Pour the vegetable oil into a large pan and heat until a small cube of bread turns golden-brown in 30 seconds. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)
Place the flour in a dish and add salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste.
Roll the crabs in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess.
Carefully add the crabs to the hot oil and deep fry until golden-brown and crisp. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Serve immediately.
