Deliciously cooked whole crab in air fryer basket ready to serve

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Whole Crab Recipe

Name: Quick & Easy Air Fryer Whole Crab Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: seafood
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole fresh crab (cleaned and prepped) - Select crabs with firm shells and a fresh sea smell; 1 tbsp Olive oil - Choose extra virgin for best flavor; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika (optional); 0.75 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 2 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)

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easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories200kcal

Carbs1gram

Fat5gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole fresh crab (cleaned and prepped) - Select crabs with firm shells and a fresh sea smell1 piece
Olive oil - Choose extra virgin for best flavor1 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Smoked paprika (optional)0.5 tsp
Salt0.75 tsp
Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
Lemon wedges (for serving)2 pieces

This Quick & Easy Air Fryer Whole Crab recipe is perfect for seafood lovers who want a simple yet delicious meal without the hassle. Using a common kitchen appliance like the air fryer, you can have a perfectly cooked crab in under 20 minutes with crispy, flavorful results. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, and ₹1100. Each serving contains around 200 kcal, making it a light, protein-rich dish suitable for a gluten-free and low-carb diet. The recipe is easy in complexity and takes about 25 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time. Food safety is a priority: cook crab to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and ensure cleanliness to avoid cross-contamination. Enjoy your seafood feast!

Preparation instructions

Preheat the air fryer

1Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating helps to cook the crab evenly and get a nice crispy shell.

Prepare the crab

2While the air fryer heats, rinse your cleaned whole crab under cold running water, pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid excess moisture which can hinder crisping.

Season the crab

3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the crab, including under the legs and in any crevices to ensure full flavor.

Air fry the crab

4Place the whole crab in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Halfway through, carefully flip the crab using tongs to ensure even cooking. Cooking times can vary by air fryer model; check for doneness after 12 minutes.

Check doneness and safety

5Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the crab’s meat. It must reach at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is safe to eat. The crab meat should be opaque and easily separable from the shell.

Serve

6Carefully remove the crab from the air fryer using tongs. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for an added zing.

Cooking Tips

-If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.

-Be sure to clean your air fryer basket after cooking seafood to prevent cross-contamination and lingering smells.

-Using fresh crab ensures the best taste, but if using frozen, thaw fully in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.

-Use kitchen tongs to flip the crab safely without risking burns from hot air fryer heat.

Equipment List

Air fryer
Small bowl for mixing seasoning
Kitchen tongs
Food thermometer
Paper towels

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole fresh crab ($12) — choose fresh, firm, and heavy crabs; avoid those with soft shells or strong fishy smell.
[ ] Olive oil ($0.50) — extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor.
[ ] Garlic powder ($0.10) — you likely have this; fresh garlic can also be used.
[ ] Smoked paprika ($0.10) — optional but adds a smoky depth.
[ ] Salt and black pepper ($0.05) — common kitchen staples.
[ ] Lemon ($0.25) — fresh lemons for serving.

Total approximate cost: $13-15 depending on your crab source and ingredient quantities.

FAQ

Can I use frozen crab for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen crab, but make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when the crab is fully cooked?

Fully cooked crab meat becomes opaque and separates easily from the shell. Use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally for safety.