Deep Fried Crab Legs
These Deep Fried Crab Legs feature tender crab meat coated in a crisp, seasoned crust and fried until golden brown for a rich, flavorful seafood dish that feels special but is easy to prepare at home.
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Servings: 1 sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 lbs snow crab or 2 to 4 king crab legs
- 1 c flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 c buttermilk
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp salt and pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- Canola oil as needed for frying
Instructions
Heat the oil.
- Add enough canola oil to a deep fryer or heavy pot for frying. Heat the oil to 350°F, using a thermometer for accuracy.
Steam the crab legs.
- Steam the crab legs for 12 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Prepare the wet mixture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Melt the butter and stir it into the mixture until fully incorporated.
Prepare the dry coating.
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the crab meat.
- Once the crab legs are finished steaming, use kitchen scissors to cut the shell down the center. Gently remove the crab meat from the shell.
Soak the crab meat.
- Place the crab meat into the buttermilk mixture and allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
Coat the crab meat.
- Remove the crab meat from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
Fry the crab meat.
- Carefully place the coated crab meat into the hot oil. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Drain the fried crab.
- Remove the fried crab from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Season and serve.
- Sprinkle with an additional dash of your preferred seasoning, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
To make these Deep Fried Crab Legs gluten free, replace the flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and confirm that the cornstarch, hot sauce, garlic salt, and any additional seasonings are certified gluten free or free from hidden gluten-containing additives. Also verify that the buttermilk and crab legs are free from cross-contact concerns if preparing for someone with strict gluten-free needs.