Make the perfect air fryer lobster tails with lemon garlic butter! This easy recipe ensures juicy, tender, and buttery lobster meat with minimal effort. Plus, it cooks faster than almost any other method — perfect for a fancy dinner or a quick indulgent meal.
The idea of cooking lobster tails in an air fryer might sound weird, but trust me, it’s a real game changer. I’ve tried broiled, grilled, and baked lobster tails, but maybe I’m biased, but this method tastes just as fast, and downright awesome.
Made with or without a grill, this Air Fryer Lobster Tails recipe turns the dish into a soft and succulent lobster tail filled with buttery garlic goodness, no matter what you’re cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lobster Tails Recipe
- Let it cook fast – Ready in 5-10 minutes depending on the length of the tails.
- Garlic butter flavor – It has a very buttery garlic flavor to it.
- A few pantry staples – that are easy to get into your pantry.
- Perfect texture – Juicy, tender lobster meat every time.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer lobster tails:
- Lobster Tails: If you see cold-water lobster tails, they have firmer, sweeter white meat than warm-water lobsters. If buying frozen, thaw them first for even cooking.
- Butter: If you want unsalted butter, go for it, and if you’re not too picky about the salt level, use salted butter for extra flavor.
- Garlic: The best garlic for its robust flavor is fresh garlic. In a pinch, substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
- Lemon Juice: A bright, tangy flavor is given to this rich butter by fresh lemon juice.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives a slightly smoky depth, but regular paprika works as well.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for subtle heat. You can skip it or add more if you like it spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Lobster Tails
1. Thaw the Lobster Tails
Unless your lobster tails are completely frozen (in which case they’ll thaw out overnight in the fridge), simply unwrap them and place them in the fridge to thaw out overnight before cooking. If you have a shorter method, put them into a sealed plastic bag and let them sit in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Cut the Shell: Using kitchen scissors start cutting around the top of the lobster shell starting from the widest part and stopping before getting to the tail fin.
- Expose the Meat: Gently wiggle your fingers around the meat from the shell. Rest on top of the shell to give a beautiful presentation, and lift it out.
Tip: To keep the tails from curling in the cooking, pierce the meat with a bamboo skewer lengthwise.
3. Make Garlic Butter
Whisk all but 1 tablespoon melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Season the Lobster Tails
Generously brush with garlic butter the lobster meat. Be sure to saturate everything with flavor. Set aside a little of the butter mixture to serve later.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and turn it on. This step will help to cook everything equally.
6. Cook the Lobster Tails
Line a baking sheet with foil and place the seasoned lobster tails in an air fryer basket so they don’t overlap. Smaller tails (4-5 oz) will be cooked for 5-6 minutes, and larger tails (8-10 oz) for 10-12 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Cooked lobster meat will be opaque and white. Use a meat thermometer if this all sounds a bit intimidating, to make sure that the internal temperature is 140°F (60°C).
7. Garnish and Serve
Brush the lobster tails then, once cooked, with the reserved garlic butter. Add fresh parsley or dill for a little color before serving with lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Tips
- Preheat the air fryer: It does that so the lobster doesn’t dry out while it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcook: Unfortunately, overcooking lobster makes it tough and chewy. Watch the time and look for opacity.
- Use a thermometer: The internal temperature of check to for perfectly cooked lobster every time.
How Long to Cook Air Fryer Lobster Tails?
The cooking time depends on the size of the lobster tails:
- 4-5 ounces: 5-6 minutes
- 8-10 ounces: 10-12 minutes
Usually, if your lobster tails are large or small, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Leaving the lobster out in the open will spoil it very fast. Keep leftover lobster in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Place your tails in foil, top with a pat of butter, and reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for a couple minutes till warm.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Pair your air fryer lobster tails with these sides for a complete meal:
- Potatoes: A low-carb option: Roasted baby potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
- Vegetables: Asparagus sautéed, zucchini sautéed, or air frier Brussels sprouts.
- Salad: A light spring mix salad, or Caprese salad will compliment your rich lobster flavor.
Dinner Ideas
- Romantic Dinner: Pair with pasta in blush sauce and oven roasted asparagus and a glass of champagne.
- Seafood Feast: Make the meal with shrimp or scallops and serve it with a side of garlic bread.
- Family Dinner: For a hearty comforting meal include lobster mac and cheese, or penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes.
Conclusion.
A simple, yet impressive, way to enjoy a restaurant-quality lobster tail at home is by cooking them in the air fryer. Using a few basic ingredients, with minimal effort you can make tender, juicy lobster saturated with rich garlic butter-flavored meat. This Air Fryer Lobster Tails recipe will always result in perfect results, whether it’s a special occasion or as a quick dinner treat. Enjoy this decadent meal with your best sides and garnish with fresh herbs. The perfect combination with Air Fryer Lobster Tails. Enjoy!
