Air-Fryer Crab Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab legs are a delicious treat, but they can be a hassle to cook. Boiling and steaming are time-consuming, and they can make your kitchen hot and stuffy. Luckily, air fryers offer a quick and easy solution. In this article, we'll show you how to make crab legs in your air fryer with just a few simple steps. So, can you put crab legs in an air fryer? The answer is yes!

Crab leg cooking times and temperatures

Crab legs can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of 5-8 minutes, and others suggesting 5-7 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of crab legs and the thickness of the legs. For example, snow crab legs may only need 5 minutes, while thicker king crab legs may need an extra minute or two.

The ideal temperature for cooking crab legs in an air fryer is 370° Fahrenheit.

It's important to note that crab legs are usually already cooked when purchased from the store, so the goal when air frying is to heat them until they are hot to the touch. Overcooking crab legs can result in dry or chewy meat.

How to clean crab legs

Crab legs can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes, but it's important to clean them first. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean crab legs before air frying:

Step 1: Rinse the Crab Legs

Give the crab legs a thorough rinse under running water to remove any leftover sand, dirt, or residue from the packaging. You can use a light scrub brush to gently clean the shells if needed. Make sure to also rinse the crab legs if you're using a frozen product, as this will help remove any ice or frost that may be on the surface.

Step 2: Dry the Crab Legs

After rinsing, use a paper towel to pat the crab legs dry. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick to the crab legs and ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Inspect the Crab Legs

Before seasoning and cooking the crab legs, take a moment to inspect them for any signs of damage or discoloration. Check for any cracks or broken shells, and make sure there are no signs of mould or an unpleasant odour. If the crab legs look and smell fresh, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Prepare the Crab Legs (Optional)

At this point, you have the option to cut the crab legs into smaller segments to make them easier to cook and eat. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, you can cut the legs into manageable pieces. This step is optional but can make the final dish more enjoyable, especially if you're serving it to guests.

Step 5: Season the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs on a sheet of aluminium foil and brush them with a mixture of olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Make sure to coat all sides of the crab legs, paying special attention to the exposed crab meat. You can also sprinkle additional seasoning directly onto the shells if desired.

Step 6: Wrap and Air Fry

Wrap the seasoned crab legs in the aluminium foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the crab legs. For thicker crab legs, such as king crab, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crab legs are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them with lemon wedges, additional melted butter, and your favourite sides. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

The best crab legs to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook crab legs, yielding delicious results in under 15 minutes. The best crab legs to use in an air fryer are snow crab and Dungeness crab legs, as they tend to fit well inside most air fryer baskets. King crab legs are larger and may need to be cut to fit, but they can be used if you are willing to put in a little extra effort.

Snow Crab Legs

Snow crab legs are sold in clusters, typically by the pound, and have a smooth shell. They are much easier to handle and crack compared to king crab legs, as they have a smooth shell and are smaller in size. There are usually at least four legs in each cluster, and their flavour is mild and sweet.

Dungeness Crab Legs

Dungeness crab legs have a sweet, mild flavour and tender meat. They are shipped directly to your home, already scored, so they are super easy to snap and eat. They fit well inside most air fryer baskets, making them a good choice for this cooking method.

King Crab Legs

King crab legs are larger and spiny, with six long legs and two claws. They are likely to be too big to fit in a standard air fryer, so you may need to cut them into smaller segments or use a larger air fryer oven. However, their meat is delicate and sweeter than other crab legs, making them a good choice if you are willing to put in a little extra effort.

Cooking Instructions

Regardless of the type of crab legs you choose, the cooking instructions are generally the same. Start by patting the crab legs dry and placing them on a sheet of aluminium foil. Then, create a garlic butter sauce by combining olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Brush the sauce over all sides of the crab legs and wrap them in the foil. Place the crab legs in the air fryer basket and cook at 370° for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and additional melted butter, if desired.

How to season crab legs

There are several ways to season crab legs before putting them in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before seasoning, it is important to prepare the crab legs. Most crab legs are pre-cooked, so you just need to heat them up in the air fryer. You can identify pre-cooked crab legs by their orange or red colour. If the crab legs are green or brown, they may need to be cooked differently.

Start by rinsing the crab legs to ensure they are clean. You can also give them a light scrub under water to remove any leftover sand, dirt, or packaging. Then, pat the crab legs dry with a paper towel.

Seasoning

For seasoning, you can use a variety of ingredients, such as:

• Olive oil
• Butter (melted)
• Garlic (minced)
• Parsley (chopped)
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Cajun Seasoning

Combine the desired amount of these ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. You can adjust the spices and seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients, such as salt and pepper, to enhance the flavour.

Application

Once you have prepared the seasoning mixture, it is time to apply it to the crab legs. Use a pastry or basting brush to brush the mixture over all sides of the crab legs. Make sure to especially brush the sauce on the exposed crab meat.

After brushing, you can wrap the crab legs in aluminium foil. This step is optional but can help contain the mess and make clean-up easier. If you choose to use foil, place the crab legs on a sheet of foil large enough to wrap them up like a bundle.

Cooking

Place the crab legs in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-7 minutes. If you are using thicker crab legs, such as King Crab legs, you may need to add an additional minute or two to the cooking time.

Once the time is up, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts. Be cautious when opening the foil packet, as hot steam will escape. Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges, additional melted butter, or your favourite sides.

Enjoy your delicious and flavourful air-fried crab legs!

What to serve with crab legs

Crab legs are a delicious treat, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for side dishes and drinks to accompany your crab legs and make your meal even more special.

Side Dishes

• Potatoes are a classic side dish, and for good reason. They go well with almost any entrée, including crab legs. Try roasted fingerling potatoes with thyme and rosemary, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some cheesy potato pancakes.
• Salads can be a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Consider a mandarin orange salad, a crunchy green salad with a creamy lemon dressing, or a grilled peach and arugula salad with feta.
• Vegetables are also a great option, especially if you're looking for something a little more substantial. Roasted asparagus, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, squash, and onions would all make delicious sides. Or, for something really easy, try air fryer broccoli or lemon garlic asparagus.
• Corn on the cob is a classic pairing with crab legs, and for good reason – it's sweet, refreshing, and fun to eat with your hands!
• Biscuits are always a good idea, and cheddar bay biscuits are the perfect cheesy, golden-brown accompaniment to your crab legs.
• Rice is a great option if you're looking for something a little more filling. Try a lemon rice pilaf or some paprika noodles.
• Noodles are another great option – try buttered noodles or cold sesame noodles for a refreshing twist.
• Fries – whether they're shoestring, zucchini, or potato wedges, fries are always a delicious side dish.

Drinks

If you're looking for something to drink to pair with your crab legs, a nice cold beer or a refreshing white wine like an Albariño, Vinho Verde, or dry Riesling would be perfect. Chardonnay is also a great choice, as it's a crisp, clean wine that goes well with a variety of foods.

Frequently asked questions