Instant Pot Simple Steamed Crab Legs

4.9
(20)
15 Reviews
7 Photos

Learn how long to steam crab legs with this simple recipe. There is no need to go to a high-end restaurant for crab legs when you can easily do them at home in your Instant Pot. Crab legs go from the freezer to the table in 20 minutes. Save your money. It honestly doesn't get any easier than this.

Submitted by Soup Loving Nicole
Updated on March 6, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen
looking down at two large steamed crab legs
7
7
7
7
7
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 2 pounds frozen king crab legs

  • 1 medium lemon, juiced

  • ⅓ cup butter, melted

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Overhead of crab leg ingredients in various bowls and containers.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place a trivet in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and add water. Place crab legs on top of the trivet; you may need to let them thaw for a few minutes so they will fit.

    Overhead of crab legs resting in a pressure cooker.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set the timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.

  4. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

  5. Use tongs to transfer crab legs to a serving dish.

    Overhead of cooked crab legs being pulled from a pressure cooker and placed on a serving tray.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Squeeze lemon juice on top and serve with melted butter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

199 Calories
16g Fat
1g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 199
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 10g 49%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 324mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 13g 25%
Vitamin C 6mg 6%
Calcium 41mg 3%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 244mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love

close up on a serving of instant pot frozen salmon, with a side of broccoli.
Instant Pot Frozen Salmon
39 Ratings
Instant Pot Fresh Steamed Oysters with Spicy Butter
Instant Pot Peel-and-Eat Shrimp
9 Ratings
Grilled Bay Scallops
Grilled Bay Scallops
3 Ratings
Air-Fried Shrimp
14 Ratings
Easy Grilled Shrimp
1 Rating
Pan-Fried Salmon
4 Ratings
Crispy Air Fryer Cod
8 Ratings
Okasan's Japanese Steamed Salmon
1 Rating
Sesame Crusted Mahi Mahi II
14 Ratings
Flash Baked Walleye Fillets
31 Ratings
close up view of four Crab Cakes on a paper towel
Aunt Ruth's Crab Cakes
39 Ratings
Instant Pot® Honey-Garlic Shrimp from Frozen
1 Rating
Steamed Mussels II
79 Ratings
Creamy Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
9 Ratings
Steelhead Trout Bake with Dijon Mustard
149 Ratings