How to Cook Snow Crab Legs (4 Ways)

Cooked snow crab legs on a plate with lemon slices.

5 from 3 votes

How to Cook Snow Crab Legs (4 Ways)

Crab legs are surprisingly easy to cook and can be made (from fresh or frozen) in just a matter of minutes. This tutorial will show you how to cook snow crab legs using four different cooking methods to achieve delicate and flavorful crab meat every time!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Seafood

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 123kcal

Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

2 clusters snow crab legs
1 lemon halved
2 tablespoons salted butter melted
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning like Old Bay Seasoning
Additional melted butter lemon wedges, and seafood seasoning, to serve.

Instructions

On the Stovetop

Fill a large stockpot with 2" of water and place it over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil.
When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the lemon halves, butter, and seafood seasoning. Stir to combine.
Add the snow crab clusters and place a tight fitting lid on top of the pot. Cook the crab legs for 8 minutes, or until they are bright red in color and seaming hot. Serve immediately.

In the Instant Pot

Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of your instant pot along with the melted butter and seafood seasoning. Mix to combine.
Place the trivet insert into the Instant Pot and then place the crab legs and lemon halveson top of the trivet.
Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook-Manual for 3 minutes.
When the time is up, release the pressure manually by switching the valve to the“venting” position. Serve immediately.

In the Air Fryer

Juice the lemon into a small bowl and then add the melted butter and seafood seasoning. Stir to combine.
Brush the crab legs with the butter mixture and then place them in the air fryer.
Cook at 350F for 7 minutes, or until they are bright red and very hot. Serve immediately.

On the Grill

Preheat a gas, charcoal, or pellet grill to high heat (around 400°F).
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 immediately.

Notes

Storage: Crab legs are best enjoyed fresh–I recommend eating them immediately after they are cooked. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Nutrition