It took me a while to figure out, but this air fryer lobster tail recipe is now my favorite way to cook lobster tails! They come out perfect, not rubbery, and they cook in less than 10 minutes. Here’s how to cook lobster tail in an air fryer. If it ends up being your favorite, don’t be surprised! Serve with a simple side like haricot verts and lemon risotto, or add a steak for surf and turf. You can also use cooked lobster to make lobster risotto or lobster grilled cheese.
Lobster tail is a delicious and luxurious seafood treat that many home cooks shy away from preparing at home The most common cooking methods like boiling or broiling can seem intimidating Fortunately, your air fryer makes cooking lobster tail fast, foolproof, and easy right in your own kitchen!
In this article I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook perfect lobster tails in the air fryer. including
- Benefits of using an air fryer
- Choosing the best lobster tails
- Preparing and seasoning the lobster
- Air fryer time and temperature
- Serving suggestions
Plus plenty of tips and tricks for the best results. Keep reading to learn how you can enjoy restaurant-quality lobster tail at home with minimal effort using this game changing kitchen appliance!
Why Cook Lobster Tails in an Air Fryer?
Air frying is a quick and convenient cooking method that uses super hot air circulated around the food to produce a crispy, browned exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Cooking lobster tail in an air fryer has several advantages over other preparation methods:
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Fast cook time – Lobster tails take only 5-8 minutes to cook through in the air fryer, compared to 10-15 minutes broiled or 20+ minutes boiled.
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Perfect texture – The circulating hot air cooks the lobster meat evenly, so it turns out tender and juicy, not rubbery.
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Added flavor – The high heat helps create a lightly crisped exterior that enhances the sweet flavor of the lobster.
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Easy cleanup – With no boiling water or hot oven to deal with, air frying lobster is minimal mess.
So if you want to enjoy restaurant-style lobster tail with little effort at home, the air fryer is definitely the way to go!
Choosing Lobster Tails for Air Frying
You can find fresh or frozen lobster tails at well-stocked grocery stores, fish markets, or online. Here’s what to look for:
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Size – Lobster tails are sold by weight, usually between 3-8 ounces each. For two servings, look for 8-12 oz total weight.
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Species – Maine (cold water) lobster has a sweeter, more tender meat compared to spiny (warm water) lobster.
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Quality – Look for tails that smell fresh, not fishy. The shell should be firm, not cracked.
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Frozen vs. fresh – Both work well, but frozen tails need to be thawed before air frying.
I recommend buying frozen tails if fresh ones aren’t available since they’re more economical. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Preparing Lobster Tails for the Air Fryer
Prepping the lobster tails takes just a few minutes:
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Use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise along the center of the shell from the wide end to the base of the tail.
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Pop the shell up and out to expose the meat. Rinse under cold water to remove any debris.
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Lay the tail flat and slide a wooden skewer through the middle to prevent curling as it cooks.
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Brush all over with melted butter and seasoning of your choice.
That’s it – the tails are ready for the air fryer! Be sure to prep them just before cooking so they don’t dry out.
![Lobster tails prepared for air frying][]
Seasoning Your Lobster Tails
Plain lobster tail cooked in the air fryer is delicious, but seasoning adds so much flavor. Here are some easy ways to season before air frying:
- Lemon garlic butter – Brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper
- Compound brown butter – Butter browned with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, paprika, cayenne, etc.
- Chili lime rub – Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, lime zest, cumin, salt and pepper
- Lemon pepper – Brush olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning blend
- Cajun blackening seasoning – Brush with melted butter and coat with Cajun seasoning
Get creative with your own spice blends too. The air fryer handles strong flavors well.
How Long to Cook Lobster Tails in an Air Fryer
Air fryer cook time for lobster tails depends on two factors:
- Size of tails – In general, allow 1 minute per ounce. So a 5 oz tail takes 5 minutes, 8 oz tail takes 8 minutes.
- Doneness preference – Cook 5-6 minutes for translucent center or 7-8 minutes for fully opaque center.
For food safety, always verify doneness by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium rare: 125°F
- Medium: 130°F
- Well done: 140°F+
Keep in mind carryover cooking will raise the temperature about 5°F after removing from the air fryer.![Checking doneness of lobster tail with meat thermometer][]
Once you find the perfect timing for your preferred doneness, take note so you can replicate it every time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Lobster Tails
Follow these simple steps for foolproof lobster tail cooked to tender, juicy perfection in the air fryer:
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Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator if using frozen.
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Prep the tails for air frying. Cut shell, remove meat, and skewer to prevent curling.
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Brush lobster meat generously with melted butter and season as desired.
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Arrange lobster tails in air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
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Cook for 5 minutes for a 5 oz tail, adding 1 minute per additional ounce. For example, cook an 8 oz tail for 8 minutes.
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Check internal temperature and cook longer if needed until it reaches your desired doneness.
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Remove lobster tails from air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Once you’ve made them this way, you’ll never boil or broil lobster tails again. So easy and quick!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Lobster Tail
Lobster tail makes an elegant, impressive entree for special occasions like date nights or holidays. Fancy it up with these serving ideas:
- Drizzle with melted lemon garlic butter for dipping
- Serve with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes
- Make lobster rolls on toasted brioche buns with mayo, lettuce, and lemon
- Toss with angel hair pasta, tomatoes, and basil for easy surf and turf
- Stuff in ravioli with ricotta, shallots, and tarragon
- Plate with Avocado-Tomato Salad and Roasted Potatoes
- Pair with drawn butter and Corn on the Cob
No matter how you serve it, air fryer lobster tail is sure to satisfy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Here are some top tips for success making this simple yet elegant seafood dish:
- Brush with butter before and after air frying for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – give tails room so air circulates evenly.
- Insert skewers before cooking to prevent curling or uneven cooking.
- Let the air fryer fully preheat before adding lobster tails.
- For food safety, cook to an internal temp of at least 130°F.
- Resist the urge to flip or move the tails as they cook.
- Allow the cooked lobster tails to rest 2-3 minutes before removing meat.
- Serve immediately for optimum texture and temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put frozen lobster tails straight into the air fryer?
No, frozen lobster tails should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before air frying for food safety. Fully thawed tails allow for even cooking.
Do you need to use oil or butter when air frying lobster tails?
Butter is recommended to help
How long to cook lobster tail in air fryer ?
Lobster tails in air fryer cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lobster tail. Tails that are 4 or 5-ounces will take about 4-6 minutes; 8-ounce tails will take about 6-8 minutes.
Why is my lobster rubbery?
Lobster gets rubbery when it’s overcooked. So be careful to not OVER cook it. Start checking at the lower end of the cooking time.
Lobster is best fresh, so I would recommend only making the number of lobster tails that you’ll need. If you do have leftovers, store lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
To keep the lobster from getting tough, heat it up again in a hot pan or air fryer until it’s just warmed through.