Air Fryer Crab Legs
Ready in about 12 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Sweet, succulent crab legs steamed in their own shells and brushed with garlic butter. The air fryer heats them through gently and evenly for a restaurant-style treat at home.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 900 g cooked snow or king crab legs
- 50 g butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Method
- 1Preheat the air fryer to 190°C/375°F for 3 minutes.
- 2Bend the crab legs at the joints so they fit the basket.
- 3Mix the butter with garlic, Old Bay and lemon juice.
- 4Brush the legs generously with half the garlic butter.
- 5Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot throughout.
- 6Serve with the remaining garlic butter for dipping and parsley on top.
Tips for the best results
- Most crab legs are pre-cooked, so you are only reheating; do not overdo it.
- Snip the shells with scissors before serving for easy eating.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer crab legs steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer crab legs?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer crab legs ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer crab legs serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.