The Complete Guide to Cooking Crab Legs in Oven Bags

Oven bags provide a quick, easy and tasty way to cook crab legs right in your own oven. The bags steam the crab legs perfectly while sealing in all the natural juices and flavors. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze – just throw away the bag when done!

If you’re new to using oven bags for cooking crab legs, you likely have some questions How long should I cook them? What temperature is best? What seasonings work well? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to make succulent oven-baked crab legs in a bag

Benefits of Cooking Crab Legs in Oven Bags

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why oven bags are a great choice for crab legs

• Moist and tender results – Oven bags create a mini steam environment that prevents drying out.

• Intensifies flavor – Cooking in the bag locks in natural juices and seasonings.

• Easy preparation – Just season, bag and bake. No messy pots required.

• Convenient – Make crab legs with minimal prep and cleanup.

• Mess containment – Bags prevent leaks and contain smells.

• Food safety – Steaming in a bag cooks evenly with no raw spots.

• Versatile – Use for frozen or thawed legs, and add veggies too.

Clearly oven bags offer an easy route to deliciously cooked crab legs. Now let’s get into the details on how to make them right every time.

Selecting Crab Legs for Oven Bags

You can use either fresh or frozen crab legs to cook in oven bags:

• Fresh legs – Choose legs that smell fresh, not fishy. Legs should be cold and firm.

• Frozen legs – Opt for legs free of frost or ice crystals which indicate improper thawing.

• Leg types – King, snow and Dungeness all work well. Adjust cook times as needed.

No matter which you use, rinse legs before cooking and pat completely dry. Now season the crab legs as desired.

Seasoning Suggestions for Oven Bag Crab Legs

One benefit of oven bags is they really amplify flavors. Consider these tasty seasonings:

• Butter – Melted or soft butter helps keep legs moist and tender.

• Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the flavor.

• Garlic – Minced garlic provides a savory kick.

• Old Bay – This classic crab seasoning blends multiple spices.

• Tony Chachere’s – The bold Creole flavors complement crab wonderfully.

• Blackening seasoning – For a Cajun-inspired kick of heat and zest.

• Pepper – Fresh cracked black pepper adds warmth.

Get creative mixing and matching seasoning flavors to invent your own signature crab leg blend.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Oven Bag Crab Legs

Follow these simple steps for flawless oven baked crab legs every time:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Place seasoned crab legs in an oven bag. Add any vegetables or sauce now if using.

3. Tie oven bag closed securely with provided tie. Try a double knot.

4. Use a knife or scissors to cut 5-6 slits in top of bag for venting steam.

5. Place oven bag on prepared baking sheet and bake on middle rack.

That’s the basic process. Now let’s get into how long to actually cook the crab legs.

Recommended Cook Times for Oven Bag Crab Legs

Crab leg cook times in oven bags vary based on several factors:

• Leg size – Large legs take longer than smaller legs or clusters.

• Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen legs require 5-8 minutes more cook time.

• Quantity – Cooking a full bag takes longer than a few legs.

• Additions – Extra vegetables or sauce increase required bake time.

Given all those variables, I recommend following this cooking timeframe:

• Smaller legs or clusters – Cook 18-22 minutes

• Medium sized legs – Cook 20-25 minutes

• Large king crab legs – Cook 23-28 minutes

• Extra large legs – Cook 25-30 minutes

No matter the cook time, always check legs at 15 minutes first, then watch closely until finished. Better slightly underdone than overcooked.

Tips for Perfect Results When Cooking Crab Legs in Bags

Follow these tips and tricks to nail perfectly cooked crab legs in oven bags every time:

• Check bags for leaks before cooking by gently blowing air inside and squeezing.

• Use sturdy foil baking pans to support bags if concerned about punctures.

• Arrange bags loosely on the pan, not packed tightly, so steam can flow.

• Cut vent slits along top of bag instead of corner to prevent leaks.

• Add a tablespoon of water to the bag if cooking just a few legs to create more steam.

• Spray bag exterior with oil to promote even browning and prevent sticking.

• Rotate pan and shuffle bag contents midway through cooking for uniform doneness.

• Always allow crab legs to rest 5+ minutes before opening bag to finish cooking.

Serving Up Your Delicious Oven Bag Crab Feast

Once your crab legs are cooked to tender, juicy perfection in the oven bag, it’s time to dig in! Be prepared when serving your crab extravaganza:

• Provide small hammers and crab leg crackers to break open legs.

• Have melted butter, lemon wedges and dipping sauces on hand for dunking meat.

• Accompany crab with cooked corn, potatoes, asparagus or other veggies.

• Set out moist towelettes for cleaning hands and tools between cracking legs.

• Use a prep board or tablecloth you don’t mind getting messy.

• Provide empty bowls for discarded shells. Supply wet wipes to clean up.

• Consider bibs and sleeves to help minimize stray crab juice on clothes.

• Make sure you have plenty of napkins on the table!

Oven Bag Crab Leg Pairings and Meals

Beyond serving crab legs solo, consider these tasty pairing ideas:

• Toss halved baby potatoes in the oven bag to cook alongside crab legs.

• Include corn on the cob stripped of husks for a surf and turf oven bag meal.

• Serve crab with roasted asparagus and garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Offer a spinach salad with orange segments and sesame dressing on the side.

• For lunch, pair crab with rice pilaf or a crusty baguette and coleslaw.

• For brunch, serve legs alongside cheesy grits, scrambled eggs and biscuits.

However you choose to complement your oven-roasted crab legs, oven bag cooking makes preparing this decadent seafood feast easier than ever.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Oven Bag Crab

Leftover properly cooked crab legs in the shell can be stored and reheated safely:

• Allow legs to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Place in airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days.

• Reheat gently in oven bag in 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Check frequently.

• Can also reheat by steaming on stovetop 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• Pick any remaining meat from shells and store in airtight container up to 3 days.

• Use leftover crab meat in dips, sandwiches, crab cakes, salad, pasta, etc.

With the tricks in this guide, you’ll be able to make succulent oven-roasted crab legs in convenient oven bags any night of the week. Surprise your family or guests with this impressive meal that looks like you fussed but only took minutes to throw together. Oven bag crab legs are sure to become a new favorite year-round mealtime tradition!