How to Cook Crab Legs from Frozen

A pile of frozen red and white crab legs rests on ice, perfect for anyone curious about how to cook frozen crab legs to perfection.

5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Crab Legs from Frozen

This is how to cook frozen crab legs to tender. Boiled snow crab legs, boiled King crab legs, Instant Pot Frozen Crab Legs or baked in the oven.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Course: Appetizer, Entree

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crab, frozen crab legs, how to cook

Servings:

Author: Justine

Equipment

1 pot pressure cooker or baking sheet

Ingredients

2 lbs frozen crab legs
1 tbsp Old Bay
1-10 c water depending on method you choose
butter melted for serving
minced garlic for serving

Instructions

How to Steam Frozen Crab Legs - Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water and insert a steaming rack or basket. Place the thawed or frozen crab leg clusters on the rack, ensuring they are not submerged in the water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Frozen king crab legs: 12-15 minutes. For thawed king crab legs: 6-8 minutes. Frozen snow crab legs: 7-9 minutes. For thawed snow crab legs: 4-5 minutes.
Instant Pot Frozen Crab Legs - To steam in pressure cooker place in steamer basket with 1.5 cups of water in pot for 5 minutes under high pressure with a quick release when done.
How to Boil Frozen Crab Legs - Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the pieces over medium high heat. Add seasonings to the water, such as Old Bay, lemon slices, bay leaves extra flavor. Once you have boiling water consistently, then add the thawed or frozen legs. Frozen king crab legs: 10-12 minutes. For thawed king crab legs: 4-6 minutes. Frozen snow crab legs: 5-7 minutes. For thawed snow crab legs: 3-4 minutes. Drain and serve hot with butter and your preferred dipping sauces.
How to Bake Frozen Crab Legs in Oven - Preheat your oven to 350° F or 175°C. Place the thawed or frozen legs on a baking sheet. Brush the legs with melted butter and your choice of seasonings such as minced garlic, herbs, or lemon juice. For frozen king crab legs: 15-18 minutes. For thawed king crab legs: 10-12 minutes. For frozen snow crab legs: 12-15 minutes. For thawed snow crab legs: 8-10 minutes.

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