Learn how to make a mouthwatering crab rangoon dip recipe to serve with your favorite dippers. It's creamy, savory, and easy to make.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
This flavorful dip combines all the delicious elements of traditional crab rangoons into one irresistible dish. Whether you choose to bake it in the oven or crisp it up in an air fryer, this versatile dip is sure to please.
I like to serve the dip with baked wonton strips made with wonton wrappers, but you can use other dippers if you prefer. Homemade tortilla strips or toasted slices of rustic Italian bread work are great dippers, too.
Reasons to Love
- Deliciously Creamy. The creamy and flavorful dip combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory taste of crab meat. The blend creates a smooth and indulgent texture, perfect for dipping crispy wonton chips or fresh vegetables.
- Easy Preparation. Making the appetizer is simple and quick, requiring minimal effort. Just mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven or air fryer, and you'll have a delicious appetizer ready to serve in no time.
Ingredients
The key to the delicious taste of crab rangoon dip lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Cream cheese and sour cream form the creamy base, while real crab meat adds a delicate sweetness and savory depth.
Here's the full list of ingredients you'll need for the recipe:
- canned crab meat or lump crab meat
- cream cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- green onions
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic powder
- ground white pepper
- sugar
- salt
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
I like to make this dip in an air fryer, but you can use an oven instead. Air frying just speeds up the cook time. Regardless of which appliance you use, you'll start the recipe by preheating to 370°F.
In a shallow large bowl, combine crab, garlic powder, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Pour Worcestershire sauce and mix well.
Combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and some mozzarella cheese in a separate large shallow bowl. Add in sour cream and mayonnaise.
Mix the cream cheese well into the other ingredients.
Add in the crab mixture and toss some green onions. Combine well.
Transfer the crab-cream cheese mixture to a small cast iron skillet or baking dish.
Flatten the mixture with the back of the spoon. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Gently place skillet onto the Air Fryer tray or a baking sheet. Insert into the preheated oven or air fryer in the center.
Cook until golden brown in color, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Hint: If you prefer a lighter color, you can cook for a few minutes less before it browns up on top.
Variations
Want to customize the recipe? Here are a few modifications you can try:
- Tangy - use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Umami - mix in a little soy sauce for a savory and umami depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian - swap the crab meat with chopped artichoke hearts or marinated tofu.
- Dairy Free - use dairy-free alternatives for the cheese and sour cream.
- Toppings - drizzle sweet chili sauce or sprinkle on sesame seeds on top.
Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to give it a kick of heat. Or, mix crab meat into my baked jalapeño cream cheese popper dip if you like a little spicier.
Tips
Top tip: Prepare ahead of time for the best taste. The flavors will meld together beautifully when given time to rest in the refrigerator before baking or air frying.
- When incorporating the crab and cream cheese together, make sure they are fully blended to create a smooth and creamy texture.
- Double or triple the recipe if you're hosting an event and need a bigger batch with more servings.
Serving suggestions
Serve the cheesy dip with crispy fried wontons or tortilla chips for a classic approach. For a healthier option, try fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
Add egg rolls on the side like Filipino air fryer lumpia to take things up a notch. If you make a large batch for a gathering, I recommend placing the dip in a small slow cooker to keep it warm.
Storage
Leftover baked crab rangoon dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the dip cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container, and then seal it tightly to prevent any air from getting in. When reheating, you can use a microwave or oven-safe dish and heat it at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the dip.
If you have a large batch of leftover crab rangoon dip, consider portioning it into smaller containers before refrigerating. Also, label the containers with the date to keep track of how long they've been in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat?
Yes, you can substitute imitation crab for real crab in the dip. While the flavor may differ slightly, it still works well and provides a similar texture.
What are the best dippers?
Using fried wonton chips is recommended as they complement the flavors of the dip perfectly. However, you can also serve it with crackers, toasted bread, chips, or vegetable sticks.
Related Recipes
Want to try more tasty appetizer recipes sized for only one or two people? Here are a few more recipes to check out:
- Air fryer chicken lollipops provide a less messy way to enjoy wings.
- Hawaiian roll sliders with ham and cheese are always a hit.
- Turkey roll ups with cream cheese are quick and easy to prepare.
- Bacon-wrapped onion rings combine sweet and salty flavors.
- Mini Crock Pot Buffalo chicken dip makes just the right amount for two.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Crab Rangoon Dip
Ingredients
- 4 ounces canned cooked crab meat
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese reserve 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions reserve 1 teaspoon
- ⅛ cup mayonnaise
- ⅛ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer, using the “Bake” settings at 370°F (188°C). Set at 7 minutes. (Or, preheat oven to 400°F and bake about 10 minutes.)
- In a large shallow bowl, combine crab, garlic powder, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Pour Worcestershire sauce and mix well.
- In a separate large shallow bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and some mozzarella cheese. Add in sour cream and mayonnaise, then mix well.
- Add in the crab mixture and toss some green onions. Combine well.
- Transfer crab-cream cheese mixture on a small cast iron skillet. Flatten the mixture with the back of the spoon. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Gently place skillet onto the Air Fryer tray. Slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- Air Fry for 7 minutes or until golden brown in color.
Teresa
Super easy, just mixed everything up. Served with crackers but can be versatile. A new family favorite!
Jellie
This crab rangoon dip is so creamy and flavorful. Used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and it adds a tangy twist to the dip. Served it with baked wonton strips and it was the perfect appetizer.
Mikee
This crab rangoon dip is so creamy and flavorful. I made the dairy-free version and it was it turned out really delicious. Served with homemade tortilla strips and it's a perfect crunchy complement.
Thea
So EASY to make and delicious! Definitely will be making this again. This is cheaper than ordering it in the restaurants! TY!
Melody
This for sure is one of my fave recipes now! So easy to make but tastes absolutely wonderful! So perfect that I can just make this in my air fryer. Definitely will try the healthy option next time with bell peppers and celery!
Sally
Is that a 6" skillet?
Lisa MarcAurele
Yes. It's a small 6-inch pan.
Pat
I do not have an air fryer...can I do this in a regular oven?
Lisa MarcAurele
Yes. You can bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 10 minutes.