Cajun Crab Croquettes

Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside—Cajun Crab Croquettes are a bold and delicious way to enjoy crab. Infused with Cajun seasoning, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of heat, these bite-sized seafood patties are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or light dinner. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Flavor – Cajun spices give every bite a kick of bold southern flavor.
Crispy & Golden – Pan-fried until perfectly crunchy and golden brown.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and fast cooking time.
Versatile – Serve as a starter, in sliders, or as a main dish.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch and freeze extras for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crab Croquettes:

• 1 lb lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (only if needed for binding)

For Frying:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for coating)
• Oil for shallow frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of Cajun seasoning

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan or skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Crab Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, ½ cup breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onion, celery, mustard, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix gently until just combined.
3. If mixture feels too loose, add 1–2 tbsp flour to help bind.

Step 2: Shape the Croquettes
4. Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 12–14 small patties or oval shapes.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Bread the Croquettes
7. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
8. Dredge each croquette in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
9. Place them back on the tray and let sit while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden
10. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
11. Fry croquettes in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
12. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
13. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning.
14. Serve alongside croquettes for dipping.

Tips for the Best Crab Croquettes
Use Lump Crab Meat – For the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Gently fold to keep the croquettes light and tender.
Chill Before Frying – Helps the croquettes hold their shape and fry evenly.
Control the Heat – Medium heat is key to cooking through without burning.
Make Ahead – Form and bread the croquettes ahead of time; fry just before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Creamy Slaw – A cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy croquettes.
Fresh Green Salad – Light and refreshing with citrus vinaigrette.
Mini Slider Buns – Serve croquettes in buns for Cajun crab sliders.
Lemon Wedges – Add brightness with a squeeze over the top.
Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Chips – Classic pairings for a seafood dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Lay uncooked, breaded croquettes on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed and crisp.
• Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Avoid microwave: It will make them soft, not crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
2. Are they spicy?
   Mildly spiced. Adjust Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce to increase the heat.
3. What’s the difference between croquettes and crab cakes?
   Croquettes are typically smaller, crispier, and breaded before frying, while crab cakes are often pan-seared without a breaded coating.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
5. Can I use canned crab meat?
   You can, but for the best flavor and texture, use refrigerated lump crab meat.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Crab Croquettes are crispy, crave-worthy bites that bring bold southern flair to your table. Whether served as an elegant appetizer, party snack, or light meal, they deliver that perfect combination of crunch, spice, and tender seafood in every bite.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your croquettes turn out.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Croquette – based on 12 croquettes):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 310mg

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