how long do cooked crab legs last in the fridge

How Long Do Cooked Crab Legs Last in the Fridge? A Complete Guide

Crab legs are a delicious seafood treat that many people love to indulge in. Whether you’ve cooked up fresh crab legs at home or have leftover takeout, you’ll want to make sure none go to waste. But how long do cooked crab legs last in the fridge?

The short answer is 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, there are a few factors that determine the exact shelf life. Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the storage time of cooked crab legs and recognizing when they’ve spoiled.

Understanding Crab Leg Spoilage

First, it’s helpful to understand why crab legs spoil in the first place. The main culprit is bacteria growth. All seafood contains bacteria on the surface and inside the meat. Refrigeration helps slow the spread of bacteria but doesn’t stop it completely.

As bacteria multiply, enzymes start breaking down the proteins and fats in the crab meat, causing off odors, flavors, and textures. Spoiled crab legs can make you sick, so it’s important to store and handle them properly.

How Long Do Cooked Crab Legs Last in the Fridge?

Cooked crab legs that have been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below will keep for 3 to 5 days. This window can vary based on several factors:

• Initial Freshness – Fresher crab legs that were live or freshly cooked will last longer than ones that were already nearing spoilage when cooked.

• Proper Cooking – Crab legs that reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F during cooking will keep longer than undercooked ones where bacteria survived.

• Handling & Contamination – Proper sanitation when handling the cooked crab legs helps prevent bacteria spread.

• Quality of Storage – How well you store the crab legs impacts shelf life. Airtight containers prevent drying out.

• Refrigerator Temperature – A consistent 40°F temperature maximizes shelf life. Fluctuations accelerate spoilage.

For best quality, it’s advised to eat refrigerated crab legs within 3 days. But with proper handling, the window can extend to 5 days before the risk of spoilage becomes more likely.

Storing Cooked Crab Legs

Follow these tips to help maximize the shelf life of cooked crab legs in the fridge:

• Let cool quickly – Don’t leave crab legs out more than 2 hours after cooking. Quickly cool them to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation inside the container that can breed bacteria.

• Use airtight containers – Store crab legs in airtight containers or resealable bags, pressing out excess air. This prevents moisture loss and inhibits bacteria growth.

• Place on lower shelves – Colder refrigerator temperatures at lower shelves help preservation. Avoid cramming the fridge too full impeding air circulation.

• Keep cooked separately – Store cooked crab legs away from raw seafood which can cross-contaminate.

• Label & date – Mark containers with date cooked or use-by date so you know maximum fridge time.

Recognizing Spoiled Crab Legs

Check for these signs of spoiled crab legs before eating:

• Strong, sour, or ammonia-like odor – Distinctly “off” smell indicates bacterial growth. Natural mild seafood smell is ok.

• Grey/green discoloration or mildew – Unnatural colors signal spoilage. Look for mold growth.

• Slimy texture and moisture – Bacteria thrive in the moist environment of spoiled crab. Discard if overly wet, sticky, or mushy.

• Shriveled, dried out meat – Severe moisture loss causes texture changes and drying.

• Off flavors – Rancid, sour, or bitter taste are telltale signs of spoilage.

When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. Discard crab legs at the first signs of spoilage.

Freezing and Thawing Cooked Crab Legs

Freezing cooked crab legs enables longer storage. Properly frozen, they’ll keep 2-3 months with minimal quality loss. Here are some freezing tips:

• Flash freeze crab legs individually on a tray before bagging to prevent them sticking together.

• Double wrap legs in plastic wrap then foil or place in airtight containers. Remove excess air.

• Label bags/containers with freeze date and use within 2-3 months for best quality.

• Thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temperature as bacteria can multiply.

• Cook thawed legs immediately until heated through. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about crab leg storage:

How long do canned crab meat and imitation crab last in the fridge?

Once opened, canned crab meat and imitation crab will last 3-5 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Discard if you notice any spoilage signs.

What are the best ways to reheat crab legs?

Recommended reheating methods include steaming, boiling, baking in the oven, or microwaving. Just reheat until heated through, avoiding overcooking.

Can you eat crab legs that were left out overnight?

No. Refrigerate cooked crab legs within 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature overnight making crab legs unsafe to eat.

Is it safe to freeze and re-freeze crab legs?

It’s not recommended. Freezing, thawing, and re-freezing diminishes texture and increases risk of bacteria growth. Only freeze once.

Do Dungeness and snow crab legs last the same time in the fridge?

Yes, proper storage is more important than crab variety. Different types of crab last 3-5 days refrigerated when handled properly.

Can you store cooked crab legs in water?

No, avoid storing crab legs submerged in water. The excess moisture can encourage spoilage bacteria. Store in airtight containers without liquid.

How can you tell if frozen crab legs went bad?

Check for freezer burn (dry, white patches), damaged packaging, or an off smell when raw. Cooked frozen legs may smell rancid or sour when thawed if spoiled.

What happens if you eat spoiled crab legs?

Eating spoiled crab risks foodborne illnesses like Vibrio poisoning or general gastrointestinal distress with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Can cooked crab legs be refrigerated longer than 5 days if kept frozen first?

No, the 5 day fridge window still applies once previously frozen legs are thawed. Don’t rely on freezing to extend refrigerated shelf life after thawing.

Following proper storage methods, paying close attention to quality, and using smelled and cooked crab legs within 3-5 days refrigerated (or 2-3 months frozen) will help you safely enjoy every last morsel. Trust your senses, and when in doubt, throw it out.