A common situation your typical crab lover finds themselves in, after a meal of too-many crabs: what do I do with the leftovers? Many people enjoy a breakfast of cold crab, with no reheating necessary. However, others would prefer to enjoy them warmed again.
Then, which method is the best to get the most out of your leftover blue crabs?
The best, and simplest, way to reheat blue crabs is to cover 6-8 of them in damp paper towels and put them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds on high. The damp paper towel keeps them from drying out too severely.
However, this isn’t the only option you have, if you’ve got some crabs left over you’d like to dig into a second time.
Can you reheat blue crabs?
Yes, of course you can! While a lot of seafood doesn’t do well once reheated, crabs are not one of them.
From the humble microwave, to the air fryer, you have plenty of available options to take those leftover crabs out of the fridge and enjoy them a second time.
Should you reheat blue crabs?
It’s up to you, truly. Some people enjoy cold crabs, some enjoy them piping hot.
Reheating your blue crabs won’t affect the taste or texture, so long as you’re careful not to let your reheating method dry them out. They’ll still be as flavorful and tender as when fresh.
Microwave
The good old microwave. A staple in most people’s kitchens, coming in handy once again to reheat your leftover crabs.
- Place 6-8 crabs on a microwaveable safe plate or container.
- Lay a damp paper towel across the plate, covering all the pieces.
- Microwave on high setting for 60-90 seconds.
- Remove from the microwave and let sit for one minute.
Oven
Definitely not the best option for reheating blue crabs, but it’s an option nonetheless.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with a non-stick spray of your choice.
- Place your crabs on the sheet in an even single layer.
- Heat your crabs in the oven for approximately 10 minutes.
Take great care to keep an eye on your crabs, as the oven can most definitely dry them out and ruin the texture.
Air Fryer
Another less-than-ideal method for those tasty crabs, but it works if you don’t have a microwave or are too impatient for the oven.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Line the crabs in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry them for three to five minutes until fully heated through.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Steamer
Steaming is a good option for reheating blue crabs. However, just like the oven, one must take care not to overdo it because a steamer can dry them out.
- Place your steamer basket in a large pot and fill it with water, up to the bottom of the basket.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Once the boil is rolling, place your crabs into the basket. Add your preferred seasonings if any, and cover.
- Steam for 5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Toaster Oven
Another kitchen staple, same as the microwave.
This option may not be the fastest, but it’s most definitely one of the easier methods.
- Preheat the oven to 200-250℉.
- Wrap your crabs in aluminum foil.
- Place your wrapped crabs in an oven-safe pan.
- Heat for 10 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Grill
Last but not least, the grill.
Not many people are likely to think of this option for cooking their crabs, much less reheating them.
- Wrap each crab individually in foil.
- Heat your grill to high heat.
- Place each wrapped crab on the grill and heat for approximately 10 minutes.
- Flip the crabs and return them for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the grill, top with butter and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
Since there’s no discernable dip in quality upon reheating crabs, you’re free to use any reheating method you have easy access to.
In truth, any of them work if you know how to keep your crabs from drying out. While the microwave maybe your best option here, it’s far from your only one.
