Air Fryer Crab Legs

Air Fryer Crab Legs are ready in minutes and rival any seafood restaurant! Sprinkle with Old Bay or Cajun seasoning and serve with butter or lemon wedges.

My love for seafood is no secret, and the only thing better than freshly caught fish? Fish cooked in an air fryer! I like to sprinkle on some Old Bay Seasoning before I air fry crab legs and – bam! They are packed with flavor and done within minutes of starting up your appliance. No more greasy fried food thanks to this wonderful device!

If you love all things seafood, some of the best Air Fryer Seafood Recipes are AIR FRYER BOURBON GLAZED SALMON, CHILE LIME AIR FRYER SALMON, and AIR FRYER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE (OUTBACK COPYCAT RECIPE)

Air Fryer Crab Legs

This fried crab leg recipe could not be easier — a few spices, some olive oil, and a nice portion of crab legs. Within minutes, you and your family can sit down to a mouthwatering Cajun Air Fryer Crab Legs feast!

If you have never had fried crab legs, they are effortless to cook and feature a lot of great flavors. I serve them with melted butter for dipping.

I don’t know why everyone is always making their crab legs by boiling them on the stove. It’s so time-consuming and laborious! You can have tender, succulent crab meat with just minutes of work when you use an air fryer instead.

Why You’ll Love Fried Snow Crab Legs

• Cook from fresh or frozen
• Ready in 10 minutes
• Family-friendly
• Use your favorite seasoning

Ingredients Needed

• Snow Crab Legs: Sweet, tender snow crab legs with a delicate flavor.
• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth olive oil enhances the crab’s natural flavor while adding a light coating for a crisp finish.
• Old Bay Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning

How To Make Crab Legs In Air Fryer

There are two different types of crab legs you can purchase — snow crab and king crab. I used snow crab for this fried crab leg recipe because they will easily fit in the basket and are available nearly year-round. On the other hand, king crab legs are quite large and require a special tool to crack because of the pricky spikes covering the shell.

Step 1: Rinse the shellfish with water and give them a light scrub to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry, then toss with olive oil and your choice of seasoning until well coated.

Step 2: Transfer the crab legs to the air fryer and set cook time for 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees F (using air fryer setting).

Air Fryer Crab Legs Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, arrange the crab legs in a single layer, leaving some space between them. This ensures the air circulates properly for crispness and tenderness.
• Brush with Butter or Oil: To enhance flavor and help the seasoning stick, lightly brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil before cooking.
• Season Well: A simple seasoning of Old Bay, garlic powder, or lemon zest can really elevate the flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning blends.
• Check for Doneness: Crab legs cook quickly. Depending on size, check for doneness at around 8 minutes, and adjust cooking time as needed. The meat should be opaque and flaky.
• Serve Immediately: Crab legs are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer. Serve with melted butter or a dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Storing

• Storing: To store leftover Air Fryer crab legs, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Crab Legs In Air Fryer: Reheat the crab legs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, just until heated through. You can also wrap them in foil to keep them moist while reheating.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Crab Legs

Air Fryer Crab Legs are a delicious and indulgent main dish, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with a fresh, crisp salad, such as a classic Caesar or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the crab. For a more comforting meal, consider roasted potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a side of garlic butter dipping sauce for extra flavor. Whether you go light or hearty, these sides complement the tender, flavorful crab legs perfectly.

Air Fryer Crab Legs Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen crab legs in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen crab legs in the air fryer. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes, as frozen crab legs may need a little extra time to heat through.

Do I need to thaw the crab legs before cooking? While thawing crab legs before cooking is recommended for the best results, you can also cook them directly from frozen. Just make sure to adjust the cook time.

How long do I cook crab legs in the air fryer? Typically, it takes about 3-5 minutes to cook crab legs in the air fryer at 350°F (190°C). If you’re using larger or frozen crab legs, you may need to cook them a little longer.

Can I add seasoning to crab legs in the air fryer? Absolutely! You can coat the crab legs with olive oil, garlic butter, Old Bay seasoning, or any seasoning you prefer before air frying for added flavor.

Should I cover the crab legs while cooking? It is not necessary to cover the crab legs while air frying. However, you can lightly wrap them in foil if you want to ensure they stay moist, but it isn’t required.

Can I reuse the air fryer basket for multiple batches? Yes, you can cook in multiple batches if necessary. Just be sure to clean the basket between batches to prevent any leftover oils or seasoning from affecting the next batch.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes:

• AIR FRYER SOFT SHELL CRAB
• AIR FRYER CRISPY BREADED FISH FILLETS
• AIR FRYER OLD BAY GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS
• AIR FRYER SALMON BURGER
• AIR FRYER BACON AND CRAB ROLLS

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