How to Cook Crab Legs
This is our most comprehensive post on how to cook crab legs. We're showing four different ways to tasty, succulent and delicious crab legs. Baked, Air Fryer, Grilled and Steamed Crab legs. We're also showing you how to cook frozen crab legs, so whichever way, you'll end up with a delicious seafood meal! Video and details below!
Ingredients
Crab Legs
- 6 pounds Crab Legs defrosted
Cajun Spice Blend
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chives/mixed herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To Bake:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
To Steam:
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Peppercorns
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 1-2 lemon slices
- 1-2 cloves of garlic smashed
To Air Fry
- Oil Spray
To Grill
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cajun spice above
- 1 teaspoon parsley fresh minced
- 1 lemon zested
Instructions
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Remove the Clusters from the bag and defrost overnight in the fridge or on the kitchen counter for 2-3 hours.
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Mix the cajun spice blend in a bowl.
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To make the butter, blend everything together in a bowl and set aside.
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To Bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Season the crab clusters on both sides with cajun seasoning, drizzle with olive oil and place the clusters on a parchment lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through. Serve with the melted butter.
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To Steam: Prepare a steamer, instant pot or a regular pot and add in a steamer basket.
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Add water below the steamer basket, then flavor the water by adding all ingredients in the water.
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Place the crab clusters over the steamer basket and steam for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
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Serve with the melted butter.
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To Air fry: Season the clusters on both sides with the cajun spice mix and place in the air fryer. Spray with oil spray and air fry at 400 degrees for 14-15 minutes, flipping the clusters halfway.
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Serve with the melted butter.
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To Grill: Preheat the grill on medium high. Season the clusters on both sides with the Cajun spice and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the spice and oil well on to the clusters.
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Place the crab clusters on the grill and shut down the lid. Grill for 15 minutes, flipping the clusters halfway until cooked through.
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Serve with the melted butter.
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Garnish with minced parsley, lemon wedges and jalapeño slices.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Crab Legs Cooking Tips
- Use fresh when possible, otherwise frozen crab legs work just as well.
- Make sure you pick crab legs that have no ice crystals and those that haven't traveled a long distance.
- Defrost the crab overnight in the fridge before using.
- Whether you're steaming, grilling, baking or air frying the crab, you'll need a simple seasoning.
- You can use store-bought old bay or cajun seasoning, or make your own (recipe below).
- A drizzle of oil or spray helps the seasoning stick to the crabs.
- Keep an eye on the crab legs as they usually cook right away.
- Use a crab cracker to crack open the shells and enjoy the meat.
- Flavor the dipping butter or use salted melted butter is you're rushed.
- Use an instant pot steamer or any steamer basket for steaming.
- If air frying, select an air fryer with a large basket.
- We line our baking sheets for easy cleanup, however you don't have to.
How to Store Crab Legs
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What to do with leftover crab?
Similar to the Lobster Roll, you can make rolls with crab. Or a crab bisque using our Lobster Bisque recipe. Toss them in salads, pastas, rice dishes, they're just GREAT!
What is the most flavorful way to cook crab legs?
Ok so this is impartial ad fully depends on your taste. We find the grilled method offers that beautiful char and grll flavor which is so refreshing! The air fryer is super convenient and fuss free. Baking the crab is sort of like the oven does all the work. And finally steaming has a depth of flavor as we really flavor the steaming water. So that's a TOUGH question!
How to Tell if the Crab legs are cooked?
There's substantially little meat in the crab, and while the shell looks hard, it cooks easily. So crab doesn't need much time to cook in general. The meat will be very opaque when cooked and the shells will change color.