Crab cakes are a delightful culinary treat that combines the sweet succulence of crab meat with the satisfying crunch of a golden brown exterior. However, leftover crab cakes often lose their magic, becoming dried out or soggy disappointments. Thankfully, with the right reheating techniques, you can revive crab cakes to their full glory.
In this article, I’ll share the methods I’ve tested to uncover the ideal way to reheat crab cakes. You’ll learn how to retain that straight-from-the-fryer texture and flavor. With a few simple steps, your crab cakes can once again be that sublime balance of tender interior and crispy crust that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Understanding Crab Cake Composition
To properly reheat crab cakes, it helps to understand what gives them their signature taste and texture. Here’s a quick breakdown
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Crab meat – The star ingredient, providing succulent flavor and texture Lump crab meat works best.
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Binders – Ingredients like egg, mayonnaise, or mustard that help hold the crab cake together.
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Breadcrumbs/crackers – Added crunch and an outer crust when fried or baked
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Seasonings – Spices and herbs that enhance the sweetness of the crab.
This combo is key. Reheating requires reviving both the crisp exterior and the moist, delicate crab meat inside.
Why Proper Reheating is Essential
Improperly reheated crab cakes suffer a disheartening fate. The crisp coating can become soggy and limp. The crab meat may dry out, becoming tough or rubbery.
By using the right technique, however, you can bring crab cakes back to their full glory. The key is applying heat gently and evenly. This prevents overcooking while revitalizing the outer crust.
Follow my tips below to enjoy leftover crab cakes that retain their perfect texture and taste.
Method 1 – Reheating in a Skillet
My top pick for reheating crab cakes is using a skillet on the stovetop. With a few easy steps, you can achieve bakery-fresh results:
Step 1: Heat a frying pan on medium heat, using a little oil or butter. You don’t want your crab cakes to burn during the warm-up process, so don’t use the maximum heat.
Step 2: Place crab cakes in the pan, cover with a lid, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step 3: If dry, add a little water and cover the pan. The steam will restore moisture.
Why it works: The skillet allows you to mimic the quick heat of frying while avoiding oil-logged crab cakes. It brings back that crispy exterior but lets you control the heat to prevent toughness or drying.
Method 2 – Reheating in the Oven
The oven also does a superb job of evenly reheating crab cakes without drying them out:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Place crab cakes on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
Step 3: Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Remove foil and broil for 1-2 minutes to recrisp the outside.
Why it works: The foil creates a steamy environment that keeps the crab cakes moist while the oven’s ambient heat crisps the exterior. Broiling at the end brings back the golden-brown crust.
Method 3 – Reheating in the Air Fryer
An air fryer is a fast, convenient way to reheat crab cakes, mimicking deep frying without the grease:
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Step 2: Spritz crab cakes lightly with oil or brush with melted butter.
Step 3: Cook 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why it works: The air fryer’s circulated hot air crisps up the exterior while the short cook time prevents drying out the insides.
Tips for Reheating Perfection
Follow these handy tips for flawlessly reheated crab cakes every time:
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Let crab cakes sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating for more even heating.
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Use a lower heat and cook a little longer. This prevents burning the outside before the middle is hot.
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Flip the crab cakes halfway during reheating to crisp both sides.
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If crab cakes seem dry during reheating, add a spoonful of water to the pan or spray with oil/butter.
Storing Leftover Crab Cakes
To enjoy multiple reheats of your leftover crab cakes, proper storage is a must:
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Let crab cakes cool completely before storing.
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Place in an airtight container in a single layer separated by parchment paper.
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Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 2-3 days.
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For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
Enjoy the Magic of Perfectly Reheated Crab Cakes
With a little care and the right technique, you can revive leftover crab cakes to their full glory. Crisp, golden shells housing sweet, pillowy crab is once again yours to savor.
Whether you choose the quick stove-top skillet, the ambient oven, or the high-tech air fryer, proper reheating preserves the magic. Now you can reheat those leftovers with confidence and enjoy crab cakes that taste fantastically fresh.
Dig in and savor the sublime texture of tender flake on the inside and crunch on the outside. The crab cake’s finest moment should be the first bite, not the first cooking. With these tips, you can rediscover just-made delight with every leftover crab cake you reheat.
Ideal Oven Temperatures and Times
- Temperature: Setting the oven to 325°F is the right temperature to warm the crab cakes all the way through without burning the edges.
- Time:Refrigerated Crab Cakes: Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. For frozen crab cakes, add 18 to 20 minutes to the time.
The timing may need adjustments based on the ovens efficiency and the size of the crab cakes.
Using the Microwave Without Drying Out
To reheat crab cakes in the microwave without sacrificing moisture:
- Place the crab cakes in a microwave-safe container.
- Loosely cover with a damp paper towel to help the food keep its moisture.
- In 30-second bursts, heat on medium power and check for warmth and moisture.
The addition of water via the damp paper towel helps prevent drying out during the microwave process.
Tip of the Day: Reheating Crab for Easier Shelling
FAQ
What is the best way to reheat a crab cake?
What is the best way to reheat cooked crab?
How to reheat crab cakes?
To reheat crab cakes, place them on a wire mesh cooking tray and heat up in the air fryer for about five minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet to reheat the crab cakes.
How do you heat up crab cakes in a skillet?
Here’s how to best heat up crab cakes in a skillet. Turn on the stove to medium heat. You don’t want your crab cakes to burn during the warm-up process, so don’t use the maximum heat. Spray a little oil on a pan and let it heat up. You can use olive oil since you won’t go for max heat.
How do you cook crab cakes in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take the crab cakes from the fridge and arrange them on a wire rack or a baking tray. Cover them with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes (less in a toaster oven). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes or broil them until they’re crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How to cook crab cakes in a frying pan?
Turn on the stove to medium heat. You don’t want your crab cakes to burn during the warm-up process, so don’t use the maximum heat. Spray a little oil on a pan and let it heat up. You can use olive oil since you won’t go for max heat. Put crab cakes in a frying pan and cover with a lid to keep the juiciness.