How Long to Boil Crab Legs It only takes 3 to 5 minutes to boil crab legs at home. Just get a big pot of water boiling, then drop in your crab legs and start the timer. Be careful when handling crab legs: They can be sharp around the claws! You should also make sure to wash them thoroughly before boiling them, as they can contain sand and other sediments. When they turn bright orange-red, you can pull out your crab legs and serve them, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon juice and some drawn butter. See more at: MyLifeLoveFood