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26 Delicious Crab and Shrimp Appetizers

Discover a world of seafood appetizers with this collection of mouthwatering recipes. Whether you’re craving the smoky flavors of the grill, the crisp texture of air-fried favorites, or creamy, indulgent dips, there’s something here for every occasion. These dishes bring the best of land and sea together, creating memorable meals with ease.

From light and refreshing ceviche to bold Cajun-inspired dips, this roundup showcases a variety of textures and flavors to suit all preferences. Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or even weeknight dinners, these recipes are designed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ready to dive in? Explore these recipes and discover new ways to enjoy your favorite seafood. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp, crab, or unique flavor combinations, these ideas are sure to inspire your next meal.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon with this foolproof timing method that ensures great texture.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Hot Crab Dip

Hot Crab Dip. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Creamy crab dip made with lump crabmeat, cream cheese, herbs, and Old Bay, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for texture.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get tender, flavorful shrimp quickly with an air fryer. A perfect seasoning blend gives these shrimp a restaurant-quality taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba)

Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Fresh crab marinated in citrus, combined with peppers, onions, and cilantro, for a light, refreshing dish full of bright flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba)

Easy Butter Smoked Shrimp

Easy Butter Smoked Shrimp. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Tender shrimp in a buttery marinade, gently smoked to create a rich and smoky seafood dish perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butter Smoked Shrimp

Buttery Ritz Crab Cakes

Buttery Ritz Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Lump crab meat and Ritz crackers combine for crispy, golden crab cakes with tender insides and rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Ritz Crab Cakes

Shrimp Saganaki with crispy Fried Halloumi

Shrimp Saganaki with crispy Fried Halloumi. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A Greek-inspired dish with juicy shrimp and crispy cheese, ready in just 20 minutes for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Saganaki with crispy Fried Halloumi

Coconut Pecan Shrimp

Coconut Pecan Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Shrimp coated in a crispy blend of coconut and pecans, delivering a tropical taste and unique texture for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pecan Shrimp

Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Stone crab claws served with a garlicky butter sauce that’s perfect for dipping and enhances every bite of crab meat.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Traeger Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Traeger Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Mushrooms filled with savory crab stuffing, cooked on a grill for a smoky and satisfying appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A creative twist on shrimp cocktail, blending the bold flavors of a Bloody Mary with tender, juicy shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Creamy hot crab dip with a smoky twist, ideal for seafood lovers looking for a bold appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Crab Cream Cheese Wontons

Crab Cream Cheese Wontons. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy wontons filled with a creamy crab mixture for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cream Cheese Wontons

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy shrimp in a sweet, creamy sauce with candied walnuts, making it a favorite for homemade takeout meals.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Learn the timing to grill shrimp that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor—ideal for impressing guests with ease.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Shrimp with a crispy coconut crust cooked in an air fryer for a lighter, tropical-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail

Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Grilled shrimp served chilled with a refreshing cocktail sauce—a summer party staple or light, flavorful appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Fresh shrimp in a vibrant, zesty mix of tomatoes, lime, and cilantro—perfect for an appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Panko Shrimp

Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Crispy shrimp coated in panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy dish that’s quick to prepare and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Panko Shrimp

Grilled Crab Cakes

Grilled Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoky, flavorful crab cakes grilled to perfection—a fresh take on a classic seafood favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Crab Cakes

Old Bay Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Old Bay Shrimp with Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and served with a creamy dip—perfect for summer gatherings and casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Old Bay Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Coconut Shrimp

Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Shrimp coated in crispy coconut breading, paired with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce for a tropical-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Cajun Crab Dip

Cajun Crab Dip. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A warm, spicy crab dip made with bold Cajun flavors, ideal for parties and holiday entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Crab Dip

Guacamole Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

Guacamole Shrimp Appetizer Recipe. Photo credit: Life Currents.

Juicy shrimp served atop creamy guacamole for a fresh, flavorful appetizer everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

Light Shrimp Cocktail Bites

Light Shrimp Cocktail Bites. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Bite-sized shrimp appetizers served with a light cocktail sauce—an elegant, healthier party starter.
Get the Recipe: Light Shrimp Cocktail Bites

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp

Rob’s BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Classic New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, bursting with bold flavors for a taste of Louisiana in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Rob’s BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp)