Instant Pot Crab Legs turn out perfect steamed and decadent using the Instant Pot! If you have been looking for an easy and foolproof way to make crab legs, this is the recipe for you!
Instant Pot Crab Legs Recipe
Using the Instant Pot is definitely one of the easiest ways to make Crab Legs. I have always loved crab legs but never knew exactly the best way to cook them. The Instant Pot does an amazing job at steaming seafood, keeping the seafood moist and full of flavor, and with this recipe, these will be ready for you in less than 10 minutes.
For this recipe, I kept things simple. I steamed the crab legs in water in the instant pot along with some salt. Once they are cooked you can squeeze some lemon juice over them and dip the meat in melted butter! So good!
This is a great meal for holidays and special birthday dinners or anytime that you want an easy but fancy seafood meal.
Can You Cook Cab Legs In Instant Pot?
If you’re like me, you love crab legs. They’re the perfect seafood dish – succulent, sweet, and slightly briny. But unless you have a lot of time on your hands, cooking crab legs can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why I decided to try cooking them in my Instant Pot. And let me tell you – it was a game-changer! Not only did they cook up in no time at all, but the results were delicious. If you’re looking for an easy way to cook crab legs, the Instant Pot is definitely the way to go. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Ingredients Instant Pot Crab Legs Boil
- Crab Legs: You can either use snow crabs or just get the crab legs!
- Water: Or use chicken, fish, or vegetable broth, for added flavor!
- Salt: Use sea salt or table salt!
How to Cook Crab Legs In Instant Pot
- Start by pouring the water and salt into the Instant Pot. Then add your steamer basket. Place the crab legs into the steamer basket.
How Long To Cook Crab Legs In Instant Pot
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is in the “sealing position” Set the time using manual high pressure for 4 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release. When the pin has dropped, and all of the pressure has been released, open up the Instant Pot.
- Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainly, you will find two kinds of crab legs sold in the United States. Snow crab or King crab. King crab legs are much larger whereas snow crabs are sold in clusters. I used snow crab legs for this recipe.
Crab is a delicate and relatively light flavor, so you don’t want anything that will overpower the flavor of the crab. Some great matches would be Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also drink a dry Rosé or a light Pinot Noir if you are more into red wines!
Crab lovers will find that 1 to 2 pounds of legs per person is the perfect amount. If you are making these as an appetizer, you can serve less. But if you are serving these as the main entree, but a lot of crab legs!
Yes, you can use this recipe using frozen crab legs. You will just want to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time!
How to Eat Crab Legs
The easiest way to eat crab legs is to use a pair of kitchen shears, then cut a straight line down the shell. Then remove the meat, and dispose of the shell.
The other way that you can eat crab legs easily, is to cut one end of the crab leg open and use a small fork to get the meat out of the claw.
Pro Tips
- To make Instant Pot Cajun Crab Legs, just add some Cajun seasonings onto the crab legs before you place them into the Instant Pot!
- If you don’t want your house to smell like seafood, set up your Instant Pot outside and let it release the steam out there.
- Cooked crab legs can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, in case you have leftovers!
What To Serve With Crab Legs
The most common way to eat these is to be served them with butter and lemon wedges.
A great serving sauce is to melt butter in a small saucepan and then add some minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 1-2 minutes, and then add in a tablespoon of lemon juice. You can also add cajun seasoning to the butter if you want it spicy!
If you want some delicious side dishes to go along with your crab feast, try my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, and Instant Pot Baked Potatoes!
Instant Pot Crab Legs Frozen
Yes, you can use this recipe using frozen crab legs in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker. You will just want to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time listed below.
Instant Pot Crab Legs Without Trivet
If you do not have a trivet, you can easily place the frozen snow crab legs into the Instant Pot, without the trivet. The recipe and time will work the same.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Lemon Salmon
- Instant Pot Steamed Clams
- Air Fryer Seafood Boil
- Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp
- Air Fryer Crab Sticks
Don’t Forget To Pin Instant Pot Crab Legs Boil:
If you love crab legs, there is no better place to make crab legs than the Instnat pot. Perfectly cooked or steamed, you get a great batch every single time.
- 3-4 pounds crab legs
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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Start by pouring the water and salt into the Instant Pot.
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Then add your steamer basket.
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Place the crab legs into the steamer basket.
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Add the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is in the “sealing position.”
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Set the time using manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
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When the time is up, do a quick release.
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When the pin has dropped, and all of the pressure has been released, open up the Instant Pot.
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Plate, serve, and enjoy!
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