Easy Instant Pot Crab Legs: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Steamed Seafood
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to prepare fresh or frozen snow crab and king crab legs using your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Discover the secrets to perfectly tender, flavorful seafood every time, seasoned to perfection with classic lemon, Old Bay, or a zesty Cajun rub. Say goodbye to complicated cooking methods and hello to an effortless crab feast at home!
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Why Use the Instant Pot for Crab Legs?
The Instant Pot isn’t just for soups and stews; it’s a game-changer for seafood, especially crab legs. Many people shy away from cooking crab at home, assuming it’s difficult or messy. However, the Instant Pot simplifies the entire process, making it incredibly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s why it stands out:
Unbeatable Speed: One of the primary advantages of using an Instant Pot is its incredible speed. You can have succulent, perfectly cooked crab legs ready to eat in under 15 minutes, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure. This efficiency is a huge benefit, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a luxurious meal for the holidays or a gathering. Imagine serving a gourmet-level seafood dish without spending hours in the kitchen!
Effortless Shell Cracking: If you’ve ever struggled with cracking crab shells, you’ll appreciate this benefit. The pressure from the Instant Pot, combined with the intense steam, works wonders on the crab legs. This method results in shells that are remarkably easier to crack, allowing you to extract the sweet, tender meat with minimal effort and frustration. The cooked meat also tends to pull away cleanly, ensuring you get the most out of every leg. This means less mess and more enjoyment at the dinner table.
Consistent, Tender Results: The sealed environment of the pressure cooker ensures even cooking and locks in moisture and flavor. This means your crab legs will consistently turn out perfectly tender and juicy, never dry or rubbery. The Instant Pot provides a controlled cooking environment that eliminates guesswork, delivering restaurant-quality results every single time.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve set the Instant Pot, you’re free to attend to other tasks, like preparing side dishes or setting the table. There’s no need to constantly monitor a pot of boiling water or worry about overcooking. The Instant Pot handles the cooking automatically, beeping when it’s done, which makes meal preparation significantly less stressful.
Enhanced Flavor Infusion: By adding seasonings and aromatics directly into the Instant Pot with the water, the steam infuses the crab meat with those flavors. This creates a deeply savory and aromatic experience that traditional steaming or boiling methods might not achieve as effectively. The result is crab legs bursting with the flavors you choose.
Snow Crab vs. King Crab Legs: Choosing Your Feast
When it comes to crab legs, two popular choices reign supreme: snow crab and king crab. While both offer a delectable seafood experience, they have distinct characteristics that might influence your choice for an Instant Pot preparation.
Snow Crab Legs: For this recipe, snow crab is often a fantastic choice. Snow crab legs are typically sold in clusters, usually containing at least four legs, and are priced by the pound. They are known for their relatively smooth, thin shells, which make them considerably easier to handle and crack compared to their king crab counterparts. Their flavor is mild and subtly sweet, making them versatile for various seasonings. Snow crab is also generally more affordable and widely available, making it a great option for casual meals or when feeding a crowd. They fit comfortably in most Instant Pot sizes.
King Crab Legs: King crab legs are a true delicacy, famous for their impressive size and striking appearance with their prickly, spiny shells. These are usually sold individually by the leg due to their substantial weight and cost. The meat of king crab is known for being more delicate, richer, and sweeter than snow crab, offering a truly luxurious flavor profile. Due to their size, you might need to break king crab legs in half to fit them into a 6-quart Instant Pot or larger. While more expensive, often reserved for special occasions like New Year’s Eve, the experience of savoring king crab is often considered unparalleled by seafood enthusiasts.
Ultimately, your choice between snow crab and king crab depends on your budget, the occasion, and your preference for flavor and ease of cracking. Both varieties yield exceptional results when cooked in the Instant Pot, providing tender, flavorful meat.
How to Buy and Shop for Crab Legs
Buying crab legs can seem daunting, but knowing a few key facts will help you make the best selection. The vast majority of crab legs sold in grocery stores and fish markets are already pre-cooked and flash-frozen. Crabs are typically cooked immediately after being caught on the boat to preserve their freshness and flavor, then rapidly frozen. This means that when you buy crab legs, whether they are labeled “fresh” or “frozen,” you are essentially buying a cooked product that you will be reheating.
