Crispy Seafood Poppers

Here’s a crunchy, flavorful, and irresistible recipe for Crispy Seafood Poppers—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or game-day treat! These golden bites are packed with tender seafood, seasoned to perfection, and fried (or baked) to crispy deliciousness.

Crispy Seafood Poppers

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4-6 (Makes about 24 poppers)

Ingredients

For the Poppers:

• 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, or white fish), finely chopped

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a kick)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

• 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for coating)

• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp sriracha (or hot sauce)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine chopped seafood, ½ cup panko, mayonnaise, 1 beaten egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

• Cover and refrigerate for 15 mins to firm up.

2. Shape the Poppers:

• Scoop 1 tbsp of the mixture and roll into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).

• Set up a breading station:

  • 1st bowl: Flour

  • 2nd bowl: Beaten eggs

  • 3rd bowl: Panko breadcrumbs

• Coat each popper in flour → egg → panko, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Cook the Poppers:

• For Frying: Heat oil (350°F/175°C) in a deep skillet. Fry in batches for 2-3 mins until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

• For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place poppers on a greased baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 15-18 mins, flipping halfway.

4. Make the Dipping Sauce:

• Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

🔥 Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the seafood mix.
🧀 Cheesy twist: Fold in shredded cheddar or cream cheese for extra richness.
🦀 Crab cakes vibe: Use lump crab meat for a fancier version.
🍽 Make ahead: Freeze uncooked poppers, then fry/bake straight from frozen (add 2-3 extra mins).

These crispy, golden bites are perfect with a cold beer or as a fancy appetizer! 🍤🔥😋 Enjoy!