Indulge in the decadent flavors of our Garlic Butter Air Fried Crab Legs recipe. These succulent crab legs are brushed with a rich garlic butter mixture, sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning, then air fried to perfection. Serve them with lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping, and get ready to savor every succulent bite of these flavorful crab legs.
Ingredients:
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2 pounds crab legs
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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Additional melted butter, for dipping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Legs:
Start by preparing the crab legs. If using frozen crab legs, make sure they are fully thawed before proceeding. Use kitchen shears to cut along the shell of each crab leg to make it easier to access the meat.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. This flavorful garlic butter mixture will add richness and depth of flavor to the crab legs.
3. Brush the Crab Legs:
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the melted garlic butter mixture over the crab legs, ensuring that they are fully coated. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning evenly over the crab legs for a touch of spice and flavor.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the crab legs. This will ensure that it's hot and ready to cook the crab legs to perfection.
5. Air Fry the Crab Legs:
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the prepared crab legs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crab legs in batches.
6. Cook Until Heated Through:
Carefully place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the crab legs for 6-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and the garlic butter mixture is sizzling. Keep an eye on the crab legs as they cook to prevent them from overcooking.
7. Serve with Lemon Wedges and Melted Butter:
Once the crab legs are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them hot, accompanied by lemon wedges and additional melted butter for dipping. The lemon wedges add a refreshing citrus flavor, while the extra melted butter enhances the richness of the crab legs.
8. Enjoy:
Serve the Garlic Butter Air Fried Crab Legs immediately, while they are still hot and succulent. These flavorful crab legs are perfect for serving as a main course or appetizer over olives at your next seafood feast.
Tips for Success:
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Choose high-quality crab legs for the best results. Look for legs that are firm, with a bright red color and no strong odor.
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Make sure to fully coat the crab legs in the garlic butter mixture for maximum flavor.
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Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Cook the crab legs in batches if necessary.
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Garnish the crab legs with chopped fresh parsley or lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to create a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Air Fried Crab Legs dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy the succulent, flavorful crab legs paired with lemon wedges and melted butter for a truly indulgent dining experience.