These Crab Fries with Garlic Aioli are an irresistible, flavor-packed snack or appetizer that combines crispy seasoned fries, buttery crab meat, and a creamy, zesty homemade garlic aioli. It’s a seafood-lover’s dream with comfort food vibes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Imagine the crunch of hot fries, the decadence of sweet crab, and the zing of garlicky aioli—all in one bite. Whether it’s game day, date night, or just a Wednesday snack craving, these loaded fries hit all the right notes: crispy, creamy, savory, and satisfying.
Crab Fries with Garlic Aioli
Let’s be honest—loaded fries are already amazing. But when you add delicate, buttery crab and homemade garlic aioli? Now you’re talking next-level indulgence. These fries blend familiar comfort with coastal freshness, creating a dish that feels both casual and gourmet.
We start with seasoned fries baked until golden and crisp. These provide the perfect sturdy base for our toppings and soak up all the buttery goodness from the crab.
Crab meat—already cooked and shredded—gets lightly heated with garlic and a bit of butter, enhancing its flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. You can use fresh or canned crab, depending on your budget and availability.
The aioli is the real kicker. Unlike store-bought mayo-based sauces, this garlicky version is made with simple ingredients: mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a slight kick. It adds brightness and creaminess without overpowering the crab.
A little lemon balances out the richness, while the garlic gives it that irresistible umami bite. If you’re a sauce fan, double the aioli. You’ll want to dip everything in it.
Optional chives add a pop of color and a gentle oniony flavor that ties the whole thing together.
These fries are best served hot and fresh, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a fun dinner with friends.
They come together quickly and use pantry staples, but the final result feels like something you’d order at a beachside bistro.
Make them once and you’ll be hooked—they’re bold, comforting, and just a little bit fancy.
Don’t forget to serve with napkins. Things might get deliciously messy.
Servings 2-3
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen seasoned French fries
- 8 ounces cooked crab meat (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (2 for aioli, 1 for crab), minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the French fries according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, prepare the garlic aioli by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the crab meat with 1 minced garlic clove and butter. Heat for 1 minute or until warm. Stir to combine.
- Once the fries are done, remove from the oven and arrange on a serving plate.
- Top fries with warm crab mixture.
- Drizzle generously with garlic aioli.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives, if using.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- For crispier fries, air fry or bake them a few extra minutes.
- You can substitute lump crab with claw meat or imitation crab based on availability.
- Add shredded cheese before baking for a melty twist.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
