How to Cook Frozen Crab Cakes to Perfection

Frozen crab cakes provide a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious taste of crab without the work of making crab cakes from scratch. While fresh crab cakes made with lump crab meat are sublime, frozen crab cakes can also be quite tasty when cooked properly. This guide will walk you through the basics of cooking frozen crab cakes, from thawing to baking, sautéing, and air frying, along with tips to take your crab cakes from frozen to fabulous.

Thawing Frozen Crab Cakes

The first step in cooking frozen crab cakes is thawing them properly There are a few methods you can use

• Refrigerator thawing Place frozen crab cakes in a single layer on a plate or pan and thaw overnight in the refrigerator, This slow thaw helps maintain texture,

• Cold water thaw Seal frozen crab cakes in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. A one-inch thick crab cake may take an hour to thaw.

• Microwave thaw: Microwave frozen crab cakes on the defrost setting, checking often and flipping over. Take care not to cook the crab cakes.

Thawed crab cakes are more delicate and prone to falling apart, so handle them gently. Use thawed crab cakes immediately rather than refreezing.

Baking Frozen or Thawed Crab Cakes

Baking is a simple, no-fuss way to cook frozen crab cakes with great results:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

• Arrange crab cakes on baking sheet without overcrowding.

• Bake frozen crab cakes 14-16 minutes. Bake thawed crab cakes 10-12 minutes.

• For extra browning and texture, broil crab cakes 2-3 minutes after baking.

• Brush with melted butter or olive oil before broiling for more flavor.

• Insert a thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Baking gives crab cakes a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Pan-Searing Frozen or Thawed Crab Cakes

For an extra crispy crust on the outside of your crab cakes, pan-sear on the stovetop:

• Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add crab cakes and cook frozen 3-4 minutes per side. Cook thawed 2-3 minutes per side.

• Use a thin metal spatula to gently flip crab cakes.

• Reduce heat if browning too quickly.

• Insert a thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

Be sure to use a nonstick pan or properly preheated skillet so the delicate crab cakes don’t fall apart when flipping.

Air Frying Frozen Crab Cakes

Air fryers provide a great option for cooking frozen crab cakes with a perfectly crispy exterior:

• Preheat air fryer to 380°F.

• Place frozen crab cakes in air fryer basket without overcrowding.

• Cook 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Insert a thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Spritz crab cakes and air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking if needed. Shake basket halfway to flip.

Cooking Tips for Fabulous Crab Cakes

Follow these tips for the best baked, pan-seared or air fried crab cakes:

• Handle thawed crab cakes gently to avoid crumbling.

• Do not overcrowd crab cakes when cooking. Leave space between for even cooking.

• Check internal temperature with a thermometer to confirm doneness.

• Add fresh herbs, citrus zest or spices to bump up flavor.

• Serve crab cakes with creamy tartar sauce, spicy aioli or tangy cocktail sauce for dipping.

• Reheating leftover crab cakes? Wrap in foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through.

With proper thawing and cooking methods, frozen crab cakes can taste just as fresh and delicious as homemade. Follow this guide for baked, pan-seared, and air fried crab cakes your family and friends will rave about. Just heat and eat for an easy appetizer or entree that feels fancy and flavorful.

The best way to cook frozen crab cakes depends on your preference, but baking from frozen is generally recommended for ease and a consistent result.