How to Cook Snow Crab Legs From Frozen | Step-by-step Guide

Cooking snow crab legs from frozen is a delightful way to bring a taste of the sea to your dining table, regardless of the season. Snow crab legs, with their sweet, tender meat, are a seafood favorite for many, and knowing how to cook snow crab legs from frozen can make for a convenient and impressive meal. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, tips, and methods for preparing frozen snow crab legs, ensuring that they turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re planning a special dinner, a casual meal, or want to indulge in a seafood feast, this guide will help you achieve delicious results that are sure to impress. From boiling to steaming, baking, and grilling, you’ll learn how to choose the best method to suit your taste and occasion. Let’s dive into the world of cooking frozen snow crab legs and transform them into a mouthwatering dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

What You’ll Need

To cook snow crab legs at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Snow Crab Legs – Fresh or frozen raw snow crab legs. Legs are sold pre-split so the shell is already cracked open for easy meat removal.
• Butter – Salted butter for dipping the crab meat. Clarified drawn butter also works well.
• Lemon – Fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the crab legs.
• Seasonings – Old Bay, seafood seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

What Is Snow Crab Legs? 

Snow crab legs are a type of crab legs known for their snow-white, delicious meat. They are also referred to as queen crab legs. Snow crab legs have a slightly briny taste and are smaller than king crab legs but still impressive in size. These crab legs are often enjoyed for their sweet, mild fish flavors and are typically part of large snow crab clusters, with each full cluster weighing at least 10 oz.

Thawing Frozen Crab Legs

If working with frozen crab legs straight from the store, you’ll need to safely thaw them before cooking. Here are a couple easy thawing techniques:

• Refrigerator Thawing – Place frozen legs in a single layer on a tray. Thaw in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or overnight.
• Cold Water Method – Place frozen legs in a colander or bowl. Run cold tap water over the legs until they are pliable and thawed, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

Thawed crab legs will feel flexible and limp, not stiff or frozen. Gently pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

On the Stovetop

Boiling and steaming on the stovetop are quick and easy ways to prepare crab legs.

Boiling

• For thawed legs – Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop legs into the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes. They’re done when the shell turns bright red-orange.
• For frozen legs – Place in boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes until the shell reddens. Add frozen legs slowly to avoid lowering the water temperature.

Drain boiled crab legs and serve immediately with lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping. Feel free to add Old Bay, garlic powder, or any extra seasonings to the boiling water.

Steaming

Place a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Place thawed crab legs in a single layer in the steamer basket. Steam crab legs for 4-7 minutes depending on thickness. Remove steamer basket and serve crab legs immediately with lemon and butter.

In the Instant Pot

Pressure cooking frozen crab legs in the Instant Pot cuts the cook time in half! Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in desired seasonings like Old Bay, paprika, and pepper. Place frozen crab legs in a single layer on top of the seasoning water. Close the lid and pressure cook on high for only 2 minutes. Quick release pressure. Carefully remove legs and serve warm with lemon butter.

In the Air Fryer

The hot circulating air of an air fryer makes the perfect crispy, browned exterior on snow crab legs. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of pepper. Brush the seasoning butter mixture all over thawed crab legs. Place legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until hot and golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges.

On the Grill

During summer, move the party outside and throw the crab legs on the grill!

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Brush thawed crab legs all over with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with desired seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Place legs directly on the preheated grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side with the grill lid closed. Legs are done when opaque throughout.

Transfer grilled crab legs to a platter and serve with lemon wedges and extra dipping butter.

Tips for Success

• Invest in a meat thermometer to check doneness and ensure the crab reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking makes the meat tough.
• Always have fresh lemon wedges ready to squeeze over the hot crab legs right before serving. This adds brightness and enhances the sweetness.
• Let frozen crab legs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent thermal shock from extreme temperature changes.
• Resist the urge to constantly stir and flip the crab legs while they cook. Too much movement can cause the meat to stick to the shell.
• Pat off excess moisture before tossing the legs in oil or seasonings so they adhere nicely.
• Portion legs appropriately if serving 1-2 people. You can refrigerate uncooked leftovers for 2-3 days.

How to Eat Snow Crab Legs?

Eating crab legs is part of the fun, interactive experience! Use your hands to twist and snap each section to remove the meat. Try these techniques:

• Use a crab cracker, small hammer, or back of a knife to crack the hard shell at the joints.
• Twist and pull legs apart where they naturally segment. Remove meat with a fork.
• For knuckles, place your thumb under the shell flap and push until it cracks open. Remove meat.
• Use crab picks or forks to extract any small, hard to reach pieces left in the shell.

King crab legs can be prepared using the same methods but may need a minute or two extra cooking time since they are thicker. Adjust cook times as needed.

Substitutions and Variations

Switch it up with these easy tweak ideas:

• Use king crab legs for a sweeter, more tender texture. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
• For garlic butter dipping sauce, melt 1/2 cup butter with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Make a zesty aioli with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, lemon zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, and cayenne pepper.
• Offer cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or drawn butter with fresh herbs for dipping options.
• Sprinkle dry rubs over the legs before cooking – think Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, salsa seasoning, ranch powder, etc.

Reheating Leftovers

To gently reheat leftover cooked crab legs:

• Place in a steamer basket over 1 inch simmering water for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
• Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Microwave for 1-2 mins on 50% power covered in a damp paper towel.

Avoid direct high heat or overcooking when reheating pre-cooked crab or the meat will become rubbery.

Conclusion: How to Cook Snow Crab Legs From Frozen

From boiling and steaming to grilling and baking, now you’re ready to cook snow crab legs at home. Thaw frozen legs safely, season them up, and choose your preferred cooking method for tender, juicy meat. Recreate your favorite seafood restaurant appetizers at a fraction of the cost. Experiment with global seasonings and dipping sauces. Impress guests with beautiful platters of crab legs at your next dinner party.

The simplicity of preparing crab legs makes them an easy and fun weeknight meal. Just serve alongside fresh lemon wedges, dipping butter, and a crisp white wine for a complete meal. Host an unforgettable crab feast using these easy techniques for restaurant-quality snow crab legs cooked right in your own kitchen.