Instant Pot: Steamed Alaskan Crab Legs

It's one of my family's traditions to have Alaskan King Crab Legs on our holiday table. We try to have at least a poultry, beef, ham and seafood dish on the table, with the crab legs representing seafood. They may look intimidating to cook but it really is easier than you think in the Instant Pot!

Steamed Alaskan Crab Legs

2-3 pounds frozen crab legs

1 cup water

1/2 tablespoon salt

melted butter for serving

In your Instant Pot:

Plug in the IP with insert set in place.

Place steamer basket into IP with 1 cup of water and 1/2 tablespoon of salt.

Add half of the Alaskan King Crab Legs with 1 tablespoon of salt.

Secure the lid of the IP and ensure the valve is set to SEALING.

Press MANUAL and adjust the time to 4 minutes on HIGH pressure.

The display will reflect ON while the IP comes to pressure. Allow a few minutes for your IP to come to pressure.

Once at pressure, the display will reflect 4 (the number of minutes you initially set) and will begin to countdown to 0 minutes.

When the IP beeps after pressure cooking for 4 minutes, turn the setting on top of your IP to VENTING. Doing so allows the IP to quickly release any remaining pressure (also known as QPR or QR). I use a wooden spoon to carefully turn the setting to avoid close contact with the potential steam. You may also want to turn your IP away from cabinets to allow the released steam to escape freely. The pin at the top of your IP will drop when all pressure has been released and it's safe to open.

Open up your IP when the pin has dropped (allow a few minutes for this to happen).

Remove crab legs and serve with melted butter. Repeat process with remaining half of crab legs.