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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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