Putting crab legs in the air fryer is so quick and easy. All I do is sprinkle some Old Bay Seasoning on them, and they’re done in minutes. You will never make them any other way again.
Going to a seafood restaurant was always a treat for me, even though I grew up in the southwest desert. Even though I’m an adult, I still like them, and I love that they’re high in protein.
Crab legs are a delicious and popular seafood dish that many people love. While they are often boiled or steamed, did you know you can also air fry crab legs for a quick and easy meal?
Air frying crab legs is a great way to enjoy this tasty shellfish without having to deal with boiling pots of water or waiting for a steamer, It yields deliciously crispy crab legs in just minutes right in your air fryer
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry crab legs so you can enjoy this seafood dish at home with minimal effort.
Benefits of Air Frying Crab Legs
There are several advantages to cooking crab legs in an air fryer rather than boiling or steaming them:
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It’s faster: Air frying takes only about 5-7 minutes while boiling can take 15+ minutes. The air fryer preheats quickly so you don’t have to wait around.
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Uses less energy: An air fryer uses less electricity than boiling a large pot of water or running a steamer. It’s very energy efficient.
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Minimal cleanup: With air frying, there’s no giant pot to scrub afterwards. Just wipe out the air fryer basket.
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Intensifies flavors: The hot air circulating makes crab legs extra crispy and infuses them with spice flavors.
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More control: It’s easier to monitor cooking progress with the air fryer than steaming. Just check periodically.
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No steam burns: Air frying avoids splattering hot steam, so it’s safer.
What You Need to Air Fry Crab Legs
Air frying crab legs only requires a few basic items:
- Air fryer (at least 5 quart capacity recommended)
- Frozen crab legs, thawed
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Old Bay or other crab seasoning
The most important item is obviously an air fryer. A model with at least 5 quarts capacity is ideal so you have room for multiple crab legs. Popular brands like Cosori, Ninja, Instant, Phillips, and Cuisinart all make quality air fryers perfect for crab.
Crab legs are the main ingredient. Look for snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness crab. For best results, make sure any frozen crab legs are fully thawed before air frying.
Oil is used to lightly coat the crab legs before air frying. Olive oil or avocado oil work well but cooking spray is also an option.
Finally, seasoning like Old Bay adds fantastic crab flavor. Sprinkle it generously over the legs before cooking.
Step-By-Step Guide to Air Fry Crab Legs
Follow these simple steps for perfectly air fried crab legs:
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Thaw frozen crab legs completely until no ice crystals remain. This can take 6-12 hours in the refrigerator.
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Pat legs dry with paper towels. Make sure they are free of excess moisture.
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Lightly coat legs with oil using a brush or by spraying. Use about 1 tsp oil per leg.
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Season the legs generously with Old Bay or crab seasoning, about 1 tsp per leg. Rub to distribute evenly.
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Arrange legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Work in batches for larger quantities.
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Set air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5 minutes. Legs should sizzle and smell fragrant.
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Flip legs and cook 5 more minutes. Shells will appear pinkish-orange when done.
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Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat. It should reach 140°F.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before cracking open shells. Serve with melted butter for dipping.
It really is that easy! In less than 10 minutes, you can enjoy tender crab legs cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Crab Legs
Here are some helpful tips and suggestions when making air fried crab legs:
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air flow is crucial so leave space between legs. Cook in batches if needed.
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Adjust cooking time up or down depending on size and thickness of crab legs. Larger king crab may need a couple extra minutes.
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Check for doneness early and frequently to avoid overcooking. Crab dries out quickly if cooked too long.
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Use kitchen shears to snip legs into smaller pieces for more even cooking.
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Add lemon, garlic, or cajun seasoning in addition to Old Bay for more flavor varieties.
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Serve with melted butter, fresh lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or agave nectar for dipping.
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For perfect results, use fully cooked rather than raw uncooked crab legs. Raw will require more time.
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If reheating already cooked crab legs, halve cooking time to avoid drying them out.
FAQs About Air Frying Crab Legs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making crab legs in an air fryer:
Can you air fry frozen crab legs?
Yes, air frying frozen crab legs works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely first before cooking.
Do you need to flip crab legs when air frying?
Flipping halfway through is recommended for even doneness, but not strictly necessary.
How can you tell when crab legs are done?
Check for shells to turn opaque and pink-orange in color. Use a thermometer to test internal temperature.
Do you need to add oil when air frying crab legs?
A little oil helps crisp the shell. You can use just a light brushing for best texture.
What temperature should you cook crab legs?
370 degrees F is ideal, ensuring the meat reaches 140°F internally without overcooking.
How long should you cook crab legs in an air fryer?
Most crab legs will take 5-7 minutes at 370°F, depending on size. Larger legs may need a couple extra minutes.
Get Crispy Air Fried Crab Legs Tonight
Air frying makes cooking up tender, juicy crab legs so fast and easy. In just minutes you can enjoy this tasty seafood appetizer or entree from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Be sure to thaw legs fully, lightly oil and season them, and air fry at 370°F for 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Now that you’re armed with this simple step-by-step air fryer guide, you can start making your own crispy crab legs anytime. Air frying is a quick and easy way to get your crab fix without any fuss or hassle.
How to make Air Fryer Crab Legs
First, you are going to rinse them of course. Then lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning on them. I know it seems odd to season the outer shell of the legs, but trust me, while they are in the air fryer, the flavor gets into the meat, and they are tasty!
In the air fryer basket, put the legs. Cook them at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how thick the legs are. I use snow crab clusters, so five minutes is just right.
Store bought crab legs are usually already cooked. You can tell because cooked legs will already be an orange or red color. If the crab is green or brown, you may need to cook it differently.
If you are using thick King Crab legs, you might need to add another minute or two. Sit back and wait for the house to smell like Old Bay. Then, watch your family run in.
Why make Crab Legs in the Air Fryer?
I love my Cosori 5.8 QT air fryer. I will go out of my way to use it to prepare favorite meals, just to see how they turn out in the air fryer. Which is how I happened to make crab legs in the air fryer.
You should also check out the recipes for the Lobster Tails, Scallops, and Ribeye Steaks that I make in the air fryer. You should also make the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits if you want to feel like you’re in a seafood restaurant.
If you love this dish, you might also enjoy our other air fryer seafood recipes.
I make them all the time now and am always amazed at how fast the air fryer cooks them. I don’t have to wait for my steamer or water to boil before I can cook them. They are done in about five minutes!.
The shells are crispier and easier to break when cooked in an air fryer, which is another benefit. I can pull the meat out of the legs with almost no effort. The meat is still tender and moist.