When it comes to appetizers or snack ideas that are anything but ordinary, these Crab & Corn Fritters are guaranteed to steal the show. They’re golden, crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, with sweet bites of corn and tender crab meat in every mouthful.
Perfect for a Southern-inspired seafood night, a backyard party, or a cozy weekend at home, these fritters are the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon and watch them disappear fast!
What Are Crab & Corn Fritters?
Crab & Corn Fritters are small, pan-fried or deep-fried cakes made with lump crab meat, sweet corn, flour, eggs, and seasoning. They’re like a mashup between a hushpuppy and a crab cake—light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.
The combination of seafood and corn is a classic Southern pairing that brings together sweetness, crunch, and savory richness all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect appetizer, snack, or seafood side dish
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Sweet corn pairs perfectly with crab meat
- Crowd-pleaser at parties and cookouts
What Do Crab & Corn Fritters Taste Like?
These fritters are light and crispy with a sweet-savory combo that’s hard to resist. The corn pops with natural sweetness, while the crab brings a mild, ocean-fresh flavor. A touch of Old Bay seasoning adds just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Dip them in remoulade, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo for the ultimate bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ¾ cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Use cooked shrimp instead of crab if desired
- Add diced red bell pepper for extra color
- Try fresh herbs like dill or cilantro
- Use gluten-free flour to make them GF
How to Make Crab & Corn Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and milk, mixing until combined.
Step 2: Fold in Crab and Corn
Gently fold in crab meat, corn, green onions, and parsley. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the crab pieces intact.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
What to Serve with Crab & Corn Fritters
- Spicy remoulade or tartar sauce
- Fresh garden salad
- Coleslaw or corn salad
- Iced tea or crisp white wine
Tips for Success
- Keep the oil at medium-high heat to prevent soggy fritters
- Don’t crowd the pan—fry in batches
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture will soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.
What kind of crab works best?
Lump crab meat is ideal, but claw meat works too for a more budget-friendly option.
Can I make them ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can mix the batter ahead and fry when ready.
Conclusion
These Crab & Corn Fritters are crispy, savory bites of Southern comfort that are perfect for any seafood lover. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re the kind of snack or side dish that gets devoured fast.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per fritter)
Calories: 120
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Crab & Corn Fritters: Crispy Southern Bites of Seafood Goodness
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
Description
Golden and crispy Crab & Corn Fritters made with sweet corn, tender crab meat, and Southern spices. Perfect for an appetizer, seafood side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
– 1 cup lump crab meat
– ¾ cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup cornmeal
– 1 large egg
– ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
– ½ tsp baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the egg and milk until just combined.
3. Gently fold in crab, corn, green onions, and parsley.
4. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Notes
– For extra flavor, add diced red bell peppers or jalapeños.
– Serve with remoulade, tartar sauce, or sriracha mayo.
– Best eaten fresh for maximum crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
Keywords: crab corn fritters, seafood fritters, Southern fritters, crispy crab cakes, easy appetizer recipe, seafood snack
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