To optimize extraction method of astaxanthin from Antarctic krill powder.Temperature,liquid/soild ratio,extraction time were selected as the independent variables.The yield of astaxanthin content was used as response value to study the effects of each factor as well as their interactions on the yield of the astaxanthin by central composite design.The predictive polynomial equations model was developed by design expert software.Response surface methodology was used to optimize the experimental conditions.The results showed that the optimum conditions of astaxanthin extraction were as follows:extraction temperature 51.41℃,liquid/soild ratio 63.13 mL/g,extration time 61.15 min,and the optimum astaxanthin content was 179.00 mg/kg.After experimental verification,astaxanthin content could reach 179.21 mg/kg.By studying the extraction and determination of astaxanthin in Antarctic krill powder,we selected an efficient and practical extraction and separation process.A simple,accurate determination of astaxanthin method was also established.