✔ Updated · steam, boil, bake, grill + microwave times
Most crab legs sold in stores are already cooked, so reheating them just means warming them through without drying out the sweet meat. Here are five ways to do it, with times for thawed and frozen legs.
The best way to reheat cooked crab legs is to steam them. Bring 1 to 2 inches of water to a boil, put the legs in a steamer basket, cover and steam for 5 to 7 minutes if thawed or 8 to 10 minutes from frozen, until hot all the way through (145°F). Crab legs are already cooked, so stop as soon as they're heated.
- Steam: 5 to 7 min thawed, 8 to 10 min frozen. Best texture.
- Boil: 3 to 5 min thawed, 6 to 8 min frozen. Fastest for a big batch.
- Oven: 350°F, covered with a splash of water, 10 to 15 min thawed.
- Microwave: wrapped in damp paper towels, 1 to 2 min per small bundle.
Reheating Times at a Glance
Times are a guide for typical snow and king crab legs. Thick king crab legs take the longer end. Crab legs are ready when the shell is hot to the touch and the thickest meat is steaming hot, about 145°F.
| Method | Thawed crab legs | Frozen crab legs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steaming | 5 to 7 minutes | 8 to 10 minutes | The juiciest meat; king and snow crab |
| Boiling | 3 to 5 minutes | 6 to 8 minutes | Big batches, quickly |
| Oven (350°F) | 10 to 15 minutes, covered | 20 to 25 minutes, covered | Hands-off; seasoning with butter and garlic |
| Grill (medium, about 350°F) | 5 to 7 minutes, in foil | 10 to 12 minutes, in foil | A smoky flavor in summer |
| Microwave | 1 to 2 minutes per bundle | 2 to 3 minutes per bundle | One or two portions |
1. How to Reheat Crab Legs by Steaming (Best Method)
Steaming heats crab gently and evenly, so the meat stays juicy without taking on extra water.
- Add 1 to 2 inches of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. A splash of beer, white wine or a little seafood seasoning adds flavor.
- Set a steamer basket or colander over the water so the legs sit above it, not in it.
- Add the crab legs, cover tightly and steam for 5 to 7 minutes if thawed, or 8 to 10 minutes from frozen.
- Lift out with tongs and serve right away with melted butter and lemon.
2. How to Reheat Crab Legs by Boiling
- Fill a large pot about halfway with water, add a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the crab legs, fully submerged. Bend or cut long king crab legs at the joints to fit.
- Boil for 3 to 5 minutes if thawed, or 6 to 8 minutes from frozen, just until hot.
- Drain well. Boiling is fast but can make the meat a little waterlogged, so don't overdo it.
3. How to Reheat Crab Legs in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lay the crab legs in a baking dish and add about 1/4 inch of hot water to the dish. Brush with melted butter, and add garlic or herbs if you like.
- Cover tightly with foil so the steam stays in.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes if thawed, or 20 to 25 minutes from frozen, until hot through.
4. How to Reheat Crab Legs on the Grill
- Heat the grill to medium, about 350°F.
- Brush the legs with melted butter or oil and wrap them in a foil packet with a tablespoon of water.
- Grill for 5 to 7 minutes if thawed (10 to 12 minutes from frozen), turning once.
- For grill marks, open the foil and set the legs directly on the grates for the last 1 to 2 minutes.
5. How to Reheat Crab Legs in the Microwave
The microwave is quick but can heat unevenly and toughen the meat, so it's best for small portions.
- Bundle 2 or 3 legs together and wrap them in damp paper towels.
- Wrap the bundle loosely in microwave-safe plastic wrap, or place it in a covered microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, then check. Add 30-second bursts until hot. Frozen legs take 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let them rest for 1 minute before unwrapping, since the steam inside is very hot.
Should You Thaw Crab Legs Before Reheating?
You don't have to, but thawed legs heat more evenly. Thaw them overnight in the fridge (8 to 12 hours), or seal them in a bag under cold running water for about 30 minutes. Never thaw seafood on the counter. If you're short on time, steam or boil them straight from frozen and add a few minutes.
Food Safety and Leftovers
- Store-bought crab legs are cooked and flash-frozen, so they only need warming through, to about 145°F in the thickest part.
- For leftover crab you cooked at home and refrigerated, USDA guidance is to reheat leftovers to 165°F.
- Refrigerate cooked crab within 2 hours and eat it within 3 to 4 days.
- Throw out crab that smells sour, ammonia-like or fishy, or that feels slimy.
Common Mistakes
Planning a seafood dinner? See what to serve with crab cakes or how to cook lobster tail.
- Cooking already-cooked crab legs for too long, which makes the meat rubbery and dry.
- Letting the legs sit in the steaming water instead of above it.
- Baking uncovered, which dries out the meat.
- Thawing frozen crab on the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reheat cooked crab legs?
Steaming is the best way. Bring 1 to 2 inches of water to a boil, set the crab legs in a steamer basket above it, cover and steam for 5 to 7 minutes if thawed or 8 to 10 minutes from frozen. The meat heats evenly and stays juicy without becoming waterlogged.
How do you heat up pre-cooked frozen crab legs?
Steam or boil them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes: about 8 to 10 minutes steamed or 6 to 8 minutes boiled. For the most even heating, thaw them overnight in the fridge first. They are already cooked, so stop once they are hot through.
How long do you reheat crab legs in the oven?
Bake thawed crab legs at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or frozen ones for 20 to 25 minutes. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the dish and cover it tightly with foil so the legs steam and don't dry out.
Can you reheat crab legs in an air fryer?
Yes. Brush thawed crab legs with melted butter and air fry at 350°F for about 4 to 6 minutes, cutting long legs to fit the basket. Watch them closely, because the dry heat can toughen the meat faster than steaming.
What is the best way to reheat blue crabs?
Steam whole cooked blue crabs over boiling water, covered, for about 5 to 10 minutes until hot through, adding seafood seasoning to the water if you like. Steaming keeps the delicate meat moist better than the oven or microwave.
