📝 About This Recipe
Experience the succulent, sweet taste of the ocean with this modern twist on a coastal classic. By using the air fryer, we circulate intense heat to lock in moisture while infusing the delicate crab meat with a rich, roasted garlic and herb butter. It is the fastest, most foolproof way to achieve restaurant-quality seafood at home without the mess of a massive boiling pot.
🥗 Ingredients
The Shellfish
- 2 pounds Snow Crab Clusters (thawed completely and rinsed)
- 1 Lemon (cut into thin rounds for the basket)
The Garlic Herb Compound Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 4 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (the secret umami boost)
For Garnish and Dipping
- 1/4 cup Clarified Butter (Ghee) (served warm for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Chives (finely snipped)
- 4 Lemon Wedges (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Thaw your snow crab clusters completely in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cool water for 10-15 minutes.
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2
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Heating the chamber beforehand ensures the crab starts steaming immediately.
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3
Using kitchen shears, carefully snip the side of the thickest part of each leg. This allows the garlic butter to penetrate the shell and makes them easier to crack later.
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4
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until liquid but not boiling.
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5
Whisk in the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, lemon juice, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
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6
Place the lemon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket to act as a fragrant rack for the crab.
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7
Using a pastry brush, generously coat every inch of the crab clusters with the prepared garlic herb butter, focusing on the joints and the slits you cut.
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8
Arrange the crab clusters in the air fryer basket. It is okay if they overlap slightly, but try to keep them in a single layer for the best air circulation.
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9
Air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes. This initial blast heats the shell and begins to steam the meat.
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10
Open the basket and brush the remaining garlic butter over the clusters once more.
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11
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The shells should turn a vibrant bright red, and you should smell a nutty, garlicky aroma.
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12
Carefully remove the crab using tongs—they will be very hot and the butter can sizzle.
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13
Transfer to a serving platter and pour any remaining butter drippings from the bottom of the air fryer (or the lemon slices) over the top.
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14
Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately with warm clarified butter and extra lemon wedges.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always ensure the crab is fully thawed; air frying frozen crab can lead to rubbery meat and uneven heating. If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches rather than crowding, as air flow is key to 'roasting' the shell. Don't skip the Worcestershire sauce; it provides a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the crab. Use kitchen shears to pre-score the shells before cooking—this is the professional secret to mess-free eating. Watch closely during the last 2 minutes; snow crab is already precooked when purchased, so you are essentially reheating and flavoring it.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light pilsner to cut through the rich butter. Serve alongside air-fried corn on the cob and baby red potatoes for a mini-boil experience. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the sweet seafood. Provide plenty of napkins and a 'discard bowl' for the shells to keep the dining experience elegant. Finish the meal with a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.