Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Crab Legs Recipe

I like this recipe because it is incredibly quick from start to finish and requires very little prep. I appreciate that the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking crab legs, and I love how the butter sauce can be adjusted to taste. This is the kind of recipe I make when I want something impressive without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Crab Legs
4 snow crab leg clusters see Notes
1 cup water

For the Butter Sauce
⅓ cup unsalted butter
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½-1 tablespoon lemon juice to taste

Directions

I start by pouring 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, then fitting the trivet inside and placing all four crab leg clusters on top. I secure the lid with the vent in the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 2 minutes.

Once the cook time is finished, I carefully quick release the steam and remove the lid. I serve the crab legs immediately with the butter sauce or with plain melted butter if I want to keep things simple.

For the butter sauce, I heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Once it begins to simmer, I remove it from the heat and whisk in the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice to taste.

Servings and Timing

I usually serve this recipe as a main course for 4 people. The prep time is about 15 minutes, the cook time is just 5 minutes, and the total time comes to approximately 20 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

When I use king crab legs instead of snow crab, I cook them on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. If I need a dairy-free option, I swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative. I also like adjusting the Old Bay and lemon juice depending on whether I want the sauce more savory or more bright and citrusy.

Storage/Reheating

I find crab legs are best enjoyed right away, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently steam them or warm them in the Instant Pot with a small amount of water to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen crab legs in the Instant Pot?

I often cook them straight from frozen since they are usually pre-cooked, and the timing stays the same.

Are crab legs already cooked?

Most store-bought crab legs are pre-cooked and just need to be reheated.

Do I need to thaw crab legs first?

I usually do not thaw them because the Instant Pot handles frozen crab legs very well.

Can I stack the crab legs?

I stack them slightly as long as they fit on the trivet without blocking the lid.

What if my crab legs are very large?

I increase the cook time slightly, especially if they are king crab legs.

Can I skip the trivet?

I prefer using the trivet so the crab legs steam instead of sitting in water.

Is Old Bay seasoning spicy?

I find it more savory than spicy, but I adjust the amount if I want a milder sauce.

Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?

I usually make it fresh, but I can reheat it gently if needed.

What can I serve with crab legs?

I like serving them with corn on the cob, potatoes, or a simple salad.

How do I know the crab legs are ready?

I know they are ready when they are heated through and steaming hot.

Conclusion

I love how these Instant Pot crab legs make it easy to enjoy a luxurious seafood dinner without the fuss. With minimal effort and a simple butter sauce, this recipe has become one I turn to whenever I want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying.