Soft shell crab is a delicacy cherished by seafood lovers worldwide. Its tender flesh and delicate flavor make it a sought-after culinary delight. In this article, we will explore two popular cooking methods for soft shell crab: pan-frying and air frying.
1. How To Cook Soft Shell Crab on Stove
Ingredients
- 4 soft shell crabs
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soft Shell Crabs
Start by cleaning the soft shell crabs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the crabs with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Crabs
Place the flour in a shallow dish or plate. Dredge each crab in the flour, shaking off any excess. Ensure that the crabs are evenly coated.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Soft Shell Crabs
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the crabs to the skillet, top shell side down.
Cook the crabs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the shells turn golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
Use a spatula to gently flip the crabs to avoid breaking the delicate shells.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the cooked crabs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the pan-fried soft shell crabs immediately with lemon wedges for added zest. They are best enjoyed while still hot and crispy.
2. How To Cook Soft Shell Crab in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 soft shell crabs
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soft Shell Crabs
Begin by cleaning the soft shell crabs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then season both sides of the crabs with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating
In a shallow dish or plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Step 3: Bread and Coat the Crabs
Dredge each crab in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating to the shells.
Place the breaded crabs on a plate or tray, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Air-Fry the Soft Shell Crabs
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the breaded crabs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Cook the crabs for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
The crabs are done when the shells turn golden brown and the meat is opaque and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the air-fried soft shell crabs from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.
Serve them immediately while still hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed as is or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Soft shell crab is a culinary delight that can be prepared in various ways. Whether you choose to pan-fry or air fry, following these simple steps will help you achieve a perfectly cooked, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside soft shell crab.
