Craving the crispy, savory goodness of crab fries but want to stay within your low-carb or ketogenic diet? Keto Crab Fries are here to satisfy your cravings without the carb overload. This recipe swaps out traditional French fries for jicama or radish “fries,” which are tossed in Old Bay seasoning and served with a creamy, crab-infused dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or game-day treat, these crab fries are as easy to make as they are delicious.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making this indulgent keto-friendly dish, discuss its nutritional benefits, and provide tips for customization to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free comfort food!
Why Choose Keto Crab Fries?
Traditional crab fries are made with carb-heavy French fries and often smothered in cheese and creamy sauces, which can disrupt ketosis. By using low-carb alternatives like jicama or radishes and pairing them with a rich, crab-infused dip, you can enjoy all the bold flavors of crab fries while staying within your dietary goals. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Benefits of Keto Crab Fries:
- Low in Carbs: Uses jicama or radishes instead of potatoes.
- High in Healthy Fats: Packed with fats from butter, cream cheese, and crab meat.
- Protein-Packed: Lump crab meat provides a hearty dose of protein.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or game-day snacks.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create Keto Crab Fries , let’s break down the key components:
1. Base (Jicama or Radish Fries)
The foundation replaces traditional fries:
- Jicama: A low-carb root vegetable with a crisp texture that holds up well when roasted.
- Radishes: Roasted radishes develop a tender, potato-like texture with a mild flavor.
2. Seasoning
This adds bold, savory flavor:
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic blend of spices that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhance the flavor profile.
3. Crab Dip
The star of the dish is the creamy, crab-infused dip:
- Lump Crab Meat: Provides rich, briny flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the dip.
- Butter: Enhances richness and flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip with acidity.
- Optional Add-Ins: Chopped chives, parsley, or hot sauce for extra zest.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to creating Keto Crab Fries that will leave you craving more.
Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the fries:
- 2 medium jicama or 1 bunch of radishes, cut into fry-sized sticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the crab dip:
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the Fries:
- Toss the jicama or radish sticks with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the Fries:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.
- Make the Crab Dip:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cream cheese together, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the lump crab meat, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the roasted fries on a plate and serve with the warm crab dip on the side.
- Garnish with additional Old Bay seasoning or fresh herbs for presentation.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~200-250
- Total Carbs: ~8g (Net Carbs: ~6g)
- Protein: ~8g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
This makes Keto Crab Fries a satisfying, low-carb appetizer or snack that fits perfectly within a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Crab: Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space out the fries on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and crispiness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:
- Veggie Option: Swap jicama or radishes for zucchini sticks or parsnips for a different texture.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crab dip for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.
Final Thoughts
Keto Crab Fries are the ultimate solution for enjoying the rich, savory flavors of crab fries without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. With their crispy base, creamy crab dip, and bold seasoning, this dish satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or game-day treat, this recipe delivers big flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, feeding your family, or simply craving a comforting snack, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Plus, its adaptability ensures that everyone—regardless of dietary preferences—can enjoy a serving.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Trust us—once you try these Keto Crab Fries, you’ll never miss the carb-heavy originals!
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Keto Crab Fries: A Low-Carb Twist on a Seafood Favorite
- Total Time: 25 mins
Description
Crispy, golden, and loaded with rich crab flavor — these keto crab fries are a fun, low-carb twist on crab cakes, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or dinner side!
Ingredients
8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
1 egg (to bind)
¼ cup almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch)
1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (keto-friendly)
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
Oil for frying or air fryer cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, gently mix crab meat , egg , mayo , Worcestershire sauce , Old Bay , garlic powder , salt , and pepper .
Add almond flour to help bind the mixture into fry shapes. Mix well.
Scoop small portions and shape into “fries” using your hands or a mold.
Place shaped crab fries on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray with oil or brush with oil for crispiness.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or air fry for 6–8 minutes , flipping halfway through.
Serve warm with keto tartar sauce , lemon wedges , or spicy mayo for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 12g