Maximizing Fridge Life: How Long Do Crab Legs Last in the Refrigerator?

Crab legs are a delicious treat for seafood lovers. The sweet, succulent meat tucked inside the hard-shell legs is always a crowd-pleasing appetizer or entree. However, crab legs are highly perishable and have a relatively short fridge life. You want to eat crab legs as fresh as possible before they go bad. So how long do crab legs last in the fridge after buying them or after cooking?

Knowing proper storage methods and approximate crab leg fridge life will allow you to maximize the freshness and prevent waste. Read on to learn how many days crab legs will last in the refrigerator proper storage techniques signs of spoiled crab, and how freezing extends their shelf life.

How Long Do Raw Crab Legs Last in the Fridge?

If stored properly in the fridge, fresh uncooked crab legs will last around 3 to 5 days before spoiling. However, it’s best to cook and eat raw crab legs as soon as possible, ideally within 1 to 2 days of purchasing for optimal flavor and texture. The firmer the shell and meat, the fresher the crab legs are.

To maximize the shelf life of raw crab legs:

• Keep crab legs chilled at 40°F or below Use your refrigerator’s coldest settings

• Leave crab legs in their original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Limit air exposure.

• Place crab legs on a tray to catch any leaked juices and keep refrigerated shelves clean

• Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this slows down cooling.

• Use raw crab legs within 2 days for premium quality. Discard crab legs if they smell fishy or ammonia-like.

How Long Do Cooked Crab Legs Last in the Fridge?

Cooked crab legs have a slightly longer shelf life than raw. If stored properly in an airtight container, cooked crab legs can last around 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. Again, it’s best to eat them sooner rather than later, within 3 to 5 days for the freshest taste and texture.

Follow these tips to extend the fridge life of cooked crab legs:

• Let crab legs cool completely before refrigerating to prevent temperature issues.

• Place cooled crab legs in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

• Use cooked crab legs within 3 days for premium flavor and texture.

• If crab legs smell sour or rancid, or become slimy, toss them out. Don’t risk eating spoiled crab.

• Leftover crab legs are safe to eat for lunch or dinner the next day if properly stored. But the texture and moisture content will decline with each day.

What Are the Signs of Spoiled Crab Legs?

Crab legs typically last around 3 to 10 days in the fridge, depending on whether they are raw or cooked. However, you should toss crab legs immediately at the first signs of spoilage, which include:

• Slimy or tacky texture or discolored meat. Good meat looks white.

• Strong fishy, sour, or ammonia-like odor.

• Mold growth, dryness, mushiness, or stickiness.

• Grayish, dull, or brown meat and shells, rather than translucent white.

Don’t take risks with old crab legs. Crab that contains pathogens or toxins can cause nasty food poisoning symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to seafood.

Storing and Freezing Crab Legs

For long term storage, freezing raw or cooked crab legs can extend their shelf life significantly. Frozen properly, crab legs can stay fresh for 6 to 12 months in the freezer.

Follow these guidelines for freezing crab legs:

• Flash freeze crab legs as quickly as possible to maintain texture and moisture.

• Divide legs into meal-size portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. Exclude excess air.

• Add a splash of lemon juice to help neutralize odors and prevent discoloration.

• Label bags/containers with the date and contents. Stack oldest crab legs in front to use first.

• Thaw frozen crab legs gradually in the fridge overnight before cooking to prevent food safety issues.

Enjoy Freshest Crab Legs with Proper Storage

Now that you know how long crab legs last and how to maximize their fridge and freezer life, you can revel in their delicious sweetness during every bite. Follow the recommended storage times and techniques. Cook raw crab as soon as possible, within 1-2 days of purchase. Eat leftover cooked crab legs within 3 to 5 days. Discard older crab legs to avoid a bad bout of food poisoning. With proper care in the fridge or freezer, crab legs will stay tasty and healthy to eat.