Air-Fryer Crab Legs: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Crab legs are a delicious treat, but they can be a hassle to cook. Boiling them on the stove is time-consuming and messy, and baking them in the oven takes forever. Luckily, there's a better way – the air fryer! Air-fried crab legs are fast and easy to make, and they come out succulent and tender. You can season them with Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or garlic butter sauce for a mouthwatering feast that's ready in minutes.

Air fryer crab legs: cooking time and temperature

Air-fried crab legs are a quick and easy dish to make, and they can be ready in as little as 5 minutes. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of crab legs you are using and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Snow Crab Legs

Snow crab legs are a good option for air frying because they are smaller and will fit easily into the air fryer basket. They typically come pre-cooked, so you only need to warm them up in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350-380°F and cook the crab legs for 3-7 minutes. If they are frozen, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

King Crab Legs

King crab legs are larger and may not fit as easily into a standard air fryer. They may require a special tool to crack the shell due to their spiny exterior. If you are using king crab legs, set your air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. Again, if they are frozen, you may need to add a little extra time.

Dungeness Crab Legs

Dungeness crab legs are another good option for the air fryer as they are a compact size. They can be cooked using the same method as snow crab legs.

Tips

• It is recommended to clean and scrub the crab legs before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
• You can season the crab legs with olive oil, garlic powder, and Old Bay or Cajun seasoning.
• Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, as this can make the meat tough and chewy.
• For safety, use tongs and/or oven mitts when removing the crab legs from the air fryer, and avoid having your face directly over the basket as hot steam will escape.

How to season crab legs for the air fryer

Crab legs are a great, quick, and easy dish to make in an air fryer. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, and the most popular seasoning is Old Bay. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season crab legs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prep the Crab Legs

Firstly, rinse the crab legs with water and scrub them lightly to remove any dirt, debris, or leftover sand. You can use a potato brush to scrub them. Make sure to also remove any store packaging or plastics. Then, pat the crab legs dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Combine Crab Legs with Oil and Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine the crab legs with olive oil and your choice of seasoning. You can use Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a combination of Old Bay, garlic powder, and olive oil. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasoning all over the crab legs until they are well coated.

Step 3: Wrap and Place in Air Fryer

Place the seasoned crab legs in foil paper and wrap them tightly. Then, put the wrapped crab legs into the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer

Cook the crab legs in the air fryer at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. If you are using thicker crab legs, such as King Crab, you may need to add an additional minute or two to the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve

Once the crab legs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and foil paper. They are now ready to be served! Crab legs go well with melted butter for dipping or lemon wedges. You can also serve them as part of a seafood boil or with sides such as rosemary garlic smashed potatoes, air fryer roasted vegetables, or macaroni and cheese muffins.

What to serve with crab legs

Crab legs are a delicious treat, and air frying them is a quick and easy way to cook them. But what to serve with this tasty dish? Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your air-fried crab legs:

Melted Butter

A classic! Crab legs are often served with a side of melted butter for dipping. This can be plain butter or flavoured with garlic, herbs, or spices.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a traditional side dish to serve with crab legs. Grilled corn gives it a delicious smoky flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the crab.

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of the crab legs. Try a simple green salad, or get creative with a grilled peach and arugula salad with feta, or a fresh corn, tomato, and mozzarella salad.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and they go well with crab legs too. Try roasted, baked, mashed, or fried potatoes. For an extra indulgent option, go for scalloped potatoes or twice-baked potato casserole.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a creamy, crunchy side dish that provides the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the crab meat. It can be a great way to add some texture and flavour to your meal.

Cornbread

The salty-sweetness of cornbread works well with crab legs. It's a great way to add some carbs to your meal, especially if you're serving it with other protein-rich dishes.

Steamed Artichoke Petals

This may be an unusual pairing, but steamed artichoke petals dipped in butter can be a tasty and healthy option to serve with crab legs.

Roasted Vegetables

If you're planning on eating a lot of crab, you may want to keep the sides light. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and tasty option.

Surf and Turf

Noodles

Noodles are a great side dish to soak up all the delicious crab juices. Try garlic noodles or buttered noodles for a cozy and comforting dish.

So, there you have it! A variety of side dish options to serve with your air-fried crab legs. Get creative, and enjoy your delicious meal!

The best type of crab legs for the air fryer

Crab legs are a great option to cook in an air fryer, and there are a few types that are particularly well-suited for this cooking method.

Snow crab legs are a popular choice for air fryer crab legs due to their convenient size and year-round availability. They fit easily into the air fryer basket and don't require any special tools to crack open, making them a convenient and accessible option.

On the other hand, King crab legs are quite large and may not fit as well in the air fryer. They also have prickly spikes on their shells, which require a special tool to crack open. However, if you have the space and tools, King crab legs can still be cooked in the air fryer with excellent results.

Additionally, smaller crab varieties like Dungeness crab can also be a good choice for the air fryer, as they are less likely to overcrowd the basket.

When purchasing crab legs for the air fryer, it's important to note that they typically come pre-cooked. Look for crab legs that have an orange or red colour, indicating that they are already cooked and just need to be heated through.

With the right type of crab legs and a simple seasoning of your choice, you can enjoy delicious and tender crab legs cooked to perfection in your air fryer in just a few minutes.

How to store leftover crab legs

Storing leftover crab legs is simple, and there are several ways to do it. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your leftover crab legs stay fresh and safe to eat:

Refrigeration

Leftover crab legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Place the crab legs in an airtight container or sealable bag to prevent odours and moisture from affecting the flavour and texture. Make sure your refrigerator is set below 40°F (4°C) to keep the crab legs safe from bacterial growth.

Freezing

If you want to store crab legs for longer, freezing is a great option. Crab legs can be safely frozen for up to 3 months and remain tasty. To freeze crab legs, place them in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers. It is important to label the storage container with the date of freezing and the contents. When you're ready to enjoy your crab legs again, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Refrigerated Crab Legs

When reheating crab legs, there are a few methods you can use:

• Air frying: Place the crab legs in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Wrap the crab legs in a damp paper towel with a sprig of dill and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Microwave for 2-3 minutes.
• Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the crab legs in a colander over the boiling water. Let the steam heat the crab legs for about 5 minutes.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the crab legs in a casserole dish with beer, lemon halves, and garlic cloves. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or 5 minutes if the crab legs have been thawed.

Remember, it is important to only reheat crab legs once, and they should be consumed after reheating. Do not leave crab legs at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and always practice good food safety and hygiene when handling and storing seafood.

Frequently asked questions