Crab cakes are a delicious meal, but like many foods, they taste best when freshly prepared. However, with a little care and know-how, leftover crab cakes can be reheated so they come out tasting nearly as good as when first cooked. There are a few different methods for reheating crab cakes, each with its own benefits. Here is an in-depth look at the best techniques for reheating crab cakes and getting optimal flavor and texture.
Oven
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reheat crab cakes is in the oven. This dry heat method evenly warms the crab cakes through without overcooking the exterior. Follow these steps for the best oven-reheated crab cakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until heated through.
- For added flavor and moisture, brush the tops of the crab cakes lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
The oven allows you to reheat multiple crab cakes at once while achieving a crispy exterior and moist, tender interior. Be careful not to overbake, as the crab meat can become dry and rubbery.
Tips for Oven Reheating
- Allow crab cakes to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for more even heating.
- Bake crab cakes on a wire rack set on a baking sheet to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
- Check for doneness after 10 minutes. Thicker crab cakes may require 2-3 more minutes.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over baked crab cakes for a brightness of flavor.
Skillet
Another great way to reheat crab cakes is using a skillet on the stovetop. Heating the crab cakes in a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet allows you to crisp up the outsides while warming the insides. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 Tbsp butter or olive oil.
- When butter is melted or oil is hot, add crab cakes. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned and heated through.
- Serve crab cakes immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
Pan-frying is quick and gives you that fantastic crispy golden crust. Be sure not to move the crab cakes around too much during cooking for the best texture.
Tips for Skillet Reheating
- Use a thin, wide metal spatula to carefully flip the crab cakes.
- If crab cakes have been refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before pan-frying for more even cooking.
- Add freshly chopped parsley or dill when cooking for extra flavor.
- Brush crab cakes with mustard or lemon-butter sauce after cooking for added moisture and taste.
Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to reheat leftover crab cakes. While the texture won’t be quite as crispy, the microwave can yield tender, moist results. Follow these tips:
- Place crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, 1-2 minutes total.
- Let crab cakes rest 2 minutes before serving.
- Take care not to overcook, as the microwave can cause crab cakes to dry out quickly.
The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture as the crab cakes are heated. The short cooking time minimizes drying while warming up the crab cakes with their Texture intact.
Tips for Microwave Reheating
- For added moisture, drizzle a bit of lemon juice or olive oil over the crab cakes before microwaving.
- Microwave at 50% power for gentler, more even heating.
- Do not microwave frozen crab cakes – thaw first by refrigerating overnight.
- Check for cold spots and microwave 10-20 seconds more if needed.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven offers combines quick cooking times with crispy texture. Follow these steps:
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F.
- Place crab cakes on the toaster oven rack. For more crispiness, brush both sides with butter or oil.
- Toast until heated through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
The toaster oven’s smaller size and heating elements brown the outsides effectively. Keep an eye on the crab cakes to prevent drying out.
Tips for Toaster Oven Reheating
- Use convection setting for faster, more even cooking.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispy texture.
- Add fresh herbs like dill when cooking for extra flavor.
- Let crab cakes rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Steam
Steaming is a gentle reheating method that keeps crab cakes moist. To steam:
- Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan fitted with a steamer basket.
- Add crab cakes to basket, cover, and steam 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from steam and serve, topped with a pat of butter.
The hot steam surrounds the crab cakes, warming them evenly. The result is tender and flaky crab cakes, without drying out.
Tips for Steaming
- Steaming works best for softer crab cakes rather than those with a crispy coating.
- Add lemon, parsley or other herbs to the steaming liquid for extra flavor.
- Brush crab cakes with olive oil or melted butter before steaming to prevent sticking.
- Let crab cakes rest 1-2 minutes after steaming for optimal texture.
Air Fryer
An air fryer makes crab cakes crispy on the outside while keeping the insides moist and delicious. Here is how to use this popular kitchen appliance:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Brush crab cakes lightly with oil or melted butter.
- Cook 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
The air fryer mimics deep frying, sealing in moisture while creating a crispy, golden exterior. Adjust cooking times based on thickness and amount of crab cakes.
Tips for Air Fryer Reheating
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding crab cakes for best texture.
- Brush crab cakes with zesty sauces like mustard-dill sauce when cooking.
- Cook frozen crab cakes 10-12 minutes, until heated through.
- Let sit 1-2 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker
While not necessarily the best for getting a crispy exterior, the slow cooker can be used to reheat crab cakes gently and evenly. Here’s how:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with oil or cooking spray.
- Add crab cakes and top with 2-3 Tbsp water or broth.
- Cover and cook on High for 1 1/2 – 2 hours until heated through.
The moist environment of the slow cooker warms the crab cakes without drying them out. The resulting texture will be moist and tender rather than crispy.
Tips for Slow Cooker Reheating
- For flavor, add lemon slices, parsley, or other herbs to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for 2 1/2 – 3 hours for very gentle reheating.
- Remove crab cakes immediately once heated to avoid overcooking.
- Top crab cakes with buttery, lemony sauce after reheating.
How to Store Leftover Crab Cakes
Proper storage is key to having leftover crab cakes that reheat well. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftover crab cakes within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store crab cakes in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- Glass storage containers work well for visibility.
- Freeze for longer term storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil.
- Use frozen crab cakes within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Freeze cooked crab cakes in individual portions for ease of reheating.
- Label containers with date and contents.
Choosing the Best Reheating Method
When deciding how to reheat crab cakes, consider these factors:
| Reheating Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Oven | Multiple crab cakes, crispy exterior |
| Skillet | Single servings, crispy crust |
| Microwave | Quick reheating, softer texture |
| Toaster Oven | Small batches, crispy crust |
| Steaming | Gentle, tender reheating |
| Air Fryer | Crispy texture without oil |
| Slow Cooker | Very gentle, hands-off reheating |
The reheating method you choose will depend on how many crab cakes you have, time constraints, and whether you prioritize texture or quick cooking. Test out a few different methods to see which gives you the best reheated crab cakes for your preferences.
Serving Reheated Crab Cakes
Once reheated, crab cakes should be served immediately for optimal flavor and texture. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve on brioche buns or rolls for crab cake sandwiches.
- Top with lemon-butter or remoulade sauce.
- Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, chives or lemon wedges.
- Pair with classic sides like roasted asparagus, greens, or roasted potatoes.
- For appetizers, make crab cakes smaller and serve on endive spears.
Reheated properly, leftover crab cakes can be just as delicious as when they were first made. The reheating method makes all the difference in getting the texture and flavor just right. With the simple techniques above, you can enjoy your favorite crab cakes again and again.