Easy Crab Cakes: Quick & Delicious Recipes for Anytime

Are you looking for delicious and easy crab cake recipes to try at home? I’m sharing 21 simple recipes that are quick to make and perfect for any occasion.

There is something special about crab cakes that always makes a meal feel like a celebration. I’ve made them countless times, and each time, they turn out crispy, flavorful, and impressive with minimal effort.
These easy crab cake recipes are perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner and a special appetizer. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying.
No matter your cooking skill, you can master these crave-worthy crab cakes in no time. Just a few basic steps are all it takes to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home—a treat everyone will love.

1. Easy Crab Cakes

Easy Crab Cakes
Credit: www.jocooks.com

These easy crab cakes are quick to prepare and perfect for a tasty meal anytime. Simply mix crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, onion, breadcrumbs, and parsley, shape into patties, and fry, bake, or air fry until golden and crispy—delicious and full of flavor!

Read the Recipe: Easy Crab Cakes

2. Crab Cake Recipe

Crab Cake Recipe
Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com

Get ready for crispy, golden-brown crab cakes packed with fresh crab meat and lively flavors! Simply mix mayonnaise, egg, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning, form into patties, chill, then pan-fry until perfectly crispy for a quick, delicious meal or appetizer.

Read the Recipe: Crab Cake Recipe

3. Best Ever Crab Cakes

Best Ever Crab Cakes
Credit: www.allrecipes.com

These crab cakes are super easy to make and turn out crispy, golden, and full of flavor in just about 25 minutes. Simply mix the ingredients, shape into patties, and cook in a hot skillet for about 10-12 minutes until perfectly golden—perfect for serving with your favorite mustard sauce or dipping favorites!

Read the Recipe: Best Ever Crab Cakes

4. Maryland Crab Cakes

Maryland Crab Cakes
Credit: www.onceuponachef.com

Whip up these Maryland Crab Cakes by mixing eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, and optional celery for a flavorful base. Gently fold in lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until golden and crispy for a delightful, seafood-packed treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Read the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

5. Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes
Credit: www.thekitchn.com

Crab cakes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy seafood right at home, giving you that fancy restaurant feel without the high price. Made with crab as the star, just enough breadcrumbs to hold them together, and a tasty mix of mayonnaise, egg, and Old Bay seasoning, they come together in about 20 minutes and can even be made a day ahead for hassle-free entertaining.

Read the Recipe: Crab Cakes

6. Maryland Crab Cake Recipe

Maryland Crab Cake Recipe
Credit: sugarspunrun.com

Get ready for mouthwatering Maryland Crab Cakes that are brimming with fresh crab meat and just a touch of Old Bay seasoning. Baked to perfection, these light, moist cakes are made with minimal filler to let the rich crab flavor shine, creating a truly authentic and delicious seafood treat!

Read the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake Recipe

7. Crab Cakes [www.delish.com]

Crab Cakes [www.delish.com]
Credit: www.delish.com

Crab cakes are quick to make and packed with fresh crab flavor, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Just mix crabmeat, egg, mayo, and seasoning, form into patties, and fry until golden for an easy, delicious summer dinner or appetizer.

Read the Recipe: Crab Cakes [www.delish.com]

8. Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes
Credit: food52.com

Crab cakes are made by mixing high-quality crab meat with just enough panko breadcrumbs to hold them together, then seasoned with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, and lemon juice. Fry these cakes until golden and crispy on the outside, revealing a moist, flavorful interior that highlights the rich taste of Chesapeake blue crab.

Read the Recipe: Crab Cakes

9. Easy Crab Cakes [eatlikeerin.com]

Easy Crab Cakes [eatlikeerin.com]
Credit: eatlikeerin.com

These easy crab cakes are made with canned crab meat, cracker crumbs, and a simple whip of mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, and Old Bay seasoning, mixed together to create a flavorful but straightforward dish. Just shape the mixture into 12 little cakes, cook them until they’re golden brown, and enjoy their deliciously sweet crab flavor with a tasty red pepper aioli!

Read the Recipe: Easy Crab Cakes [eatlikeerin.com]

10. Dungeness Crab Cakes

Dungeness Crab Cakes
Credit: www.simplyrecipes.com

Combine fresh Dungeness crab meat with your favorite seasonings, form into small cakes, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour to help them hold together. Then, fry the crab cakes until golden brown and serve with a squeeze of lemon or a tangy sauce for an irresistible seafood treat!

