Keep the deliciously crunchy texture of leftover Crab Rangoon with just your oven, air fryer, or skillet. Here are the best ways to reheat Crab Rangoon to keep them crispy, flaky, and tangy.
With their crab and cream cheese filling, and delicately flaky wonton wrapper, Crab Rangoon has been a favorite at American Chinese restaurants for years. And because of this, it’s not uncommon for many of us to over-order and be unable to finish them all.
So what’s the best way to reheat leftover Crab Rangoon while keeping it crispy outside and creamy inside? The good news is that it’s easy to replicate that same texture they had when they first left the restaurant kitchen.
From a simple oven to your favorite air fryer, discover how to reheat Crab Rangoon today. Let’s get cooking!
Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is the best way to reheat Crab Rangoon because it keeps the wonton wrappers crispy while also being quick and energy-efficient.
The hot air circulation in an air fryer ensures they are warmed evenly without leading to any sogginess, while also keeping the texture flaky without the filling inside turning dry.
As an added bonus, air fryers are also far more energy-efficient than conventional ovens, and take much less time to warm up.
Here’s how to reheat Crab Rangoon in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it empty for 3 to 5 minutes
- Gently arrange the Crab Rangoon in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket, making sure they are not touching or overlapping. This allows for even air circulation and reheating.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer for 4 to 6 minutes
- Once reheated and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer using tongs (they will be hot!)
- Allow the Rangoon to cool for a minute or two before serving
Oven
Always dependable, the oven is a close second on our list. While ovens can vary, most fan evens offer even heat distribution to help keep the original texture of the fried wonton wrappers while also heating the creamy filling through. Here’s how to reheat your Crab Rangoon in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Brush a little butter or oil on each Crab Rangoon
- Arrange the Rangoon on a baking tray and lightly cover them with aluminum foil
- Place the tray in the oven and warm for 5 to 7 minutes
- Discard the aluminum foil and continue to reheat the Rangoon for a further 2-3 minutes. This will help crisp them up.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving
Microwave
Reheating Crab Rangoon in a microwave provides a speedy and hassle-free solution, particularly when time is limited. However, the big drawback of this is that it can leave the outside of your Rangoon soggy, reducing the crunchy texture that frying or oven-heating methods offer. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the Crab Rangoon in a microwave-safe dish
- Cover them with a damp paper towel
- Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds
- Check the Crab Rangoon for warmth
- If needed, repeat the microwaving process in 15-20 second intervals until they are heated through
- Once warmed through, leave to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving
Skillet
Using a skillet is an effective method that quickly restores the crispiness of the wonton wrappers. The direct heat from the skillet recreates the crunchy exterior, while it doesn’t take longer than a couple of minutes to warm up.
Skillet reheating also provides better control over the process, allowing for heat adjustments to prevent overcooking or burning. However, the filling may not reheat as evenly as it would in an oven or air fryer, so flipping the Crab Rangoon occasionally is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Ensure there is enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, place the Crab Rangoon in the skillet with space between each one (you may need to work in batches)
- Stir and flip occasionally using a spatula or tongs, taking extra care not to break the wrappers
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and then leave to cool on a wire rack
- Once cool, serve right away
Quick Tips
Preventing Sogginess
To prevent your Crab Rangoon from becoming soggy, make sure to defrost them before reheating, or let them thaw a bit if they were in the refrigerator. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 350°F and lightly oil the Crab Rangoon to help them maintain their crispiness. If you’re using an air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket, and shake or turn the Rangoon halfway through reheating to ensure even heating.
Ensuring Even Heating
To ensure even heating, use a wire rack in the oven instead of placing the Rangoon directly on a baking sheet. This allows for air to circulate around the Rangoon and prevents it from becoming too soft. If you’re using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the Crab Rangoon to help them retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Adding Extra Flavor
To add extra flavor to your reheated Crab Rangoon, serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy chili sauce can add a delicious kick to your Rangoon. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or green onions over the top for added texture and flavor.
