Crab legs are such a delicacy and often people only enjoy them at a fancy seafood restaurant. They can be pretty expensive, though, especially if you go for the king crab legs. I’m all up for a fancy meal out, but for me, the best way to enjoy crab legs is by cooking them yourself at home! That way, you get to season them any way you want, it’s much cheaper, and they only take a few easy steps to cook! We love making all kinds of seafood recipes at home. If you LOVE crab, you should try these Alaskan King Crab Legs, my Maryland Crab Cakes, or check out my step-by-step guide of How To Cook Lobster Tails (4 Ways) for other meaty fish dinner ideas! Some of the best crab legs I’ve ever had have been homecooked. Crab cooks quite quickly as well, whether you are using the grill, air fryer, Instant Pot, or stovetop approach, so it’s worth a try. I’m not sure which is my favorite way to cook crab legs. It might be to grill it, but it’s delicious cooked any other way as well, so long as it’s cooked through properly and seasoned well to bring out their delicious flavor. Whichever cooking method you choose, this will make the best crab leg feast you’ve ever had! Save this recipe for an appetizer at a special occasion, or enjoy them for a Valentine’s Day treat. Honestly though, this is such an easy crab recipe, you’ll be having them on a busy weeknight in no time!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Crab Legs: I’m using thawed snow crab legs in this recipe–you can cook snow crab legs directly from frozen but you’ll need to add a few minutes (2-3) to the cooking time.Lemon: Lemon adds a bit of acidity to brighten up the seafood.Butter: Salted butter helps add a bit of richness and flavor to the crab legs.Seasoning: Seafood seasoning adds an earthy bite and spice to the crab. Feel free to add it to taste.
How to Make How To Cook Snow Crab Legs (4 Ways!)
On the Stovetop
In the Instant Pot
In the Air Fryer
On the Grill
Prepare grill. Preheat a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet grill to high heat (around 400°F).Grill crab legs. Brush the crab legs with the butter and seasoning and place them on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once about halfway through until bright red and very hot. Serve these crab legs immediately.
Tips for Success
Use a digital meat thermometer (affiliate link) in the thickest part of the leg to know exactly when your crab legs are ready. Cook to 140 degrees F.Use fresh lemon that you slice yourself, and fresh lemon juice to serve the crab legs for the best results.
Substitutions and Variations
King Crab Legs. You can also make these recipes with king crab legs, but as they’re larger you’ll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.Butter. Use regular melted butter or make a garlic butter sauce to serve with the crab legs once cooked.
More Seafood Recipes
Maine Lobster RollsEasy Grilled Shrimp SkewersMaryland Crab SoupSan Francisco Cioppino Seafood StewGrilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon in FoilMaryland Hot Crab Dip
Then, snap each leg in two by breaking it at the joint. Use two hands on each part to gently bend it back and forth until the shell breaks, and then the meat should easily slide out. Use a crab cracker or just your teeth to break open the crab claw shell. Make sure not to crush the meat inside, then, the shell back until you can slide the crab meat out. For the cluster, crack it gently with your hands and fold it open. The meat is found on the inside. Use a small fork to remove all the pockets of meat. To eat king crab legs, simply take a pair of kitchen shears and cut down the leg shell lengthwise. Then, fold it open and expose the juicy crab meat inside.
How to Cook Lobster Tails (4 Ways)
Maryland Crab Cakes
How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs
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