Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip: A Coastal Twist on a Classic Snack

Bylina

If you love crab cakes and you’re a fan of crispy snacks, this recipe is about to become a new favorite. Crispy crab cake egg rolls are a bold, creative twist that combines everything you love about a classic Maryland-style crab cake—tender crab meat, zesty seasoning, creamy richness—wrapped in a golden, crunchy egg roll wrapper. Paired with a bright, tangy lemon dipping sauce, these little rolls are the ultimate party food, game day snack, or coastal-inspired appetizer.

Why Crab Cake Egg Rolls Work So Well

Crab cakes are delicious on their own, but they can be delicate to handle and easy to overcook. Egg rolls offer a protective, crispy shell that holds in all the flavor and keeps the crab mixture moist. It’s the perfect vehicle for crab cake goodness. Plus, frying (or air frying) egg rolls adds a satisfying crunch that takes this dish to another level. The combo of textures—crunchy outside, creamy inside—makes them irresistible.

Ingredients for the Crab Cake Filling

  • 1/2 pound lump crab meat (jumbo lump if available)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup crushed saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 8 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Lemon Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Start by making the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, Old Bay, chopped green onion, parsley, and crushed crackers. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once everything is combined, chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes rolling easier. Lay out an egg roll wrapper with one corner facing you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture onto the lower third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Use a bit of the beaten egg along the top corner to seal. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Making the Lemon Dip

While the egg rolls are cooling slightly, stir together the mayo, sour cream or yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. It should be creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet.

Air Fryer Option

If you’d like to lighten things up, air frying works great. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the egg rolls with a little oil, place them in the basket in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Serving Tips

Serve the egg rolls hot, with the lemon dipping sauce on the side. These make amazing starters, especially with a cold beer or a sparkling lemonade. You can cut them in half diagonally for a nice presentation or serve them whole as finger food. Add a side of coleslaw or a light salad to round out the plate. If you’re hosting, place them on a platter with lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish.

Variations to Try

Crab cake egg rolls are a fun canvas to experiment with. Add a little shredded mozzarella or cream cheese to the filling for an extra creamy bite. Mix in a bit of finely diced red bell pepper or jalapeño for a hint of sweetness or heat. Swap in cooked shrimp or even lobster for a seafood remix. Or use spicy aioli, remoulade, or sriracha mayo instead of the lemon dip if you’re feeling bold.

Final Thoughts

These crispy crab cake egg rolls are proof that you can reinvent a classic without losing what makes it special. They’re crunchy, rich, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a party or treating yourself to something fun and fancy at home, they hit all the right notes. And once you try them with that zesty lemon dip? Game over.