Signs of Pre-Cooked Crab: You can easily identify pre-cooked crab legs by their color. If the shells are bright orange or red, they have already been cooked. Raw crab shells are usually greenish-brown.
Where to Buy: Look for crab legs at reputable seafood counters in your local grocery store, dedicated fish markets, or even online seafood retailers. Freshness and proper handling are paramount for delicious crab.
Consider Quality: While most crab is pre-cooked, the quality can still vary. Look for crab legs that appear intact, with no freezer burn if frozen, and a pleasant, fresh oceanic smell (not overly fishy). Avoid any packages with excessive ice crystals, which can indicate repeated thawing and refreezing.
How to Thaw Crab Legs Safely
Proper thawing is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your crab legs. While you can cook them from frozen in the Instant Pot (more on that below), thawing is often recommended for better results and to avoid excess water in your final dish.
Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended): The safest and best method for thawing crab legs is in the refrigerator overnight. Place the frozen crab legs in a bowl or on a plate to catch any drips and allow them to thaw slowly for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture and prevents bacterial growth.
Cold Water Thawing (Quick Method): If you’re short on time, you can thaw crab legs more quickly using a cold water bath. Place the frozen crab legs in a large bowl or clean sink and cover them with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it remains cold. This method can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of crab. Do not use hot water, as this can start cooking the crab unevenly and compromise its texture.
Storage After Thawing: Once thawed, crab legs should be cooked within 1-2 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Always handle thawed seafood with care to prevent cross-contamination.
How to Cook Crab Legs in an Instant Pot
Cooking crab legs in the Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal method for both novice and experienced cooks. The process involves a few straightforward steps that ensure your crab comes out tender and full of flavor. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Pot: Begin by placing the trivet (steaming rack) that comes with your Instant Pot into the bottom of the inner pot. This keeps the crab legs elevated above the liquid, ensuring they steam rather than boil.
- Add Liquid and Flavor: Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot. This amount is typically sufficient to generate enough steam. Now is the perfect time to infuse flavor into your crab. Add your choice of seasonings, such as Old Bay Seasoning for a classic Maryland-style flavor, or Cajun Seasoning for a spicier kick.
- Arrange Crab and Lemon: Carefully place the crab legs on top of the trivet. If using larger king crab legs, you may need to break them in half to fit. Arrange fresh lemon halves or slices among the crab legs; the lemon’s citrusy aroma will permeate the steam, adding a bright note to the seafood.
- Seal and Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place, and turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the time for just 1 minute on high pressure.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Immediately perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the steam as it releases.
- Serve Immediately: As soon as the float valve drops and all pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Remove the hot crab legs and serve them piping hot with your favorite dipping butter and extra lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Crab Leg Cook Time
You might be surprised by how little time it takes to cook crab legs in an Instant Pot! Since most crab legs are sold pre-cooked, the goal is simply to heat them through thoroughly and make them tender.
For both thawed snow crab and king crab legs, you only need to pressure cook them for 1 minute. Yes, that’s right – just one minute of high-pressure cooking time! The Instant Pot will then take approximately 5-7 minutes to build up pressure before the 1-minute countdown begins. This quick cooking ensures the crab meat stays incredibly tender and juicy without becoming overcooked.
Cooking Frozen Crab Legs in the Instant Pot
Yes, you can cook crab legs directly from frozen in your Instant Pot! This is a convenient option when you haven’t had time to thaw them beforehand. The cooking time remains the same at 1 minute on high pressure. However, there’s a slight difference to note:
When cooking frozen crab legs, the Instant Pot will take a bit longer to come to pressure. This is because the pot needs to work harder to heat the frozen mass. You might see the pressure building time extend from the usual 5-7 minutes to 10-12 minutes or even slightly longer, depending on the quantity and size of the frozen crab legs.
While cooking from frozen is certainly possible and convenient, I generally recommend thawing the crab legs first if you have the time. In my experience, cooking frozen crab can sometimes lead to a bit more excess water within the crab meat, potentially diluting the rich flavor. Thawing ensures the crab heats more evenly and maintains its optimal texture and taste. However, if convenience is your priority, cooking from frozen is a perfectly viable method.
How to Reheat Crab Legs
Ideally, crab legs are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. The longer they sit, the more challenging they can become to crack, and the delicious meat can sometimes stick more to the inside of the shell. However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, or prefer to prepare them ahead, here are some tips for reheating:
- Serve Warm with Butter: Often, the simplest “reheating” method is to serve the crab legs with plenty of warm, melted butter. The heat from the butter can provide just enough temperature adjustment for crab that has cooled slightly.
