Air Fryer Lobster Tails (Print Version)
Tender lobster tails air-fried to perfection and finished with garlic butter sauce
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
→ Butter Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
09 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Prepare:
01 - Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin. Gently loosen the meat from the shell and lift it up to rest on top, leaving the end attached.
02 - Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Brush the exposed lobster meat generously with half of the prepared butter sauce, ensuring even coverage.
05 - Place lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 140°F.
06 - Remove lobster tails from air fryer and drizzle with remaining butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Restaurant quality lobster in under 20 minutes without any fancy techniques
- The air fryer gives the meat that perfect tender yet slightly firm texture
02 -
- Overcooking lobster turns it rubbery and tough, so check at 6 minutes
- Use an instant read thermometer to hit exactly 140°F for perfect texture
03 -
- If the shells seem slippery, use a clean kitchen towel to hold them steady while cutting
- Making more than two tails, work in batches rather than crowding the basket