Air Fryer Frozen Crab Legs: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking crab legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this seafood favourite. Whether you're using fresh or frozen crab legs, the air fryer method is a convenient way to seal in flavour and save time. You can use a variety of crab types, from Dungeness to Snow crab, and even King crab, depending on the size of your air fryer. The cooking time is generally around 5-7 minutes, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the legs and the model of your air fryer.

Crab leg size and air fryer capacity

The size of crab legs and the capacity of your air fryer will determine how many crab legs you can cook at once. Standard air fryers have a capacity of between 3 and 6 quarts, but there are larger and smaller models available.

King crab legs are bigger and longer than snow crab legs, with six long legs and two claws, while snow crabs have eight legs and two claws. Due to their size, you may only be able to fit a couple of clusters of king crab legs in a standard air fryer. You may need to break them up to fit in the basket, or cook them in two batches.

Dungeness crab legs and snow crab legs are good options for air fryer cooking because they are more compact and tend to fit better inside air fryer baskets.

If you have a larger air fryer, like a 10-quart model, you will be able to fit more crab legs than in a standard air fryer.

Thawing frozen crab legs

While it is possible to cook frozen crab legs in an air fryer without thawing them first, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. If you would prefer to thaw your crab legs before cooking, there are a few different methods you can use.

One popular method is to place the crab legs in the refrigerator overnight (for about 8 hours). If you use this method, place the crab legs in a watertight container with a rack to set them on so that any water can drain. Always run some cool water over the legs to wash off any dirt, seaweed, or sand on them.

If you don't have the time to thaw your crab legs overnight, you can place the frozen legs in a colander in a sink and run cool water over them to thaw quickly. Do not microwave frozen crab legs to defrost them, as the meat can begin to cook and get tough.

Cooking time and temperature

When cooking frozen crab legs in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to around 370–380 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the crab legs and the size of your air fryer.

For 1 pound of crab legs, 5 to 7 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient. If you are using a larger air fryer, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. It is important to note that crab legs are usually already cooked when purchased from the store, so you only need to heat them until they are hot to the touch.

If you are using thick King Crab legs, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Snow crab legs, which are smaller in size, typically take around 5 minutes to cook.

When cooking frozen crab legs, you have the option to thaw them beforehand or add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. It is recommended to cook frozen crab legs for an extra 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the weight and thickness of the legs.

To check if the crab legs are done, you can take a peek at the "shoulder," where the meat should appear white and the legs should be a vibrant orange or pink color. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, as this can result in dry or chewy meat.

How to check if crab legs are cooked

When cooking crab legs in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked before serving. Here are some detailed steps and indicators to help you check if your crab legs are cooked:

Indicators of Doneness:

Firstly, it is important to note that store-bought crab legs are typically already cooked. You can visually inspect this by checking the colour of the crab legs. Cooked crab legs will usually be an orange or red colour, whereas raw crab legs may appear green or brown.

Cooking Frozen Crab Legs:

If you are cooking frozen crab legs, you can either thaw them beforehand and follow the same cooking procedure as fresh crab legs, or simply add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. To check if your frozen crab legs are cooked, look at the "shoulder" of the crab leg, where the meat should appear white when cooked.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time for crab legs in an air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the legs and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, set your air fryer to a temperature of around 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the crab legs for approximately 5 to 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.

Visual and Sensory Indicators:

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the crab legs and use your senses to assess their doneness. The shells should be hot to the touch and have a crispy texture. The meat inside should be moist and tender, not dry or chewy. Overcooking the crab legs can result in dry and chewy meat, so it is important to avoid leaving them in the air fryer for too long.

Pre-Cooking Inspection:

Before placing the crab legs in the air fryer, it is important to lightly rinse them to remove any leftover sand, dirt, or store packaging. Additionally, you can use kitchen shears to cut the legs into smaller segments, making it easier to extract the meat once they are cooked. You can also make strategic cuts along the length of the crab legs to create convenient entry points for removing the meat after cooking.

By following these steps and indicators, you can ensure that your crab legs are thoroughly cooked and ready to be served. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked air-fried crab legs!

Seasoning and serving suggestions

The great thing about cooking crab legs in an air fryer is that you can season them however you like. Some popular seasonings include Old Bay, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. You can also brush the crab legs with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, lemon, and your choice of seasoning before cooking. If you want the seasoning to stick to the crab shells, you might want to use fresh or defrosted crab legs.

If you're looking for a simple way to season your crab legs, just add some salt and pepper to taste. You can also try other herbs and spices, such as paprika, parsley, or red pepper flakes. For an extra crispy texture, brush the crab legs with oil before adding your chosen seasoning.

When it comes to serving, crab legs can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of sides. Some classic sides include corn, potatoes, coleslaw, bread, rice, or noodles. For a lighter option, serve them with nutritious vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you're feeling fancy, you can make a seafood boil by adding shrimp, sausage, and vegetables. Crab legs also go well with pasta, salad, or rice bowls.

Don't forget to provide some lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping. You can also offer small crackers or picks for guests to crack open the crab legs themselves. If you want to get creative, make a garlic butter sauce to drizzle over the crab legs or serve on the side for dipping.

For a complete meal, serve your air-fried crab legs with a side of Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits. And if you're in the mood for something extra indulgent, pair your crab legs with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of white wine.

Frequently asked questions