Air Fryer Lobster Tails (Printable Version)
Tender lobster tails with garlic butter, air-fried to perfection in minutes.
# What You'll 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 Make It:
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, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Brush lobster meat generously with half of the butter sauce, ensuring even coverage.
05 - Place lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly browned (internal temperature should reach 140°F).
06 - Remove lobster tails 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 you that gorgeous caramelized top while keeping the meat incredibly tender
02 -
- Do not overcook the lobster or it will become rubbery and tough
- The carryover heat will continue cooking the meat slightly after you remove it, so pull it when it looks just slightly underdone
03 -
- Pat the lobster tails completely dry before brushing with butter for better browning
- Let the tails sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results