Making crab legs in your Instant Pot is as easy as can be! Frozen snow crab legs come out perfectly tender and absolutely delicious, and it only takes a few simple ingredients in under 20 minutes!
Why It Works
Cooking crab legs has never been easier! When you steam snow crab legs in the Instant Pot, they come out perfectly moist and tender and full of delicious flavor, with just three minutes of cooking time!
The crab legs are gently steamed with Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and fresh garlic.
Steaming is way better than boiling, because it keeps the flavor of the crab meat while infusing it with the flavor of the lemon, garlic, and seasoning, plus it keeps the crab meat moist and tender.
Crab legs are Keto friendly when served with melted butter, and to make it Whole30, just serve with melted ghee.
Like my Foil Wrapped Salmon or Blackened Flounder, this dish is made super fast with minimal ingredients for a wonderful seafood feast that’s sure to please a crowd!
Ingredients
Ingredients Notes
- You can substitute king crab legs in this recipe. Simply add 2 minutes of cook time to adjust for their larger size.
- If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, substitute 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon bay leaves, and a pinch of ground ginger.
- The amount of crabs that will fit depends on the size of your Instant Pot.
👉 An 8 qt. Instant Pot will fit approximately 2.5-3 pounds of snow crab legs (7-8 clusters).
👉 A 6 qt. Instant Pot will fit approximately 2 pounds of crab legs (about 5-6 clusters). - I always recommend serving crab legs with melted butter for dipping the meat! If you’re following Whole30, serve with melted ghee instead of butter.
- Snow crabs can be a little pricey. I recommend that you stock up on snow crab legs at Costco or when they’re on sale, then store in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Set the crab legs at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow them to partially thaw, just enough so you’re able to able to bend the legs a bit.
Add the water, salt, and Old Bay seasoning to the Instant Pot. Place either the strainer or trivet inside the inner pot.
Place the frozen crabs, lemon, and garlic on top of the trivet, bending the legs a bit to allow the crabs to fit into the inner pot.
Step 2: Secure the lid, then set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 3 minutes. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to get up to pressure and begin cooking.
Once the cook time is done, carefully Quick Release the pressure by turning or pressing the steam release valve. Be careful while doing this so as not to burn or scald your hands!!
Step 3: Once all the pressure is released, open the lid. The crabs can sit in the inner pot for a few minutes to rest and keep them warm until you’re ready to eat them.
Carefully use tongs to remove the crab legs from the Instant Pot and set them on a platter.
Spoon some of the liquid from the bottom of the pot and pour it over the crab legs. This helps to keep the crabs moist and flavorful!
Then use a nutcracker, crab cracker, or your hands and break apart the legs to remove the pieces of meat, discarding the shells as you go.
Serve with melted butter and sprinkle a little lemon juice on top.
Note: Eating crabs is messy! Make sure you have extra napkins on hand, and maybe a bib, too!
FAQ & Tips
No, crabs can be cooked directly from frozen, but partially thaw the crab legs at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make the legs easier to bend and fit inside the pot.
I recommend preparing 2-3 snow crab clusters per adult.
Spaghetti Squash
Jasmine Rice
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Tomato & Avocado Salad
Transfer leftover crab legs to an airtight container or bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, per USDA.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- BBQ Boston Butt (Pulled Pork)
- Chicken Fajitas
- Classic Pot Roast
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe!
Please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom.
Instant Pot Crab Legs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs. frozen snow crab legs
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning ⠀
- 1 lemon
- 1 head garlic
Serve with
- melted butter
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Add the water, salt, and Old Bay seasoning to the Instant Pot. Place either the steamer basket or trivet inside the inner pot. Place the frozen crabs, lemon, and garlic on top of the trivet, bending the crab legs as needed to allow the crabs to fit into the inner pot.
- Secure the lid, then set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 3 minutes.Once the cooking time is done, carefully Quick Release the pressure by turning or pressing the steam release valve.
- Open the lid, and carefully use tongs to remove the crab legs from the Instant Pot and set them on a platter. Spoon some of the liquid from the bottom of the pot over the crab legs. Serve immediately with melted butter and sprinkle a little lemon juice on top, and use a nutcracker, crab cracker, or your hands to break apart the legs to remove the pieces of meat, discarding the shells as you go.
Video
Notes
- Allow the frozen crab legs to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to make them easier to bend and fit inside the Instant Pot.
- To substitute king crab legs, add 2 minutes of cook time to adjust for their larger size.
- If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, substitute 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon bay leaves, and a pinch of ground ginger.
- An 8 qt. Instant Pot will fit ~2.5-3 pounds of snow crab legs (about 8 clusters), and a 6 qt. Instant Pot will fit ~2 pounds of crab legs (about 6 clusters).
- Use crab crackers or nutcrackers to make getting all the meat out of each leg and knuckle a lot easier!
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