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Crab Legs are so fast and easy to make in the air fryer! I just sprinkle some Old Bay Seasoning on them, and they are done in just minutes. You will never make them any other way again.
Although I grew up in the southwest desert, going out to eat at a seafood restaurant, was always a treat. I still enjoy them now that I’m an adult, and love that they are a great source of protein.
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.
I also use the air fryer to make amazing Lobster Tails, Scallops, and Ribeye Steaks, so be sure to check out those recipes too. If you want the full seafood restaurant experience, be sure to make the Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Biscuits too.
If you love this dish, you might also enjoy our other air fryer seafood recipes.
Now, I make them all the time, and am amazed at how quickly they cook in the air fryer. I no longer have to wait for water to boil, or for my steamer to heat up to cook them. They are done in about five minutes!
Another benefit of making them in the air fryer, is that the shells are crisper, and easier to crack. I can pull the meat out of the legs with almost no effort. The meat is still tender and moist.
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!
Place the legs into the air fryer basket, and cook them at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the legs. 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. Either way, sit back and wait for the smell of Old Bay to fill the house and watch your family come running.
FAQ’s
Can you overcook crab legs?
Yes. You do no want to overcook crab legs. Because they are already cooked when you buy them from the store, just heat them until they are hot to the touch. If you cook them too long in the air fryer, the meat can dry out or become chewy.
Do I need to wash crab legs before eating them?
Yes. I like to make sure the shells are clean from any leftover sand, or store materials or plastics. I just rinse them and give them a light scrub under water.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound snow crab legs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
Optional
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Lightly rinse the crab legs, being sure they don't have any leftover sand, dirt, or store packaging on them.
- Very lightly coat them with olive oil.
- Season the shells with Old Bay Seasoning, and then place the legs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 370 degrees F for 5-7 minutes, until the shells are hot to the touch.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
omg thank you for this — to save on a mess, i put aluminum foil on the bottom and i used extra olive oil — no extra butter needed — and im a butter freak
Excellent. These turned out great. I had a 2lb bag of crab claws. I did cook them for 3-4 minutes longer, but I did it because I had 2lbs instead of the 1lb the recipe called for. Easy-peasy. Thanks!
I always look longingly at crab legs. I really like them, but big pots of boiling water bubbling all over the stove, has made me leave them
at the store.
This recipe is perfect, neat and makes them easy to eat and beyond snappy. Do it.
Thank you Nicolette! I used to steam mine, but the air fryer makes the shells so easy to crack open! We appreciate the feedback!
I was so doubtful of this recipe, but I proudly stand corrected! This recipe is delicious and the crab legs are perfect as long as you follow the recipe. Cracked so easily, I did not even need the crab crackers!
No more boiling tons of water.
Thank you!
Thank you! So glad you liked them!
Are you using fresh uncooked crab legs for this recipe or pre cooked?
I use frozen, pre-cooked crab legs. So they just need a short time to heat up. It really helps with the cracking open of the shells, it’s so much easier!
Do they need to be thawed?
They don’t need to be thawed. I throw them straight in from frozen.
Excellent way to cook crab legs…. no mess, and perfectly cooked Will do again! Thanks for a great idea!
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked them!
I LIKE THAT YOU EVEN PUT NUTRECTION INFORMACTION THANKS