Read the Recipe: Dungeness Crab Cakes

11. The Easiest Baked Crab Cakes

The Easiest Baked Crab Cakes
Credit: www.thekitchn.com

These baked crab cakes are a breeze to make—just shape the crab mixture into patties, chill for 10 minutes, then bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through in under 20 minutes. They’re tender, sweet, and full of flavor, thanks to fresh lump crab meat, a touch of mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce, all held together with panko breadcrumbs.

Read the Recipe: The Easiest Baked Crab Cakes

12. Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe (Little Filler)

Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe (Little Filler)
Credit: sallysbakingaddiction.com

These Maryland crab cakes are a true taste of Chesapeake Bay, featuring succulent lump crab meat mixed gently with lemon, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning. Just shape, refrigerate, and then bake in a hot oven until golden for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes as fresh as the seaside itself!

Read the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe (Little Filler)

13. Old Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Old Bay Crab Cakes Recipe
Credit: kellystilwell.com

These Old Bay Crab Cakes are a quick and tasty way to enjoy fresh seafood, featuring delicious lump crab meat mixed with just a few ingredients like Old Bay Seasoning and a touch of mayonnaise. Simply shape the mixture into six little cakes, bake until golden, and enjoy that perfect crispy crust with a burst of flavor in every bite!

Read the Recipe: Old Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

14. Imitation Crab Cakes

Imitation Crab Cakes
Credit: www.food.com

Dive into these delicious imitation crab cakes that come together in just about 30 minutes! Simply mix flaked imitation crab, green onions, egg, mayonnaise, and spices, then shape into small patties and cook until golden brown for a tasty treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Read the Recipe: Imitation Crab Cakes

15. Easy Crab Cake Recipe

Easy Crab Cake Recipe
Credit: pinchandswirl.com

These easy crab cakes highlight the natural, sweet flavor of fresh crab meat with just a few simple ingredients, all coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Fry them gently in a blend of oil and butter to achieve a buttery, crisp crust that perfectly complements the tender crab inside—simply delicious!

Read the Recipe: Easy Crab Cake Recipe

16. Maryland Crab Cakes [houseofnasheats.com]

Maryland Crab Cakes [houseofnasheats.com]
Credit: houseofnasheats.com

These Maryland Crab Cakes are amazingly easy and fresh, coming together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients that capture the authentic flavor of the Chesapeake Bay. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re perfect for any occasion and taste like they come from a fancy restaurant—yet they’re foolproof to make at home!

Read the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes [houseofnasheats.com]

17. Baked Crab Cakes

Baked Crab Cakes
Credit: www.southernliving.com

Whip up these baked crab cakes for an easy and impressive seafood dinner that’s full of flavor. Simply mix together lump crab meat, fresh herbs, lemon zest, spices, and a touch of mayo, shape into patties, and bake until golden brown for a delicious, fuss-free treat!

Read the Recipe: Baked Crab Cakes

18. Spicy Crab Cakes

Spicy Crab Cakes
Credit: healthyishfoods.com

Get ready to impress with these Spicy Crab Cakes that bring the perfect combination of rich crab flavor and a kick of heat from sriracha and jalapeno. They’re super easy to make, whether as a delicious appetizer or a main course, and are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering!

Read the Recipe: Spicy Crab Cakes

19. Crab Cakes [www.feastingathome.com]

Crab Cakes [www.feastingathome.com]
Credit: www.feastingathome.com

These delicious homemade crab cakes are made with fresh crabmeat, a touch of jalapeno, and a burst of lime zest, creating a light and flavorful bite. They come together easily in just a few steps—mix the ingredients, form into cakes, then sear them in ghee for a crisp exterior, making them perfect as an appetizer or main course. Serve with a tangy Pickled Pepper Vinaigrette or Chipotle Mayo for an irresistible finishing touch!

Read the Recipe: Crab Cakes [www.feastingathome.com]

20. Perfect and Easy Crab Cakes

Perfect and Easy Crab Cakes
Credit: eatsimplefood.com

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden crab cakes packed with fresh lobster-like flavor, thanks to lemon zest, dill, and bread crumbs. These easy pan-fried treats are made with a simple mixture of crab meat, mayo, egg, and herbs, then chilled to keep their perfect shape before being coated in panko for a crunchy crust—a surefire way to impress your family or guests!

Read the Recipe: Perfect and Easy Crab Cakes

21. Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Credit: www.delish.com

Crab cakes are a delicious, mess-free treat made in the air fryer, giving them a perfect crispy exterior without soaking in oil. Filled with big chunks of crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay and mustard, and bound with Saltine cracker crumbs, they come together quickly and are best served with a tangy tartar sauce and lemon wedges for an extra flavorsome bite.

Read the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cakes