Tender, delicious lobster tails that are cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker – hands down the best easy Instant Pot lobster tails recipe! This version of my popular broiled lobster tails recipe is easy, reliable, and makes for a perfect special dinner.
What is an Instant Pot Lobster Tail Recipe?
This recipe for cooking Instant Pot lobster tails in a pressure cooker will make a fancy dish very simple for any home cook, and without hassle. This recipe, full of lobster that’s naturally low carb and perfect for keto, falls right into place for a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day or any celebration.
If you’re interested in other lobster recipes, try my garlic butter lobster tail recipe, lobster mac and cheese, or garlic butter lobster skillet. In fact, this Instant Pot lobster tail recipe is even suitable for lobster rolls.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Lobster Tails
You’ll need just a few basic items:
- 2 lobster tails
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tsp fresh minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 cup water or fish stock
- Celtic sea salt, to taste
Equipment:
- Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi
- Sharp kitchen shears
- Trivet (comes with pressure cooker)
- Tongs (U-shaped, with two movable parts joined at one end and grippers at the other.)
- Steamer basket (if making more than four lobster tails)
Steps to Make Instant Pot Lobster Tails
- Prep: Put a trivet into Instant Pot and pour in the water or stock. Lay ready lobster tails on a baking sheet or oven safe plate. Using kitchen shears, cut down the lobster shell to the tail tip to “butterfly” the lobster. Remove any grit, then lift the meat over the shell. Slide a lemon wedge under the meat for added flavor if desired.
- Season: Sprinkle lobster tails with garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, and a little sea salt. Dot with butter along the tail.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Place the lid down, sealing, and cook on high for 1 minute. It should take 15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure. After 1 minute of cooking, force release the pressure, standing back from the vent to avoid steam.
- Carryover Cooking: Once lid removed from the pot, leave the lobster tails for another 10 minutes in the Instant pot to finish cooking.
- Serve: Serve warm with melted butter for dipping!
Perfect Instant Pot Lobster Tails Tips and Tricks
- Prep Well: Butterfly the lobster so it cooks evenly.
- Use Low Pressure, if Possible: If your Instant Pot allows you to, cooking on low pressure is safest for delicate meat. If using low pressure add an extra minute to the time.
- Don’t Overcook: Lobster cooks quickly and can become gummy or tough if left too long.
- Appearance When Cooked: It will be opaque with a bright white, pinkish shell and red lobster when cooked.
How to Thaw Frozen Lobster Tails
The best way to thaw lobster tails is in the fridge overnight or under cold water. Don’t microwavem as it toughens the meat. Whole Foods and some grocery stores often carry frozen lobster tails, which work well if fresh isn’t available.
Serving Suggestions
If you are going to be serving each lobster tails as a main dish, then try and think about 2 per person. Melted butter is a good way to add rich flavor. Anyway, when the lobster is cooked it will curl up a tiny bit and the meat will be bright white.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do I know the Instant Pot Lobster Tails are cooked?
The shell will turn red and the lobster meat will be bright white and slightly pink. Translucent meat no longer needs to exist.
Can I cook Instant Pot lobster tails from frozen?
It’s better to thaw lobster tails first for the best texture. Frozen lobster tails can cook unevenly if placed directly in the Instant Pot.