These crab legs in the instant pot are the perfect seafood dish that could not be easier to prepare. With only two simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have these tender and buttery crab legs ready to devour.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or treating yourself to a self-indulgent meal, this instant pot crab legs recipe is a game-changer.
If you know me you know I absolutely love my instant pot. My instant pot pasta, instant pot carrots, and now these instant pot crab legs are such easy and delicious recipes that leave everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, clean up when using the instant pot is a breeze.
Crab legs seem like something that’s difficult to make but that could not be further from the truth. You can impress your friends and family with these cooked-to-perfection crab legs in under 15 minutes.
Serve with some warm garlic butter and lemon zest for the easiest and most delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. If you love this recipe, you will also love our gluten free lobster rolls.
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Why you’ll love this easy recipe
- It’s made in under 15 minutes with two ingredients and minimal effort
- Crab legs make the best appetizer for any season or special occasion
- They taste amazing with a simple garlic butter sauce and a few lemon slices
- Thanks to the pressure cooker, the easiest way to cook crab legs
What you need to make crab legs
- Frozen crab legs – Frozen crab legs work best for this recipe and they’re also cheaper. You can buy frozen crab leg clusters at the store.
- Water – You’ll need one cup of cold water for every 6 crab legs. Six legs is usually around 1.5-2 pounds of crab legs.
How to make crab legs in the instant pot
Step 1: Add everything
Place crab legs in the bottom of your instant pot, trying to stack them evenly.
Step 2: Cook and release
Pour water on top and on high for 4 minutes and then do a quick release. Use tongs to remove the legs form the bottom of the instant pot.
Step 3: Serve
Serve with melted garlic butter and lemon juice.
Pro tip: Buying crab crackers and crab splitters makes life so much easier. You can get them on amazon or at almost any grocery store.
What to serve with crab legs
Melted butter with garlic is the best way to dress to crab legs but you can also serve with lemon wedges, old bay seasoning, or cajun seasoning. If you’re looking for side dish ideas, try my gluten-free corn casserole or serve up a salad bar.
Do you need to thaw frozen crab legs before cooking?
Thawing your crab legs before cooking in the instant pot is not necessary. The instant pot’s high pressure cooking quickly brings them to a tender perfection so feel free to throw them from the freezer right to the pot.
What type of crab legs work best?
Alaskan King Crab Legs are large crab legs with tons of flavor making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser at dinner. If you can’t find Alaskan King Crab Legs, Snow crab legs are another great option, and they’re typically more affordable. Snow crab has a slightly sweeter meat and easier to crack shells making them perfect for a family dinner.
Can you eat crab leg leftovers?
Yes you can eat leftover crab legs but you should remove the meat from the shell, let cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container. It will stay good for 2-3 days in the fridge and I would not recommend freezing. You can use leftover crab legs to make crab rangoon dip, gluten free spring rolls, or gluten free crab cakes.
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Crab Legs in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 6 large crab legs (frozen)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add everything to an Instant Pot and cook on high for 4 minutes
- Quick release and serve with melted garlic butter
Brenda says
Totally a game changer!!! This makes cooking crab legs so much easier. This recipe is super delicious too!