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!
Lobster is a luxurious, delicious shellfish that is loved by seafood fans across the world. When prepared correctly it has a sweet succulent flavor and tender, flaky texture that is hard to replicate. Many people only enjoy lobster on special occasions at restaurants due to the high price tag and effort required to cook it properly at home. However, cooking lobster yourself is much more affordable, and with the right techniques, you can make restaurant-quality lobster in your own kitchen.
One of the easiest, quickest ways to cook lobster at home is using an air fryer. Air frying is a method of cooking that uses super hot, rapidly circulating air to crisp and cook foods. This high-heat airflow cooks foods very fast, and mimics deep frying without all the oil. Air fryers have become wildly popular in recent years due to their convenience and ability to create crunchy “fried” textures without greasy oil When it comes to lobster, air fryers do an amazing job at locking in moisture and flavor.
In this article, I’ll walk through step-by-step how to make tender, juicy air fryer lobster tails with garlic herb butter in about 10 minutes. Keep reading to learn the benefits of cooking lobster in an air fryer, helpful tips and tricks, and a simple recipe for picture-perfect lobster every time.
Why Cooking Lobster in an Air Fryer is a Game Changer
There are several advantages that make an air fryer one of the best ways to cook lobster at home.
Super Fast Cooking Time – Air frying cooks foods extremely quickly thanks to the high-powered airflow. Lobster tails take only about 4-6 minutes to reach tender perfection. Compared to other cooking methods like boiling or broiling that take 15+ minutes, air frying saves a ton of time.
Delicious Crusty Exterior – The circulating hot air creates a crispy, sea-salted crust on the outside of the lobster while keeping the interior meat tender. This adds next-level texture and flavor.
Locks in Moisture and Flavor – The rapid cooking seals in all the natural juices and sweetness of the lobster meat so it doesn’t dry out.
More Affordable – Cooking premium seafood at home helps cut costs compared to dining out. You can make restaurant-quality lobster more often.
Hassle-Free Cleanup – Unlike boiling lobster which can be messy and require a huge pot, air frying is neater and only needs a small fryer basket.
For lobster with amazing texture and taste, air frying can’t be beat for its ease, speed, and mouthwatering results.
Tips for Air Frying Lobster Like a Pro
Air frying may seem straightforward, but there are a few techniques that can take your lobster from good to incredible.
Use Fresh, High-Quality Tails – Always opt for fresh lobster tails that have been properly handled and stored, preferably from a trusted fishmonger or seafood counter. The better the initial product, the better your end dish will turn out.
Size Matters – When air frying, go for 8-12 oz lobster tails that are 5-7 inches long. Anything smaller may overcook. Much larger tails won’t fit properly in the fryer basket.
Brine First – Soaking tails in saltwater brine for 15-30 minutes before cooking seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.
Pat Tails Dry – Blot lobster tails with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Any excess moisture will hinder browning.
Butter + Herbs = Flavor Bomb – Compound herb butters or garlic butter enliven lobster flavor and add richness when air fried.
Master these basic tips, and your air fried lobster tails will be rave-worthy every time.
Step-By-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Tails
This straightforward recipe yields tender, garlicky lobster tails in just minutes using an air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails, 8-12 oz each
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1⁄2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
Instructions:
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Prep the lobster tails by using kitchen shears to cut from the base to the fin along the top of the shell. This allows the lobster to cook evenly.
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Create the garlic herb butter by combining the melted butter, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
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Brine the lobster tails in enough saltwater to cover for 15-30 minutes. Rinse and pat completely dry.
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Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and sprinkle with seafood seasoning. Rub the garlic herb butter onto the meat.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Place tails meat-side up into the air fryer basket.
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Cook for 4 minutes, then lightly baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter.
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Cook for another 2-4 minutes until lobster meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Serve immediately with any extra garlic herb butter for dipping. Enjoy!
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s nearly impossible to overcook thanks to the air fryer. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have tender, garlic-infused lobster ready to devour. Use your favorite air fryer model and adjust cook times as needed based on size of tails.
Air frying makes cooking lobster approachable and simple. With the right practices like brining, using compound butters, and monitoring doneness, you can make restaurant-caliber lobster in the convenience of your home kitchen. Impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked, flavorful lobster tails using this easy air fryer method.
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!
Air Fryer Lobster Tails Recipe
Can you cook lobster in an air fryer?
Even Cooking: The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the lobster evenly and perfectly, locking in moisture and ensuring the meat is succulent and tender, not rubbery or overcooked—a common pitfall when cooking such delicate seafood. Air fryer lobster tails require various ingredients to enhance their rich, succulent flavor.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Does lobster meat need to be air fried?
You can even serve lobster meat cold in a tossed salad! Make air fryer steak with this lobster for a perfect date night with surf and turf! Air fried lobster meat is best when freshly cooked. However, if you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
How do you defrost lobster in an air fryer?
For the best flavor and texture you want your lobster fully defrosted before placing it into your air fryer. Butterfly your lobster tails. Using kitchen shears carefully cut down the middle of the top shell, stopping just at the tail. Use your fingers to loosen the shell away from the meat.