Introduction
These Air Fryer Crab Legs turn out perfectly tender and juicy in just 8 minutes. After testing popular methods from top seafood recipes, I found the air fryer is the quickest and most reliable way to enjoy restaurant-quality crab legs at home with minimal cleanup.
Perfect Air Fryer Crab Legs Recipe
Cooking crab legs in the air fryer is not only faster than steaming or baking but also intensifies the flavor while keeping the meat moist. This method requires little seasoning because crab legs are naturally sweet, but adding garlic butter or Old Bay seasoning elevates them to the next level.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs crab legs (snow crab or king crab, thawed if frozen)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for dipping)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredient Notes:
- Snow crab cooks more quickly and fits easily in most air fryer baskets.
- King crab is meatier but may need to be cut into sections.
- Olive oil can replace butter if you prefer a lighter option.
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (187°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat crab legs dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
- Brush shells lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
- Arrange crab legs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.
- Remove carefully, squeeze with fresh lemon, and serve with extra melted butter for dipping.
Air Fryer Crab Legs – Juicy, Buttery, and Ready in 8 Minutes
Equipment
- Air fryer
- ongs
- Kitchen shears
- Small mixing bowl
- Parchment or foil (optional for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
2 lbs crab legs (snow crab or king crab, thawed)
2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for dipping)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 370°F (187°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat crab legs dry with paper towels.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra butter for dipping.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary—adjust cook times as needed.
- Always thaw frozen crab legs before cooking for even results.
- For garlic butter dip, melt 4 tbsp butter with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tsp lemon juice.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket for best air circulation.
Nutrition
Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Crab Legs
Temperature & Timing Guide
- Snow crab legs: 6–7 minutes at 370°F (187°C).
- King crab legs: 7–8 minutes at 370°F (187°C).
- Reheating leftovers: 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes.
Visual Cues: Crab shells should turn bright orange and the meat should be hot, flaky, and juicy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key to even cooking.
- Use kitchen shears to cut shells before serving for easier eating.
- For extra flavor, mix garlic with melted butter and brush it on before cooking.
- Cover the basket with foil if using butter to simplify cleanup.
- If the crab legs feel slightly underheated, add 1–2 extra minutes.
Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Crab Legs
Best Pairings
- Classic garlic butter dipping sauce
- Old Bay butter sauce for a spicy kick
- Lemon garlic aioli
- Cajun remoulade
Perfect Side Dishes
- Air fryer corn on the cob with butter and herbs
- Garlic butter roasted potatoes
- Air fryer asparagus or green beans
- A crisp side salad for freshness
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover crab meat in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes.
- Freezing: Cooked crab meat can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This air fryer method makes crab legs fast, flavorful, and foolproof. With just 8 minutes and simple seasonings, you’ll have tender, buttery crab legs that rival any seafood restaurant.
