Air-Fried Crab Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook crab legs, yielding delicious results in less than 15 minutes. They are a quick and easy alternative to boiling or baking crab legs, and can be seasoned with butter, garlic, lemon, Old Bay, or Cajun seasoning. Crab legs can be cooked from fresh or frozen, and are best served with melted butter or lemon wedges.

How to season crab legs for the air fryer

Seasoning crab legs for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to clean the crab legs by rinsing or scrubbing them with water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry the crab legs with a paper towel.

One option for seasoning is to combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Brush this mixture over all sides of the crab legs, especially the exposed crab meat. Wrap the crab legs in aluminium foil and place them in the air fryer basket.

Alternatively, you can place the crab legs in a large bowl and combine them with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasoning all over the crab legs. Wrap the crab legs in foil paper and place them in the air fryer basket.

Another option is to simply sprinkle Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning on the crab legs before placing them in the air fryer.

How long to cook crab legs in the air fryer

Air-frying crab legs is a quick and easy way to cook this seafood favourite. It's also a lot less messy than other cooking methods! The cooking time will depend on the type of crab legs you are preparing, and whether they are frozen or fresh.

Snow Crab Legs

Snow crab legs are smaller and will fit more easily into an air fryer basket. They are usually sold in clusters and are easy to crack. They are also often sold pre-cooked, so you only need to heat them up in the air fryer.

To prepare snow crab legs, first, brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Then, place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-7 minutes. If they are frozen, they may need a couple of extra minutes.

King Crab Legs

King crab legs are larger and may not fit in a standard air fryer. They have a prickly shell and are usually sold individually. They are also more expensive than snow crab legs. If you are preparing king crab legs, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Dungeness Crab Legs

Dungeness crab legs are another good option for the air fryer. They are similar in size to snow crab legs and have a sweet, mild flavour.

Cooking Tips

• It's best to pat crab legs dry with a paper towel before adding any seasoning or oil.
• You can wrap crab legs in foil before placing them in the air fryer for easier cleaning.
• Be careful not to overcook crab legs, as this can make the meat chewy.
• You can reheat leftover crab legs in the air fryer or the microwave.

What type of crab legs to use

When it comes to choosing crab legs for your air fryer, there are a few options to consider. The most common types of crab legs available are snow crab and king crab, but you can also find Dungeness, blue, and stone crab legs. The main factors to consider when selecting crab legs for your air fryer are size and availability.

Snow crab legs are a great option for air frying because they are typically smaller and will fit more easily into the air fryer basket. They usually come in clusters of four or more legs, and their flavour is mild and sweet. They are also easier to handle and crack compared to king crab legs because they have a smooth shell. Snow crab is widely available, making it a convenient choice for this cooking method.

On the other hand, king crab legs are much larger and have a prickly shell. Their size may pose a challenge when trying to fit them into a standard-sized air fryer, and you may need to cut them into smaller pieces. They are typically sold individually and are more expensive than snow crab. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may want to consider using an instant pot or oven instead of an air fryer for king crab legs.

Dungeness crab legs are another option that works well in an air fryer due to their more compact size. They have a sweet and mild flavour with tender meat, and they are often scored, making them easy to snap and eat.

When selecting crab legs for your air fryer, it is also important to consider the number of people you are serving and the capacity of your air fryer. Standard air fryers typically have a capacity of 3 to 6 quarts, so you may be limited in the number of crab legs you can cook at once.

How to store leftover crab legs

Crab legs are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover crab legs stay fresh and safe to eat.

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked crab should be treated like any other perishable food item. Refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible after cooking. If you leave crab legs out at room temperature for too long, bacteria can start to grow, leading to food spoilage and potential foodborne illness.

The best way to store leftover crab legs is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place the crab legs in a dish and cover them with plastic wrap or store them in a Ziploc bag or covered container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep your crab legs for longer, you can freeze them. Frozen crab legs can last for up to 6 months or more. Vacuum sealing the crab legs before freezing can help extend their shelf life even further. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and enjoy!

It's important to note that the quality of crab legs can deteriorate over time, even when properly stored. For the best taste and texture, try to eat your leftover crab legs within a few days of cooking.

Additionally, always use your senses to check if the crab legs are still good to eat. If they have an unpleasant smell or appearance, it's best to discard them.

What to serve with crab legs

There are many delicious side dishes that go well with crab legs. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your air-fried crab legs:

• Potatoes – whether roasted, baked, mashed, or fried, potatoes are a classic side dish to crab legs. Adding garlic and butter to the potatoes will create a flavour that complements the crab perfectly.
• Corn on the cob – this duo is a traditional pairing with crab legs, and for good reason. The crunch of sweet corn on the cob is a great contrast to tender crab meat.
• Coleslaw – this creamy, crunchy cabbage dish is an ideal side to crab legs. While it is usually seen alongside barbecue food, it works just as well with seafood.
• Cornbread – the salty-sweet flavour of cornbread works well with crab meat. Plus, the carbs will fill you up!
• Artichoke petals – steamed artichoke petals dipped in butter is a unique but tasty pairing with crab legs, especially if you're already dipping your crab in melted butter.
• Salad – a simple, crunchy green salad can be a great, light side dish to crab legs, ensuring that the crab remains the star of the show. For an extra garlic kick, serve with a Caesar salad.
• Roasted vegetables – a helping of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can be a nutritious and tasty side dish. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven until crispy.
• Surf and turf – while steak isn't usually considered a side dish, surf and turf is a classic pairing for a reason.
• Mac and cheese – this cheesy dish is a savoury, filling side that goes well with crab legs.
• Rice – rice is a great side dish, especially when paired with bacon, peppers, tomatoes, and hot sauce like in Savannah Red Rice.
• French fries – you can't go wrong with a plate of sizzling hot French fries. Try spiced-up shoestring fries with an optional side of chipotle mayonnaise for dipping.

Frequently asked questions