- Prep for Leftovers: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider cracking the crab legs while they are still warm. This makes it much easier to extract the meat, which can then be stored and reheated more effectively without the shells.
- Sauté in a Pan: For quick reheating, you can sauté cracked crab legs or extracted meat in a pan with a little oil or butter over medium heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the crab tough.
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the crab legs tightly in aluminum foil with a splash of water or broth to create steam. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Steamer Basket (No Pressure): You can also place the crab legs back in your Instant Pot with the trivet and a cup of water, but use the “Steam” function without sealing the lid or building pressure. Steam for 3-5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave (Least Recommended): While possible, microwaving crab legs can make them rubbery and dry. If you must use a microwave, do so in short bursts (30 seconds) and check frequently.
Delicious Recipes to Pair with Crab Legs
Crab legs are a star on their own, but they truly shine when served alongside complementary dishes. Here are some fantastic recipes that will complete your seafood feast:
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Southern Coleslaw
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad
- Zucchini Au Gratin
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
More Seafood Recipes
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll love exploring these other delicious recipes, perfect for any occasion:
- Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
- Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto
- Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Air Fryer Catfish
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Lobster Tails
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo
More Crab Recipes
If you can’t get enough of the sweet, delicate flavor of crab, explore these other fantastic recipes featuring this beloved shellfish:
- Crab Stuffed Salmon
- Crab Rangoon Dip
- Hot Baked Crab Dip
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
- Baked Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells
Easy Instant Pot Crab Legs
By Brandi Crawford
This Easy Instant Pot Crab Legs recipe will show you how to steam fresh or frozen snow crab or king crab in your pressure cooker. Season this seafood with lemon, Old Bay, or my favorite Cajun rub.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 10 votes)
Pin Recipe
Want to save this recipe for later?
I’ll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Trivet
- Crab Cracker
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½-2 pounds crab legs
- ½ fresh lemon (Any size will work.)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
Optional Lemon Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter (Melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (Minced)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ fresh lemon (I use the lemon after it’s pressure cooked with the crab.)
Instructions
- Place the trivet (that comes with the Instant Pot) into the bottom of the pot.
- Pour in 1 cup of water along with the Old Bay Seasoning and optional Cajun Seasoning.
- Add in the crab legs and the lemon.
- Place the lid on the pot and seal. Cook for 1 minute on Manual > High Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, quick release the steam.
- Serve the crab legs immediately.
Optional Garlic Butter
- Combine the melted butter, minced garlic cloves, Old Bay Seasoning, and the juice from the pressure-cooked lemon (or a fresh lemon half) in a small bowl and stir well. Serve alongside the hot crab legs for dipping.
Video
For a visual guide, check out our video tutorial on making Instant Pot Crab Legs!
Notes
- You can use either snow crab legs or king crab legs. The cook time remains 1 minute for both. King crab legs may take slightly longer for the pot to come to pressure due to their density.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and seasoning to suit your personal taste. You can omit the Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If your crab legs lack flavor, it could be an indication of lower quality crab, or that the crab is past its prime. Even without added seasoning, fresh, good-quality crab legs should possess a naturally sweet taste.
- To easily crack a crab leg, hold it horizontally with the back of the leg facing you. Apply firm pressure either in the middle of the leg or about a quarter of the way up from the bottom joint. The ease with which it cracks is a good indicator of how well it’s been reheated and its freshness.
- If, upon cracking, the meat is stubborn and sticks to the shell instead of coming out in a clean chunk, it’s often because the crab was not cracked soon enough after cooking. Crab meat tends to adhere more tightly to the shell as it cools.
- The provided nutrition facts do not include the optional garlic butter. Please calculate the nutritional information for any added ingredients, such as butter, using your preferred nutrition calculator for the most accurate results.
- I’ve experimented with cooking crab legs in an air fryer and in the oven, but the Instant Pot method remains my favorite. The pressure cooking process seems to make the shells exceptionally easy to crack, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 pound | Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 1g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using tools like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific recipe, we strongly recommend that you calculate it using the actual ingredients and quantities you use, with your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for verifying that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!
Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched!
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel Check out our videos!