Home » Appetizers and Snacks
ByCarol
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read My Disclosure

20 Best Easy Crab Appetizers

Looking for an appetizer that will be the hit of the party? Look no further than these easy and elegant crab appetizers!

Crab is super easy to work with and perfect for appetizers because it’s readily available cooked and cleaned so it’s ready for crispy crab cakes, bubbling hot or cold dips or as filling for crab rangoon, puff pastry, phyllo cups or deviled eggs.

Although all the crab sold worldwide is wild-caught, I advise sticking with crab from U. S. waters.  In some parts of the world, the crab is caught in ways that are illegal, not environmentally friendly or use unfair labor practices.

“Imitation crab” is usually Alaskan pollack. If that’s what your budget dictates or you have a shellfish allergy, all these crab appetizer recipes can be made with that instead of real crab.

Enjoy these easy yet elegant crab appetizers!

Deviled Crab-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
Deviled Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms are a divine twist on a classic dish made into an easy elegant appetizer!
GET THE RECIPE
Deviled Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms - Close-up straight-on shot on white platter
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms – 24 Bite
These Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with a savory flaked lump crab stuffing then baked in the air fryer or oven for pop-in-your-mouth goodness at your next party, event or a treat for yourself.
GET THE RECIPE
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms on white rectangular plate.
Crab Mango and Avocado Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing in Endive
Crab Mango and Avocado Salad with Chile Lime Dressing in Endive is a flavor explosion!  It’s the perfect appetizer to make all spring and summer long!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Mango and Avocado Salad with Chile Lime Dressing in Endive - Overhead hero shot on pink salt block
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Fire Sauce – XOXOBella
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls are simple to prepare and are a fantastic appetizer. The lump crab meat is generously seasoned and the fire sauce is next level!
GET THE RECIPE
Air Fryer Crab Cake Egg Rolls cut to expose filling with dipping sauce in the background.
Crab Puffs in Puff Pastry – Will Cook For Smiles
Each buttery puff pastry cup is filled with an unbelievably delicious creamy crab mixture that’s made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, parmesan cheese and vegetables, all seasoned to perfection!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Puffs on wood surface garnished with chopped chives.
Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade
Big Easy-inspired Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade are super easy and will be the hit of any get-together!  Sweet crab and artichokes with a buttermilk batter fry up crisp and golden on the outside and tender and delicious on the inside.  They pair perfectly with a spicy remoulade!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade - Overhead shot of beignets in white pan
Crab Nachos with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Champagne Tastes
These easy crab nachos are made with tortilla chips, cheese, Dungeness (or canned) crab and a quick garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for any get-together!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Nachos in skillet with yellow striped towel on blue background.
Crab Imperial Appetizer – Life Currents
Crab Imperial Appetizer is an elegant appetizer that tastes as though it came from a fancy restaurant! They’re perfect for holiday entertaining and any special occasion!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Phyllo Cups – Caroline’s Cooking
Forget about fighting over the dips and chips, these crab phyllo cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer. With a tasty mix of cheese and crab, they're so easy and so delicious.
GET THE RECIPE
Eight Crab-Stuffed Phyllo Cups on blue plate with red rim.
Easy Hot Crab Dip – Ask Chef Dennis
Almost too good for words! Creamy, cheesy, Hot Crab Dip is the perfect starter for your next get-together or game-day celebration. You’ll love the sweet crabmeat blended with two types of cheese, sour cream and the perfect combination of seasonings.
GET THE RECIPE
Hot Crab Dip in oval baking dish.
Slow Cooker Crab Dip – The Magical Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Crab Dip uses lump crab meat, four different types of cheeses, lemon juice and pantry staples. It’s a delicious seafood appetizer perfect for the holidays, brunch or game day!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Dip in white slow cooker with wooden spoon stirring it.
Cold Crab Dip – Beyond Frosting
Cold Crab Dip comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients. With a cream cheese base, cocktail sauce, and lots of crabmeat, this easy party dip makes a great appetizer for holidays, special occasions and game day!
GET THE RECIPE
Cold crab dip on cracker being lifted out of dish.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoons – Balance With Jess
When you need a quick appetizer or party snack, these Air Fryer Crab Rangoons are the way to go! Surprisingly easy to make, these bite-sized treats taste so much better than takeout. Serve them with a sweet chili dipping sauce for an instant crowd-pleaser.
GET THE RECIPE
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon on white rectangular platter with dipping sauce.
Crab Deviled Eggs – Hunter Angler Gardener Cook
Deviled eggs and crab are a match made in culinary heaven! This is a simple, versatile recipe you can adjust depending on your own tastes.
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Deviled Eggs on platter garnished with parsley.
Quick and Easy Fried Crab Claws – Grits and Pinecones
Fried Crab Claws are a quick and easy appetizer or main dish. This simple recipe features blue crab claws soaked in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned corn flour then deep-fried until golden brown, crispy and delicious!
GET THE RECIPE
Fried Crab Claws with cocktail dipping sauce on white fish-shaped plate.
Crab Melts Appetizer – Family Food on the Table
Crab Melts are an easy but sophisticated appetizer with a creamy, cheesy crab mixture that’s baked onto slices of French bread. Everyone will go crazy for these!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Melts Appetizer on white platter garnished with parsley and lemon.
Crab Toast – Chef Savvy
Ready in 20 minutes, creamy Crab Toast is a decadent little bite that is perfect as an appetizer! Topped with a sprinkle of cheese, tomatoes and parsley, this easy recipe will be the star of the table at your next party!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab Toast on white plate.
Crab-Stuffed Shrimp – Bake It With Love
Crab-Stuffed Shrimp is the perfect double dose of seafood to impress at any occasion and will be the first thing gone at a party! This elegant shrimp has a crunchy breadcrumb topping and savory, flavorful crab stuffing! It is simple to make and will truly make you shine like a professional chef!
GET THE RECIPE
Crab-Stuffed Shrimp on green plate garnished with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Crab Cakes – Monday is Meatloaf
These Maryland-style Air Fryer Crab Cakes are easy to make and done in 15 minutes! This is an easy recipe packed with fresh crab meat that will delight your guests. These can be made ahead and cooked when you need them. Serve with lemon juice or your favorite sauce.
GET THE RECIPE
Four Air Fryer Crab Cakes on white plate garnished with parsley and lemons.
Maryland Crab Cakes
This Maryland-Style Crab Cakes recipe is a recipe handed down several generations so they're the REAL DEAL!  Crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside, they're also freezer-friendly and easy to reheat!
GET THE RECIPE
Maryland-Style Crab Cakes on blue-rimmed platter garnished with chopped fresh parsley, parsley sprigs and lemon wedges.

Which crab appetizer is your favorite? Comment below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for this great collection of recipes. Crab appetizers are one of our favorite things to serve and this has so many delicious options we can’t wait to try.

    Reply

  2. I have been looking for recipe inspiration for a unique seafood appetizer to take to a party this weekend, and this collection is amazing! Now my only problem will be deciding which to choose. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply