King crab legs cooked in an air fryer are quick and simple to prepare. They are typically cooked, so they are extremely fast to warm up in your air fryer. So you have to season them and let the air fryer work its magic after you’ve cleaned them.
You may eat these cooked ones as an appetizer with some melted butter or garlic butter sauce for dipping sauces or with a shake or two of Old Bay Seasoning and lemon wedges.
You can also combine them into a seafood boil with other seafood and sides.
Because of that reason, it’s best to avoid Alaskan king crab and choose snow crab instead. Smaller crabs, such as Dungeness, can also be used.
The shell of a king crab’s leg is very rough. They are rather big and must be purchased individually (by the leg) in pounds. The flesh is somewhat more delicate and sweeter. King crab legs are a lot more costly than snow crab.
Compared to king crab legs, snow crab legs are far easier to crack and handle since they have a smooth shell. Each cluster typically contains at least four legs. Their flavor is mild and sweet, and their texture is delicate and flaky.
In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant before removing from the heat. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon just before serving.
To serve, open it with crab crackers, and remove the meat. Dip in lemon butter sauce.
Kitchen Tips
I prefer to use fresh or defrosted ones because I like the seasoning flavor to stick to the crab shells. If you have frozen, add a few extra minutes of additional cook time.
When they are cooked, they should be bright orange or pink.
Do not overcook the leg meat for too long, or it can become tough and chewy.
What Are King Crab Legs?
What is a King Crab?
There are two different types you can purchase. They are Snow Crab and King Crab.
King crabs are a type of crab-like decapod crustacean that is mostly found in cold seas. Because of their massive size and the flavor of their meat, many species are widely harvested and marketed as food, with the red king crab being the most popular.
While they have a similar appearance, King Crab is generally larger and more expensive.
Why do we eat crab legs?
They are delicious meals high in good fats, nutrients, and minerals, making them a wonderful choice for a low-carb diet.
They’re keto-friendly and can be baked, cooked, or air-fried in only a few minutes. They’re ideal for making a fast, easy yet delicious supper.
King crab is sweet, moist, and rich. The taste and tender texture are not so different from lobster meat. It’s a bit firmer and coarser than Dungeness crab meat.
If you’re looking for fresh ones, seek them out at your local fish market. Large shops like Costco and Savemart have fresh legs when it’s in season.
Precooked and frequently frozen are the norm. If it’s sold thawed, it was defrosted at some point. It’s because once the crabs have been taken, they’re cooked on board and instantly frozen on the spot.
If the product you bought are orange or red, they have already been cooked. They’re being reheated.
In addition to other factors, the cost is based on the size allowed to be harvested. Quotas are frequently implemented and kept low to prevent overfishing.
King crab hatching success rates have improved significantly due to these conservation efforts. However, the price is generally more costly than other seafood because of this.
How much are king crab legs at Costco?
Costco sells Kirkland Signature King Crab Legs for $28.99 per Lb when frozen in 10 lb boxes that include both legs and claws. A box will set you back about $290.
Costco’s King Crab Legs is quite pricey. When purchasing smaller amounts in the meat area, for example, a pound costs around $33.99 per pound at Costco.
What is the best time of year to buy king crab legs?
The best ones are found in the winter, depending on your location. The season for crabs runs from October to January in Canada and the United States.
The aforementioned time is when the crabs are at their greatest size and most numerous.
