Place flour and Old Bay in a large bowl. Place milk, lemon zest, and eggs in another large bowl, and whisk until blended. Place panko bread crumbs in a shallow bowl or high-sided plate. Bread the soft shell crabs by first coating in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour, dipping into the milk-egg mixture, and, lastly, thoroughly coating in the bread crumbs. O

nce the oil is hot, carefully place breaded softies into the skillet, and fry for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oil and set aside to drain on paper towels or on a wire rack.

Serve asap to preserve the crisp.