How Long to Cook Crab Legs
Pre-cooked crab legs, including king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness. Most crab legs sold are pre-cooked and frozen.
The Short Answer
Pre-cooked crab legs, including king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness. Most crab legs sold are pre-cooked and frozen. Cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
Cooking Methods
🔥 Oven
Temperature: 375°F
Time: 15–20 minutes
Place on a baking sheet with a splash of water or melted butter. Cover with foil. You are reheating, not cooking, since most crab legs are sold pre-cooked.
Rest: 3 minutes
🔥 Grill
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 5–8 minutes
Brush with butter and place on direct heat. Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning once. The shell chars slightly, adding a smoky flavor.
Rest: 2 minutes
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 5–7 minutes
Steam over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Steaming preserves the delicate flavor better than boiling. Do not boil crab legs; it dilutes the flavor.
Rest: 2 minutes
Almost all crab legs you buy are already cooked and frozen. You are just reheating them. Overcooking is the biggest mistake. 5-7 minutes of steaming is all it takes. Serve with melted butter, lemon, and stop there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always yes. The vast majority of crab legs sold in stores are cooked and flash-frozen on the fishing vessel. You are reheating them, not cooking them from raw.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. For faster thawing, place the sealed bag under cold running water for 30 minutes. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Since they are pre-cooked, they are done when heated through. The shell turns bright red-orange and the meat is hot when you crack one open. Internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F.
The Bottom Line
Crab Legs cooking times vary by method and thickness. Always verify doneness with a thermometer reading 145 degrees F. The times above are guidelines; your specific results depend on the size and starting temperature of your food.