Steaming Crab Legs Using An Air Fryer

Crab legs are a delicious treat, but cooking them can be time-consuming and messy. However, an air fryer can make this process faster and easier. Air-fried crab legs are ready in under 15 minutes and can be seasoned with Old Bay or Cajun seasoning and served with butter or lemon wedges. The circulating air in the fryer helps the seasoning soak into the crab meat, and the shells become crisp and easy to crack.

Air fryer crab legs: seasoning

Air fryer crab legs are a quick and easy dish to make, and a great way to cook crab legs without having to wait for water to boil. The circulating air in the air fryer helps the seasoning soak into the crab, giving it a big flavour.

Seasoning

The most popular seasoning for air fryer crab legs is Old Bay Seasoning. This adds a nice flavour to seafood, especially crab legs. You can also use a homemade Cajun seasoning if you prefer a little more kick.

Other seasonings you can use include garlic powder, parsley, and lemon juice. You can also brush the crab legs with olive oil and melted butter.

Method

First, pat the crab legs dry with a paper towel, then place them onto a sheet of aluminium foil. In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Whisk the mixture, then brush it over all sides of the crab legs.

Wrap the crab legs in the aluminium foil and place them into your air fryer basket. Air fry at 370° for 5 to 7 minutes.

When the time is up, carefully lift the basket out of the air fryer and open the aluminium foil. Plate the crab legs and serve with lemon wedges, additional chopped parsley, and melted butter, if desired.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking crab legs in an air fryer depend on the type of crab legs being cooked and whether they are fresh or frozen.

For snow crab legs, the temperature should be set between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time should be between 3 and 8 minutes. For thicker crab legs, such as king crab legs, the temperature can remain the same, but the cooking time should be increased to 5-10 minutes.

Frozen crab legs can be cooked in an air fryer, but they may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time. It is also recommended to thaw them before cooking to avoid excess water within the crab.

Cleaning crab legs before air frying

Firstly, it is recommended to rinse the crab legs under running water to remove any leftover sand, dirt, or store packaging. You can use a light scrub brush, such as a potato brush, to gently scrub the shells and ensure a thorough cleaning. Make sure to also rinse off any ice glaze if you are using frozen crab legs.

After rinsing, use a paper towel to pat the crab legs dry. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the shells and ensures even cooking. Once the crab legs are dry, place them onto a sheet of aluminum foil that is just large enough to wrap around them.

In a separate medium-sized bowl, prepare your chosen seasoning mix. You can use a simple combination of olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice, or create your own custom blend. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Brush the seasoning mixture over all sides of the crab legs, ensuring that you especially coat the exposed crab meat. Then, wrap the seasoned crab legs in the aluminum foil like a bundle. This step helps contain the mess and makes clean-up easier.

Now, your crab legs are ready to be placed into the air fryer basket and cooked according to your desired recipe instructions. Remember to always handle the crab legs with care and use tongs or oven mitts when removing them from the air fryer to avoid any burns from the hot steam.

Serving suggestions for air-fried crab legs

Air-fried crab legs are a delicious and decadent seafood treat. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Crack and Dip

Crack open the crab legs and serve the meat with lemon wedges and drawn butter for dipping. This classic presentation allows you to savour the sweet and tender crab meat, enhanced by the tangy butter and citrus.

DIY Cracking

Leave the legs unopened and provide small crackers or picks for your guests to crack open themselves. This interactive approach adds an element of fun to the dining experience, and your guests can customise the amount of crab meat they enjoy.

Traditional Sides

Pair your air-fried crab legs with classic crab leg sides, such as corn, potatoes, coleslaw, or bread. These sides complement the crab legs without overwhelming their delicate flavour.

Seafood Extravaganza

For a true seafood feast, combine your crab legs with other seafood delights such as shrimp, sausage, and vegetables. Create a seafood boil spread or a colourful platter, providing a variety of textures and flavours that will impress any seafood lover.

Creative Add-Ins

Get creative and add crab meat to your favourite dishes. Stuff the crab meat into lettuce wraps with avocado and pico de gallo for crab tacos, or boost the protein in your pasta, salad, or rice bowls. The options are endless!

Simple Dip

Keep it simple and serve your air-fried crab legs as an appetiser with some melted butter for dipping. This easy approach lets the sweet crab flavour shine through, and the butter adds a rich, indulgent touch.

Air-frying frozen crab legs

Preparation:

Before cooking, it is important to clean the crab legs thoroughly. Use a brush, such as a potato brush, to scrub away any residue or leftover sand. After scrubbing, dry the crab legs with a paper towel. This step ensures that the seasoning will stick better to the shells.

Seasoning:

In a large bowl, combine the crab legs with olive oil, butter, and your choice of seasonings. For crab legs, Old Bay Seasoning is a popular choice, but you can also use garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or a combination of herbs and spices that you prefer. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasoning all over the crab legs, ensuring they are well coated.

Cooking:

Place the seasoned crab legs in foil paper and wrap them tightly. This helps contain the mess and makes clean-up easier. Put the wrapped crab legs into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to between 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 3-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the legs and the size of your air fryer. For thicker crab legs, like King crab legs, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Serving:

Once the crab legs are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and foil paper. Be cautious of the hot steam that escapes when opening the foil. Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges, melted butter for dipping, and your choice of sides, such as potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips:

• If using frozen crab legs, they can be cooked from frozen, but adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time is recommended.
• Crab legs are typically precooked, so you are just heating them until they are hot to the touch. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the meat dry and chewy.
• For easier cracking, pull the meat out of the legs while they are still hot.

Frequently asked questions