Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

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Last updated on January 23rd, 2024

This Maryland Crab Fries recipe is a comfort food classic in the Old Line State!

Made with crispy French fries, Old Bay seasoning, sweet lump crab and a creamy aioli, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for any occasion!

Traditional crab fries are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish for a casual get-together, game day, or just whenever you want an extra fun dish for dinner.

Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

These Fries Actually Have Crab Meat

There are some crab fries recipes that don’t actually have crab on them!

Instead, the fries are simply seasoned with Old Bay spice, that popular seafood seasoning we know and love.

So, if you don’t like crab meat or can’t eat it because of allergies, you can still make this recipe without the crab meat and still add the Old Bay seasoning.

Old Bay fries are so delicious and served in most restaurant locations along the East Coast.

Crab Fries Recipe Ingredients

  • Frozen French Fries
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sea Salt
  • Lump Crab Meat
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Fresh Chives (or Green Onions)
  • Jalapeño Pepper
Easy ingredients

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Fries

First, bake the fries according to the package directions. For extra crispy golden brown fries, which work well with the addition of toppings, add a few minutes to the bake time.

Tip: Preheat your baking sheet for crispier fries.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Aioli

Second, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, lemon juice and salt until it is well combined. 

Then, transfer the aioli to a small zip top bag. With scissors, snip off one corner of the bag so you can drizzle the aioli over the fries.

Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Third, top fries evenly with lump crab.

After that, drizzle aioli all over the top.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Finally, garnish with chopped parsley, chives and diced jalapeño.

Place any extra aioli in a small dish and serve it on the side.

Storing Leftovers

I actually don’t recommend storing leftovers. This dish won’t keep or reheat well once assembled.

This recipe makes enough for 8 servings as an appetizer or side dish, great for a party or crowd. 

If enjoying this for dinner, say for a family of four, cut the recipe in half.

Substitutions & Variations

Get creative and experiment with different substitutions and variations to find your perfect crab fries recipe!

  • Air fry or deep fry the frozen French fries.
  • Make homemade fries using your favorite recipe.
  • Try this recipe with waffle fries, crinkle cut fries or sweet potato fries.
  • If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute a mixture of salt, pepper, and paprika or use a seasoning salt or other seasoning blend. 
  • Amp up your crab fries with these add-ons: parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced onion.
  • Serve with extra dipping sauces like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, cheese sauce, or guacamole.
Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

The Best Type of Crab Meat for Crab Fries

In my opinion, the best kind of crab meat for crab fries is lump crab meat. While it is more costly than other varieties, it’s sweet and tender and worth the splurge for crab fries.

Needless to say, if you are on a budget, you can use claw crab meat instead of lump.

Also, claw crab meat is smaller and less expensive than lump, but it is still flavorful and will make delicious crab fries.

Above all, look for crab meat that is fresh and has a sweet, mild smell; not too fishy.

Even more economical is imitation crab found in your local grocery store.

Imitation crab is made from some crab and other seafood, like pollock.

Bottom line, make sure to choose a brand that has a good reputation.

Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

Maryland Crab Fries Recipe

Housewives of Frederick County
Made with crispy French fries, Old Bay seasoning, sweet lump crab and a creamy aioli, you'll want to keep this Maryland Crab Fries recipe handy for any occasion! Crab fries are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish for a casual get-together, game day, or when you want an extra fun dish for dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

Fries

  • 1 Bag Frozen French Fries, 28 – 32 oz bag , (I recommend Alexia brand)
  • 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, or more, to taste

Aioli Sauce

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt, or more, to taste

Topping

  • 8 oz Lump Crab Meat
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Chopped Chives or Green Onions
  • 1 Chopped jalapeno, seeded, diced fine

Instructions
 

  • Bake fries according to package instructions. (You may want to add a few minutes to the baking time for extra crispy fries.) Toss fries with Old Bay.
  • While the fries are baking, make your aioli. Mix together mayo, mustard, garlic, lemon juice & salt until well combined.
  • Transfer mixture to a plastic bag or pastry bag and snip the tip off for drizzling.
  • Top fries evenly with crab meat and drizzle with aioli. Transfer extra aioli to a small dish for dipping.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley, chives and jalapeno.
Keyword crab fries, crab fries recipe, crab meat fries, french fries with crab meat, maryland crab fries

Crab fries are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food. Whether you want a hearty snack for the football game or something special for dinner, these are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Lastly, don’t forget to check out these other crab appetizers while you’re here:

Maryland Hot Crab Dip

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Maryland Crab Pizza

Maryland Crab Fries Recipe
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