Deep-Fried Crab Legs

Here’s a crispy, golden, and delicious Deep-Fried Crab Legs recipe with step-by-step directions 🦀🍟✨

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🦀 Deep-Fried Crab Legs

⏱ Prep Time:

15 minutes

⏱ Cook Time:

8–10 minutes

🍽 Serves:

2–4 people

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🧾 Ingredients

• Crab legs – 500 g (1 lb), pre-cooked or steamed

• All-purpose flour – ½ cup

• Cornstarch – ¼ cup

• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon (optional)

• Cold sparkling water – ¾ cup

• Vegetable oil – for deep frying

• Lemon wedges – for serving

• Optional: dipping sauce (cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

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Step 1: Prepare Crab Legs

1. Rinse crab legs under cold water and pat dry.

2. If large, cut into 2–3 pieces per leg for easier frying.

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Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Gradually add cold sparkling water while whisking to create a smooth, slightly thick batter.

3. Chill the batter in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes for extra crispiness.

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Step 3: Heat Oil

1. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer (about 2–3 inches deep).

2. Heat oil to 180°C (350°F).

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Step 4: Coat and Fry

1. Dip each crab leg piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.

2. Carefully place into hot oil.

3. Fry in batches for 3–5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

4. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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Step 5: Serve

1. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

2. Offer dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy fries or onion rings

• Serve alongside coleslaw or a fresh salad

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a colorful presentation

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⭐ Tips for Best Results

• Use pre-cooked crab legs to avoid overcooking.

• Ensure the batter is cold to create a light, crispy coating.

• Don’t overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature.

• Keep fried crab legs warm in the oven while frying remaining batches.

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🔁 Variations

• Spicy Batter: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.

• Tempura Style: Use tempura flour and ice-cold sparkling water for a lighter crust.

• Garlic Parmesan: Toss fried crab legs with melted butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan.