How To Reheat Crab Cakes? 5 BEST Ways

Crab cakes are a delicious meal that can be enjoyed anytime. But leftovers are inevitable, and reheating crab cakes properly ensures they retain their signature flavor and texture. As someone who loves whipping up crab cakes at home, I’ve tested out various reheating methods to find the best way to make day-old crab cakes taste freshly-made again.

In this article, I’ll share my tried and tested techniques for reheating crab cakes using the oven, stove, microwave, air fryer, and broiler. I’ll also provide tips on safely storing crab cakes to extend their shelf life. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, tasty crab cakes again in no time!

Reheating Crab Cakes Using Oven

The oven allows you to reheat crab cakes gradually without overcooking. Here are the step-by-step instructions to follow:

1. Allow the crab cakes to come to room temperature. Remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before reheating.

2. Preheat the oven to 325°F. This moderately low temperature prevents drying out.

3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it. The foil prevents sticking.

4. Arrange the crab cakes on the baking sheet leaving about 1 inch space around each crab cake.

5. Bake the crab cakes for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. They should be hot throughout.

6. Remove baking sheet from oven and gently flip the crab cakes over with a spatula.

7. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes more for evenly heated crab cakes.

8. Lightly brush the tops of the crab cakes with melted butter or olive oil for extra moisture and flavor.

9. Remove from oven once done. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure they are above 165°F.

10. Allow to sit for 2 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your oven-baked crab cakes!

Pro Tip: For added flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan, breadcrumbs or fresh herbs on top of the crab cakes before reheating.

Reheating Crab Cakes on Stovetop

The stovetop is ideal for giving crab cakes a quick reheat with a nice browned exterior. Follow these easy steps:

1. Allow crab cakes to come to room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

3. Once hot, gently place the crab cakes in the skillet evenly spaced apart. Work in batches to avoid crowding.

4. Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more.

5. Add 2 tablespoons water to the skillet and cover with a lid. This creates steam to reheat crab cakes.

6. Cook for 2-3 minutes covered until heated through. Check internal temperature.

7. Remove the lid and cook for 1 more minute to recrisp the exterior if needed.

8. Transfer reheated crab cakes to a platter. Add freshly squeezed lemon or tartar sauce if desired.

9. Repeat process in batches for remaining crab cakes. Serve hot off the skillet!

Pro Tip: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the skillet for aromatic flavor.

Reheating Crab Cakes in Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to reheat crab cakes when time is limited. Here is how to do it right:

1. Let crab cakes sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before microwaving.

2. Arrange crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate, spacing them apart evenly.

3. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

4. Microwave for 60 seconds at 50% power then check for temperature.

5. Continue microwaving in 30 seconds intervals at 50% power until heated through, flipping halfway.

6. Crab cakes should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Take care not to overcook.

7. Allow to rest covered for 2 minutes before serving.

8. Drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice or tartar sauce. Enjoy your quick microwaved crab cakes!

Pro Tip: Microwaves can cook unevenly, so arrange crab cakes in a ring and rotate periodically for even reheating.

How to Reheat Crab Cakes in Air Fryer

The air fryer is great for making crab cakes crispy on the outside while heated through. Here is my method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.

2. Pat crab cakes dry with paper towels so the breading gets crispy.

3. Spray or brush both sides lightly with oil.

4. Arrange crab cakes in air fryer basket without overlapping.

5. Air fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

6. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer – should reach 165°F.

7. If needed, brush top with oil and air fry 2-3 minutes more to make the top and bottom equally crispy.

8. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly crisped crab cakes from the air fryer!

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle cheese, breadcrumbs or herbs on top of crab cakes before air frying.

Reheating Crab Cakes Under The Broiler

The broiler uses intense overhead heat to give crab cakes a delicious crispy crust. Follow these simple steps:

1. Position oven rack 5-6 inches from broiler.

2. Place crab cakes on a broiler pan lined with foil.

3. Broil for 3-4 minutes until hot and top is golden brown.

4. Flip crab cakes carefully with tongs and broil 3-4 minutes more on the other side.

5. Monitor temperature using a meat thermometer – should reach 165°F.

6. Brush tops with melted butter or olive oil for extra browning if needed.

7. Remove once crab cakes are browned and crispy on both sides.

8. Let sit for 1-2 minutes before serving for juicy, broiled crab cakes!

Pro Tip: Mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan and herbs for a flavorful topping when broiling.

Properly Storing Leftover Crab Cakes

To safely enjoy crab cakes again, proper storage is essential:

– Refrigerate cooled crab cakes within 2 hours of cooking in an airtight container. Consume within 3 days.

– Place crab cakes in a single layer separated by parchment paper before covering container.

– For longer freezer storage, wrap crab cakes individually in plastic wrap then place together in freezer bag.

– Frozen crab cakes maintain optimal flavor for 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

– Avoid storing crab cakes for over a week in the fridge as texture and taste deteriorates.

– Check for signs of spoilage before reheating like off smells, colors, or mold. When in doubt, throw it out.

Proper refrigeration and freezing preserves the delicious taste of homemade crab cakes to enjoy days later.

Conclusion

Crab cakes are a indulgent appetizer, lunch or dinner entree. With the right reheating techniques, leftover crab cakes can taste just-prepared again. Oven baking, skillet cooking, microwaving, air frying and broiling are all effective at reheating crab cakes while maintaining their signature texture and flavor.

The key is to handle the crab cakes gently, avoid overcooking, and add a touch of moisture. Allow them to come to room temperature before reheating as well. Proper storage will preserve homemade crab cakes safely for several days of enjoyment. Now that you’re armed with these reheating tips, go ahead and enjoy delicious crab cakes again and again!