These lobster tails cooked in the air fryer are incredibly tender and delicious. With a garlic and herb butter sauce on top, this is a quick and easy way to make a fancy dinner that tastes great without having to spend a lot of time cooking.
This lobster tail is so delicious that it should be served with some great sides. Try this grilled asparagus, these biscuits, and this perfectly creamy clam chowder!
Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years. Their ability to make fried foods with little to no oil has revolutionized home cooking. But air fryers aren’t just for french fries and chicken wings! They can also be used to prepare succulent, restaurant-quality seafood like lobster.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tender, delicious air fryer lobster tails right at home.
Why Cook Lobster in an Air Fryer?
Air frying is actually an ideal preparation method for lobster. The circulating hot air cooks the lobster meat quickly and evenly. Unlike boiling or steaming air frying won’t lead to overcooked rubbery lobster.
Cooking lobster in an air fryer also greatly reduces the amount of time, effort, and mess involved compared to traditional cooking methods. There’s no giant pot of boiling water to heat up and monitor. And unlike grilling or broiling, there’s minimal cleanup of pans and utensils.
The air fryer allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality lobster tails on your own dinner table with maximum convenience
Step 1: Choose Your Lobster Tails
For the best results, select fresh or thawed, high-quality lobster tails I recommend buying tails that are labeled as “cold water” lobster. Cold water lobster tends to have a sweeter flavor and more tender texture than warm water varieties.
Medium size tails that weigh 6-8 ounces each are ideal. Larger tails may not fit properly in the air fryer basket. Smaller tails also work but may cook more quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Rinse the lobster tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise along the top of the shell. Stop about 1/4 inch before the fin joint.
Gently separate the cut shell from the meat. Loosen the bottom shell if needed so the meat can lie flat when opened. Season the lobster meat lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. The butter sauce adds incredible flavor and prevents the lobster from drying out.
Use about 2-3 tablespoons of butter per tail along with 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning and juice from 1/2 lemon. Adjust to taste.
Step 4: Brush on the Herb Butter
Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat the lobster meat evenly with the herb butter mixture. Be sure to get butter into all the crevices. The butter will keep the lobster moist and add tons of flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Air Fry the Lobster Tails
Place the seasoned lobster tails meat-side up into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 5-7 minutes for 4-5 oz. tails, or 6-8 minutes for larger 8 oz. tails, until lobster is cooked through and opaque.
The high heat of the air fryer will give the surface of the lobster tails a nice caramelized crunch while the inside steams delicately in the butter.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
When the lobster tails are done cooking, immediately transfer them to plates and spoon any leftover herb butter from the air fryer basket over the meat. Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy!
The tender lobster will be infused with delicious butter and Old Bay flavors. Paired with a chilled white wine or rosé, it makes for an incredible gourmet meal from your own kitchen.
Tips for Air Fryer Lobster Success
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook lobster tails in a single layer.
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Brush tails liberally with herb butter before and during cooking for maximum flavor and moisture.
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Check for doneness early to prevent overcooking. Lobster is done when the meat is opaque.
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Let the lobster tails rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking before serving.
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Use kitchen shears for easy, clean cutting down the shell. Avoid knives which can shatter the shell.
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Serve with lemon wedges, drawn butter, or even melted garlic herb butter for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size lobster tails work best?
I recommend 6-8 ounce tails. Larger tails may not fit and smaller ones can overcook quickly.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw frozen tails overnight in the fridge before air frying. Thawed and fresh tails will have the ideal flavor and texture.
How can I tell when the lobster is done?
Check for opacity in the meat and slight firmness when pressed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 135°F at thickest part.
Can I reheat leftover lobster in the air fryer?
You can reheat previously cooked lobster gently in the air fryer at 300°F for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Don’t overcook.
What dipping sauces go well with air fried lobster?
Lemon garlic butter, clarified butter, aioli, Hollandaise sauce, and classic melted butter are all amazing with lobster.
Air frying lobster tails at home is easy and delicious. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy tender, succulent lobster with amazing flavor. Try this recipe on your next special occasion for a memorable gourmet meal from your air fryer.
Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails
- Types of Lobster: Any type of lobster works well. If you prefer spiny lobster that is great too. Just be careful!.
- Cutting the Lobster into Butterfly Shapes: If you cut the meat, it will be fine. In some cases, this will help make sure it cooks more evenly anyway. You should not cut through the bottom shell, though.
- How Hot to Cook Lobster: Try your best not to cook the lobster tails too long. This will help by using a meat thermometer. If you want the lobster to taste its best, the center should reach 145°F.
- Female Lobster: To see lobster meat that is still a little pink after it’s been cooked is fun. The pink meat shows that it is a female lobster.
Ingredients You Need to Cook Air Fryer Lobster Tails
This post just keeps getting easier and easier. There are only six things you need to make the best lobster tails you’ve ever had. For exact amounts, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Lobster Tails: Stick with buying cold water lobsters. When you buy lobster tails, stay away from ones that have been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate. This will ensure that is doesn’t taste like ammonia.
- Salt and pepper are all you need to make this dish taste great.
- Butter: I used unsalted butter for this recipe.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, you can use minced garlic instead. 1/2 teaspoon equals about 1 clove of garlic.
- I love this sweet spice called paprika. It gives food a unique flavor that it needs.
- Parsley: This garnish adds a great look and taste!