Crispy Air Fryer Crab Legs: A Simple and Delicious Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories300kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Frozen pre-cooked crab legs4 pieces
- Butter, melted3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced (choose firm, fresh garlic bulbs)2 pieces
- Paprika (for subtle smoky flavor)1 tsp
- Lemon wedges (for serving)4 n/a
- Salt (preferably sea salt)to taste n/a
- Black pepper, freshly ground (choose whole peppercorns and grind for best flavor)to taste n/a
Discover how to make irresistibly crispy crab legs using your air fryer, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. This recipe uses basic ingredients and common kitchen tools ideal for every home cook, even beginners. Total ingredient cost is approximately $15, €14, £12, and ₹1120, with the entire dish containing about 300 calories per serving. This recipe is medium complexity, takes 20 minutes cook time with 10 minutes prep, suitable for pescatarian diets.
Preparation instructions
Thaw the crab legs safely
1If crab legs are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for faster thawing, ensuring safe temperature below 5°C (41°F) to prevent bacterial growth.
Preheat your air fryer
2Set your air fryer to 200°C (approx. 400°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture
3In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a delicious, crispy, and flavorful coating to the crab legs.
Brush crab legs with garlic butter
4Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the crab legs with the garlic butter mixture. This ensures they will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Air fry crab legs
5Place the crab legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness. The crab legs are pre-cooked; cooking to 60°C (140°F) internally is enough to heat through safely - use a meat thermometer if desired.
Serve immediately
6Carefully remove crab legs from the air fryer using tongs. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer crab legs!
Cooking Tips
-Make sure crab legs are thawed completely before cooking to ensure even heating and safety.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain proper air circulation for crispiness.
-Use a meat thermometer to check if the crab legs are heated through to at least 60°C (140°F) for safe consumption.
-For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the crab legs before serving.
-Be cautious when handling crab legs after air frying, they will be hot and the shell edges sharp.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Shopping List
- [ ] Frozen pre-cooked crab legs (~$12). Look for bright shell color and no off-odor.
- [ ] Butter (~$2). Use unsalted for better control of seasoning.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (~$0.50). Choose firm bulbs without spots.
- [ ] Paprika (~$0.50). Smoked or sweet based on preference.
- [ ] Lemon (~$0.50). Fresh, firm, and heavy for its size indicating juiciness.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (pantry staples). Freshly ground pepper has best flavor.
Total estimated cost: ~$15
FAQ
Are crab legs safe to eat after just air frying?
Yes, since most crab legs sold are pre-cooked, air frying mainly reheats and crisps them. Ensure they reach 60°C/140°F internally for safe consumption.
How do I thaw crab legs properly?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place in a sealed bag and run under cold water. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I use fresh crab legs for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh crab legs require steaming or boiling first to fully cook before air frying for crispiness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can use a conventional oven at 200°C (400°F) on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, turning once for even crispness.
How should I store leftover crab legs?
Cool crab legs quickly after cooking, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume within 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.