Crab cakes are a delicious seafood favorite loved by many. But what if you have frozen crab cakes on hand and wonder how to cook them to get that perfect crispy outside and tender, flavorful inside? Don’t worry! Cooking frozen crab cakes is easy and can be done in several ways depending on your time and kitchen tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to cook frozen crab cakes, tips for the crispiest results, and some tasty serving ideas.
What You’ll Need Before Cooking
– Frozen crab cakes (store-bought or homemade)
– Cooking oil (vegetable oil, butter, or olive oil)
– Baking sheet or skillet
– Tongs or spatula
– Digital thermometer (optional, but helpful)
– Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces for serving
– Fresh herbs like parsley or dill (optional for garnish)
Three Easy Ways to Cook Frozen Crab Cakes
1. Sautéing (Pan-Frying) – Quick and Crispy
Sautéing frozen crab cakes on the stovetop is a popular method because it produces a wonderfully crispy crust with minimal oil.
How to sauté frozen crab cakes:
– Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
– Place the frozen crab cakes in the pan, leaving about an inch of space between each.
– Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
– Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium and cook each side for another 2 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
– Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
– Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Pro tip: Cooking time is usually 6-8 minutes for frozen cakes. If thawed beforehand, cooking time reduces to 3-4 minutes per side, but be gentle when flipping to avoid crumbling.
2. Baking – Hands-Off and Healthy
Baking is a great option if you want to cook crab cakes with less oil and less fuss.
How to bake frozen crab cakes:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– If possible, thaw crab cakes in the refrigerator for about 3 hours before baking to reduce cooking time.
– Lightly grease a baking sheet with melted butter or oil.
– Place crab cakes on the sheet, leaving space between them.
– Brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil for a crispier finish.
– Bake for 20-30 minutes if thawed, or 40 minutes if cooking straight from frozen.
– Flip the crab cakes halfway through baking to brown both sides evenly.
– For extra crispiness, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
3. Air Frying – Fast and Extra Crispy
If you have an air fryer, it’s an excellent way to cook frozen crab cakes quickly while achieving a crispy texture without much oil.
How to air fry frozen crab cakes:
– Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
– Lightly spray or brush the crab cakes with oil.
– Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
– Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
This method is quick, convenient, and keeps the crab cakes crispy and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Crab Cakes Every Time
– Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet: Give each crab cake enough space for hot air or oil to circulate and crisp up the exterior.
– Use a thermometer: Checking for an internal temperature of 165°F ensures your crab cakes are safely cooked without overcooking.
– Brush with butter or oil: This adds flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.
– Flip carefully: Especially if thawed, crab cakes can be delicate and prone to breaking.
– Let them rest: After cooking, allow crab cakes to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Serving Suggestions
Crab cakes are versatile and pair well with many sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
– Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a classic touch.
– Add a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a light, refreshing side.
– Try crab cake sliders with avocado and spicy mayo for a fun twist.
– Top with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce to make Crab Cake Benedict for brunch.
– Pair with roasted vegetables or a zesty lemon vinaigrette salad for a healthy meal.
Cooking frozen crab cakes doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you sauté, bake, or air fry, following these simple steps will help you enjoy crispy, flavorful crab cakes in no time. So next time you have some frozen crab cakes in your freezer, you’ll know exactly how to turn them into a delicious meal your family and friends will love.
Enjoy your crab cakes!
Crab cakes are quick to cook and always a crowd-pleaser, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.