Air Fryer Lobster Tail (Fast & Foolproof) Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer lobster tails are a quick and foolproof way to enjoy succulent, restaurant-quality seafood at home. This method ensures perfectly cooked lobster meat with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Ready in just minutes, it’s an impressive dish that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails (5 oz each)
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (adjust for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If the lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge in a bag of cold water for about 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for a few minutes.
2. Step 2: Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the shell lengthwise with kitchen shears, starting at the end opposite the tail fins and cutting up to but not through the tail. Spread the shell open and lift the meat slightly. Run a bamboo skewer through the length of the meat to prevent it from curling while cooking.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
4. Step 4: Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes for 5-ounce tails, or until the meat turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For different sizes, cook approximately 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer and cook an additional 1-3 minutes if needed.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor, or substitute garlic powder if pressed for time.
• For extra richness, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on the lobster meat before air frying.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level, or omit it for a milder dish.
• If your air fryer basket is small, cook tails in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen lobster tails directly in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw lobster tails before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the exterior from overcooking while the interior remains cold.

How do I know when lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat should be opaque and white. Using a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part for perfectly cooked lobster.

Air Fryer Lobster Tail (Fast & Foolproof) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This fast and foolproof Air Fryer Lobster Tail recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender lobster with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Using quick air frying, the lobster tails come out juicy and succulent with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of cayenne heat. It’s an easy gourmet dish ready in minutes, perfect for a special dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lobster Tails

• 4 lobster tails (5 oz each)

Butter Sauce

• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prep Lobster Tails: If frozen, thaw lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for a few minutes to get it ready.
2. Butterfly the Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the center of the lobster shell starting from the thick end opposite the tail fins, stopping before the tail itself. Only cut through the top shell, not the bottom. Then gently spread open the shell with your fingers to expose the meat. Insert a bamboo skewer lengthwise through the meat to prevent it from curling while cooking.
3. Season the Lobster: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
4. Air Fry: Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down. Cook at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes for 5-ounce tails, or roughly 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the lobster is done when it reaches 140°F (60°C) and the meat looks opaque. If needed, cook another 1-3 minutes until perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Do not overcook lobster tails as this can make the meat rubbery.
• The bamboo skewer prevents the lobster meat from curling during air frying for an even cook.
• Check the internal temperature to ensure safety and perfect doneness.
• This recipe works best with fresh or properly thawed lobster tails to maintain texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lobster tail, air fryer, seafood recipe, garlic butter, easy lobster, quick dinner, air fryer seafood