To make the best crab legs in an air fryer, just add old bay and cook them for less than 15 minutes. They’re ready to serve after a great home boil.
If you’re looking for another way to make your crab legs at home then this is it.
Since snow crab legs are already cooked, they heat up very quickly in an air fryer. After cleaning them, all you need to do is season them and let the air fryer do its thing!
Crab legs are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat. Their sweet tender meat flavored with butter or sauce is utterly mouthwatering. However, cooking them can be time-consuming and messy especially if boiling or steaming. But what if you could enjoy perfect crab legs in just minutes with no pots or pans? Well, you can, thanks to the magic of air frying!
Air frying is a revolutionary cooking method that uses super hot, rapidly circulating air to quickly cook foods. And it turns out frozen crab legs are an ideal food to toss in the air fryer basket for a fast and easy meal. So let’s discuss the ins and outs of cooking frozen crab legs in an air fryer.
Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Crab Legs
Air frying frozen crab legs has numerous advantages
- Speed – Cooks crab legs fully in just 5-7 minutes
- Convenience – No need to boil, steam, or thaw beforehand
- Crispy texture – Air frying makes the shells deliciously crispy
- Flavors – Seasonings penetrate better for more flavor
- Simplicity – Just season and toss in the basket
By using the air fryer, you can go from freezer to table in under 15 minutes. The preheated high-velocity air quickly thaws and cooks the crab all at once.
How to Cook Frozen Crab Legs in an Air Fryer
Cooking frozen crab legs in an air fryer is surprisingly easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Remove crab legs from freezer (no thawing needed)
- Pat dry with paper towels and remove any loose shell pieces
- Brush with oil – A light coating helps crisping
- Season with Old Bay, lemon pepper, garlic powder, etc.
- Arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket
- Air fry at 370°F for 5-7 minutes
- Flip halfway through for even cooking
- Check for doneness and cook 1-2 minutes more if needed
The hot circulating air will quickly thaw, heat, and crisp up the crab shells. Brushing with oil and seasoning adds flavor as the air fryer works its magic.
For larger legs or clusters, add 1-2 more minutes to ensure the centers are fully cooked. An internal temperature of 140-145°F indicates doneness.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Crab Legs
Once your crab legs are cooked in the air fryer you have a few options for how to serve them
- Crack open the legs and serve the meat with lemon wedges and drawn butter for dipping
- Leave legs unopened and provide small crackers or picks for guests to crack open themselves
- Pair with classic crab leg sides like corn, potatoes, coleslaw or bread
- Place in a seafood boil with shrimp, sausage, and vegetables
- Add to pasta, salad, or rice bowls for a protein boost
The crispy, seasoned shells make a perfect vehicle for dipping in melted garlic butter or creamy cocktail sauce. Or keep it simple and let the sweet crab flavor shine through.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for optimal air fryer frozen crab legs:
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook in a single layer for even crisping
- Brush with oil – A light coating helps the seasoning adhere
- Flip halfway – Ensures both sides get nicely browned
- Pat dry first – Excess moisture prevents crisping
- Don’t cover – The exposed shells get deliciously crispy
- Check often – Air fryers cook very quickly
With the right techniques, you’ll get tender crab meats encased in crispy, seasoned shells ready to crack open and enjoy!
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Crab Legs at Home
Air frying makes cooking frozen crab legs a breeze. In just minutes, you can prepare these impressive shells filled with sweet meat right from your home kitchen.
So next time a crab leg craving strikes, don’t hesitate to toss some frozen legs in your air fryer. You’ll be cracking open tender, juicy crab in no time – no boiling or steamers required!
What do you serve them with?
These air fried crab legs are great served as an appetizer with some melted butter for dipping. Easy as pie! Of course, you can put these on a platter with other seafood and lots of sides for a seafood boil.
Make up your own seafood menu with these crab legs served alongside:
Recipe Notes and Tips
- I like to use crab legs that are fresh or defrosted because I like the seasoning to stick to the crab shells. You can cook it from frozen by giving it a few extra minutes.
- The crab legs should be bright orange or pink when they are done cooking.
- Be careful not to cook the legs too long, or the meat will get tough.
Air Fryer Frozen Snow Crab Legs with Old Bay Seasoning and Kerrygold Butter
FAQ
How do you cook frozen crab legs in the air fryer?
Do you need to thaw frozen crab legs before cooking?
Can you bake frozen crab legs without thawing?
Can you cook frozen crab legs in an air fryer?
You can make these with frozen or fresh crab legs. If frozen, they will take an extra few minutes in the air fryer or you can defrost them fully before you cook them. When the crab legs are cooked they should be a vibrant orange / pink color. Take care not to overcook the legs or the meat can become chewy.
How do you cook frozen crab legs?
Combine the ingredients for the garlic butter sauce in a bowl. Brush the mixture over both sides of the crab legs. Wrap the crab legs in foil and air fry. I use 370 degrees. Cook time is 5-8 minutes. You can cook frozen crab legs by adding 2-3 minutes of additional cook time.
Can fried crab legs be refrigerated?
Leftover air fryer crab legs can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days in a sealed container. To reheat, simply air fry crab legs for a couple of minutes until the meat is warmed through. Or, crack the shells first and warm the meat in the microwave or on the stove. What to Serve with Fried Crab Legs?
Do king crab legs fit in air fryer?
The meat is a little more delicate and sweeter. They are a lot more expensive than snow crab. (I usually get these for New Year’s!). King crab legs likely won’t fit in the air fryer unless you use a large air fryer oven. You can try cutting them to fit. Most crab will come precooked and often frozen.