| |

How To Reheat Crab Cakes

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

There is nothing more savory and filling than a crab cake. It is one of the most popular snacks around that is readily and regularly enjoyed by people all over the world.

Bringing the right kind of flavors to the table, it hardly comes as a surprise that a lot of people love it. That said, this is a snack that is best enjoyed hot. That is why a lot of people are wondering:

How do you reheat crab cakes? There are several ways to approach reheating crab cakes, but the best way is to use an oven or toaster oven. Other options include using a microwave, stove, or air fryer. Each method comes with its own pros and cons when it comes to preserving the texture and integrity of the crab cakes.

In this heating guide, we’ll give you a run-down of all the different ways you can reheat your crab cakes. So be sure to keep reading!

Enjoying Crab Cakes

Before anything else, for those unfamiliar with this wonderful snack, crab cakes are made from delectable crab meat seasoned with different spices.

They are then covered in bread crumbs and slathered with mayo and mustard before being molded into the desired shape.

Needless to say, the rich and sweet flavor of the crab will be the standout element of this dish. After all, you want this distinctive flavor to shine through.

However, it is worth noting that this snack is extremely delicate, so you will need to handle them with a healthy dose of caution.

Knowing the dish’s main ingredients is crucial here, as it gives you a good idea of what to expect should you need to store and reheat it. The last thing you want is to have your crab cakes falling apart during the reheating process. 

Can You Eat Crab Cakes Cold?

This is a commonly asked question that needs to be addressed: can you eat crab cakes cold? The short answer to that is yes, you can eat crab cakes cold. However, like with most foods, you won’t be able to get the optimal culinary experience if you choose to consume this dish cold. 

So, while you are completely free to eat them straight from the fridge, we don’t recommend it. Remember, crab cakes contain crab meat, mayonnaise, and eggs.

If you have ever tried eating those ingredients cold, then you probably also know how the low temperature can affect their texture. 

Remember, reheating isn’t just a matter of food safety, it is also a matter of getting the best possible eating experience.

How Do You Heat Up Already Cooked Crab Cakes?

There are several ways that you can reheat cooked crab cakes. Do it well and they should come out tasting just as fresh and delectable a couple of days later.

However, before you proceed, you would do well to remember that you shouldn’t leave it in the fridge for too long before reheating. Remember, seafood doesn’t keep very well and crabs are no exemption.

Moreover, crab cakes also contain mayonnaise and eggs which can pose food safety problems if you aren’t careful. So, as a rule, make sure that your crab cakes don’t go past 2 days in the fridge after cooking.

That said, crab cakes can be rather fragile to handle. You need to be careful when reheating them, as they can easily break apart. This is true regardless of the method you choose. So, before proceeding, make sure that you remember the following:

  • Heat Distribution – You will want to heat your crab cakes evenly. No one wants to eat crab cakes that are hot to the touch yet ice-cold once you bite into them.
  • Maintaining the Original Texture – When reheating the crab cakes, you need to remember that the ideal texture for the dish is slightly crispy. The last thing you want is for it to turn into a mushy waste. 
  • Retaining the Shape – Aside from its sumptuous flavor, one of the most distinctive characteristics of crab cakes is its shape. Needless to say, you will want it to retain its shape throughout the heating process. So, be sure to follow the instructions as closely as you can to ensure that your crab cakes come out looking good. 

Reheating in the Oven/Toaster Oven

Reheating the crab cakes in the oven or toaster oven is one of the best ways that you can go about reheating your crab cakes.

This is because the oven will heat the crab easily and evenly. Moreover, it doesn’t affect the texture of the dish itself.

However, there are a couple of things that you need to remember before you proceed. Namely, it can easily turn your crab cakes dry if you aren’t careful. That is why we highly recommend that you use a baking sheet to do this. 

Alternatively, you can also use a pan covered with aluminum foil to solve this problem altogether.

Another method that you can do is put a pan of water on the rack beside your crab cakes. This will help prevent them from drying out as the steam provides a moist environment.

That said, make sure to follow these steps as you reheat your crab cakes in the oven:

  1. Let your crab cakes come up to room temperature before putting them in the oven. Remember, the rapid change in temperature from the fridge and dry heat can cause them to dry out.
  2. As you let the crab cakes warm to room temperature, start preheating the oven to 325 degrees.
  3. Lay your crab cakes on a foil-covered baking sheet. This will help prevent sticking and reduce the chances of them drying out. 
  4. Space the crab cakes on the baking sheet evenly, giving each one enough room. Do not overcrowd the cakes in a single sheet. 
  5. Brush the crab cakes with a thin layer of butter. This will help keep them moist and give it an extra ounce of flavor.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it heat for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating in the Microwave

Microwaving crab cakes is a straightforward and easy process. It is probably the fastest and most convenient way to reheat your snacks. Make sure to follow these steps:

  1. Let the crab cakes come up to room temperature, especially if you are getting it from your fridge.
  2. Place the crab cakes in a microwave-safe container/bowl. Make sure that they are evenly spaced and that the container isn’t overly crowded.
  3. Brush your crab cakes with butter. Just make sure that the surface of your crab cakes is fully and evenly coated.
  4. Hit start and microwave for 1 minute on the medium setting. 

Before you proceed, you may want to note that there is a major caveat to this method: the microwave will inevitably impact the texture of your dish.

The worst-case scenario is that the crab will become tough and rubbery once it comes out of the microwave. While this won’t always be the case, it is a risk that you need to consider. 

Using the Stove

Another proven method of reheating crab cakes is on the stovetop, using a quality pan. This method will give you the crispiest results.

We highly recommend that you give this method a try, as it effectively and evenly heats your crab cakes without altering the texture.

Here’s how to reheat your crab cakes in the pan:

  1. Let the crab cakes get to room temperature while your pan preheats and then spread a thin layer of butter on them.
  2. Put a small amount of cooking oil on the bottom of your pan, just enough that it is completely coated.
  3. Turn on the heat until the oil is bubbling hot, then add a small amount of water before putting in the crab cakes.
  4. Cover the pan with a lid, making sure that the resulting steam is completely trapped. Watch the water level and let the butter melt through.

Remember that there is always a risk of burning your food when using oil in a pan. Of course, this can be prevented if you keep an eye on it.

Reheating Using an Air Fryer

Finally, the last reheating method worth mentioning here is using an air fryer. Make sure to follow these steps closely:

  1. Spray your crab patties on both sides with cooking spray before placing them in the basket of your air fryer. 
  2. Set the air fryer’s temperature to 370 degrees and wait for 6-8 minutes. The crab cakes should come out warm and crisp.

You can reheat your crab cakes in several ways, depending on your preferences and the means available to you. Just make sure to follow the steps we have presented in this reheating guide to ensure that you get the best possible results.

Up Next: Can You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat?

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *