritters tantalize taste buds with their irresistible blend of oceanic flavors.

Seafood lovers crave these golden-brown delights that combine delicate marine proteins in a crisp, light batter.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance between crunchy exterior and tender, succulent interior.

Aromatic herbs and subtle spices weave through the mixture, creating a sophisticated culinary experience.

Delightful as an appetizer or main course, these fritters showcase the magic of simple ingredients reinvented by skilled cooking.

Imagine impressing guests with a dish that looks elegant yet comes together with surprising ease.

Explore this recipe and unlock a world of coastal-inspired comfort that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why Crab and Shrimp Fritters Hit the Spot

• Combining succulent crab meat and tender shrimp creates an explosion of ocean flavors that dance on your taste buds with every single bite.
• The technique of dredging in flour and frying ensures a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the delicate, soft seafood interior.
• These fritters come together in under an hour, making them an ideal dish for casual gatherings, game days, or impromptu dinner parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The homemade tartar sauce with capers and dill pickle adds a zesty, tangy dimension that elevates the fritters from good to absolutely irresistible, perfect for dipping and sharing.

All the Ingredients for Crab and Shrimp Fritters

• Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate seafood that forms the base of the fritters.
• Chopped Shrimp: Adds texture and additional seafood flavor to the mixture.

• Panko, Mayonnaise, Egg: Work together to bind the fritters and create a light, crispy texture.
• Green Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and flavor complexity.

• Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seafood seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.
• Flour: Used for dredging to create a crispy golden exterior when frying.
• Olive Oil: Provides the medium for frying the fritters to a perfect golden brown.

• Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Capers, Dill Pickle, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Dill, Salt, Pepper: Tangy and creamy sauce that complements the seafood fritters.

Tips for Crispy Crab and Shrimp Fritters

• Chill and Bind: Refrigerate the fritter mixture for 30 minutes to help ingredients meld and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Master the Dredging: Lightly coat fritters in flour, shaking off excess to create a crispy, even golden-brown exterior without clumping.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to ensure fritters cook evenly without burning or becoming greasy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry fritters in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent and prevent soggy, oil-soaked results.
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality seafood and chop ingredients finely for the most delicate and flavorful fritter texture.

Storing and Reheating Crab and Shrimp Fritters

• Refrigerate: Store fritters in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat to 375°F, place fritters on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy. This method helps maintain their original crunch.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating as it makes fritters soggy and ruins their delightful texture. Stick to oven or air fryer for best results.

What to Serve with These Seafood Fritters

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate seafood flavors and cut through the richness of the fritters.
• Match with Bright Citrus Cocktail: Create a zesty lemon drop martini or a gin-based gimlet to enhance the seafood's maritime taste and mirror the tartar sauce's tangy profile.
• Serve Alongside Herb-Infused Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh dill, parsley, and a light lemon vinaigrette to echo the fritters' herbaceous notes and provide a clean, refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Light Beer Option: Choose a crisp pilsner or wheat beer that won't overpower the delicate seafood, offering a cool, effervescent backdrop to the golden-fried fritters.

Crab and Shrimp Fritter Recipe Twists

• Spicy Seafood Crunch: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper to the fritter mixture for a fiery kick, using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
• Mediterranean Marine Mix: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the fritter base, serving with tzatziki instead of tartar sauce.
• Coconut Caribbean Style: Blend shredded coconut into the fritter mixture, coat with coconut flour before frying, and serve with a mango salsa for tropical flair.
• Herb Garden Oceanic Bites: Replace green onions with fresh chives, add chopped basil and thyme to the mixture, and use herb-infused mayonnaise in the tartar sauce for an aromatic version.

FAQs for Crab and Shrimp Fritters

• Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute crab or shrimp with other seafood like cod, salmon, or imitation crab meat. Just ensure the seafood is fresh and finely chopped.

• How long can I store the fritters before cooking?

You can refrigerate the prepared fritters for up to 24 hours before frying. Keep them covered on the parchment-lined baking sheet to maintain their shape.

• Is there a healthier cooking method instead of frying?

Absolutely! You can bake the fritters at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious and lower in calories.

• Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tartar sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Fritters Easily

Step 1: Gather Ingredients for Fritters

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and let’s create some seafood magic! Chop the shrimp into small pieces and combine with delicate crab meat. Add panko, mayonnaise, and a fresh egg to bind everything together. Toss in finely chopped green onions, vibrant red bell pepper, and fragrant parsley. Splash in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder for an explosion of flavor. Gently mix the ingredients, making sure not to break up the delicate seafood pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural ocean flavors.

Step 2: Shape and Chill Fritters

Form the mixture into 8-10 perfectly rounded fritters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the fritters hold their shape during cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Tartar Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped capers, diced dill pickle, and a touch of Dijon mustard. If you have fresh dill on hand, chop and toss it in for an extra burst of herbaceous flavor. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently coat each fritter in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the fritters in the hot oil, cooking in batches to ensure they get beautifully golden and crispy. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these gorgeous seafood fritters while they’re hot and crispy. Serve alongside the tangy tartar sauce and optional lemon wedges. A fresh green salad or grilled vegetables make perfect accompaniments to this delightful seafood treat.

Crab And Shrimp Fritters Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy crab and shrimp fritters deliver a coastal symphony of seafood delight. Golden-brown morsels packed with oceanic flavors invite beach memories and culinary exploration, promising pure coastal indulgence for hungry palates.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

Dry and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups (60 grams) panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cups (30 grams) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 large egg

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable seafood mixture by gently folding crab meat, diced shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, whisked egg, finely chopped green onions, diced red bell pepper, minced parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Delicately season the maritime blend with salt and pepper, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
3. Form the seafood medley into uniform patties, approximately 8-10 in total, and carefully place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the fritters for half an hour, allowing them to firm up and develop enhanced flavor cohesion.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the tangy accompaniment by whisking mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, briny capers, chopped dill pickle, Dijon mustard, and optional fresh dill in a separate bowl.
6. Season the tartar sauce with salt and pepper, then refrigerate to meld the vibrant flavors.
7. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden frying environment.
8. Gently coat each fritter in a light dusting of flour, shaking off excess to ensure a crisp exterior.
9. Fry the fritters in batches, allowing each side to transform into a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Transfer the crispy fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crunch.
11. Plate the hot fritters alongside the zesty tartar sauce, garnishing with optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
12. Complement the dish with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Chilling the fritter mixture helps bind ingredients and prevents falling apart during frying.
• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture in these delicate fritters.
• Tap excess flour off fritters before frying to achieve a crispy, light golden-brown exterior.
• Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even, crisp cooking throughout.
• Homemade tartar sauce elevates the dish with bright, tangy complementary flavors.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy maximum crispiness and seafood freshness.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg