Grilling crab legs in foil is a quick and easy way to cook tender, succulent seafood at home. The foil pouch steams the crab gently while infusing it with smoky grill flavor. But exactly how long should you grill crab legs to ensure they turn out moist and delicious?
Follow this guide to get perfectly grilled crab every time using an easy foil packet method
Factors That Affect Grilling Time
Several factors impact the cooking time needed for crab legs in foil on the grill:
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Type and size of crab – King crab legs take longer than snow crab. Larger legs require more time than smaller legs or pieces.
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Thickness of legs – Thicker legs need longer grilling time than thin legs.
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Precooked vs. raw – Raw crab legs take much longer to cook through than precooked frozen legs that just need reheating.
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Quantity being grilled – Grilling multiple foil pouches of crab legs on the grill simultaneously increases total grilling time
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Grill temperature – Hotter grills cook crab faster while lower heat requires longer cooking time.
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Weather conditions – Grilling in cold or windy weather increases total cooking time,
How to Tell When Crab Legs Are Done
Since most crab legs are sold precooked, visually checking for doneness is key:
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Shell turns bright red/orange indicating heat has penetrated.
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Meat is opaque throughout rather than translucent.
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Juices run clear when shell is pierced versus milky white.
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Meat feels firm when pressed with tongs rather than spongy.
The crab meat should be heated through but not overcooked or dried out.
Recommended Grilling Times
King crab legs
- 1 lb – 15 to 20 minutes
- 2 lbs – 20 to 25 minutes
- 3+ lbs – 25 to 30 minutes
Snow crab legs
- 1 lb – 10 to 15 minutes
- 2 lbs – 15 to 20 minutes
- 3+ lbs – 20 to 25 minutes
Raw crab legs
- 1 lb – 30 to 35 minutes
- 2 lbs – 35 to 40 minutes
- 3+ lbs – 40 to 45 minutes
These times are based on a medium-hot grill around 400°F. Use foil to avoid overcharring the shells. Adjust times as needed based on quantity, size, and grill temperature.
Grilling Process
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
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Pat crab dry. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and/or garlic powder if desired.
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Place crab legs in center of heavy duty foil and wrap tightly in packet.
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Grill foil packets for recommended time, turning once halfway through.
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Check for doneness using visual tests. Grill longer if needed.
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Remove from grill and unwrap carefully to avoid steam burns.
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Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, and favorite sauces.
Grilling Tips
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Use two sheets of foil or heavy duty foil to avoid tearing.
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Create a loose packet vs. wrapping crab tightly in foil.
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Allow 5-10 minutes extra grilling time if making multiple foil pouches.
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Turn packets once halfway through for even heating.
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Open packets away from face and body to avoid steam burns.
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Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking.
Delicious Crab Leg Recipes
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Lemony Herb Grilled Crab Legs
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Cajun Spice Boiled Crab Legs
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Garlic Brown Butter Baked Crab Legs
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Air Fryer Crab Legs with Drawn Butter
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Crab Leg and Shrimp Boil
Grilling crab legs in foil is one of the easiest ways to cook fresh seafood at home. Follow these guidelines on how long to grill crab legs for tender, juicy results. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the size of your crab legs and your grill’s temperature. Soon you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality crab feasts from your own backyard grill.
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Unlock the Flavors of Grilled Snow Crab Legs
When it comes to indulging in the deliciousness of seafood, snow crab legs are a real treat. Their sweet and tender meat, combined with a hint of brininess, makes them a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. While traditionally steamed or boiled, grilling snow crab legs takes their flavor to a whole new level. By following the steps in this blog post, you will be able to cook snow crab legs on the grill and add smoky, charred flavor to your favorite crustaceans.
Before we dive into the grilling process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools:
- Snow crab legs
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
- Grill
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (200°C).
- While the grill is preheating, prepare the buttery garlic mixture. Add the lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Then add the melted butter and mix them all together. Set aside.
- Lay out the snow crab legs on a piece of foil. For the crab legs to stay safe from direct heat and not stick to the grill, do this.
- Brush the crab legs all over with the buttery garlic mixture that you made. Make sure to coat them evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Carefully place the foil-wrapped crab legs on the preheated grill. Put the lid back on and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Open the foil a little after the first cooking time to let some of the steam escape. This will help the crab legs get a nice smoky taste.
- Keep grilling the crab legs for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the shells have turned a bright orange color.
- Take the crab legs off the grill carefully with tongs and place them on a serving platter.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping. Top with fresh parsley.
This easy and tasty grilling method will take the taste of snow crab legs to a whole new level. The natural sweetness of the crab meat is spiced up by the smoky char, making for a delicious experience that will impress your family and friends.
Turn on the grill and try these grilled snow crab legs the next time you want a seafood feast. These will not only make you happy, but they will also make any backyard party an unforgettable culinary adventure!
BUTTERY GRILLED KING CRAB | SAM THE COOKING GUY 4K
FAQ
How long to grill crab legs at 400 degrees?
How to steam crab legs on a grill?