Air Fryer Lobster Tail
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My air fryer lobster tail recipe, coated in garlic butter, makes an elegant dinner. It’s easy to make and always juicy and tender.
Table of Contents
Why make my air fryer lobster tail
Cooking lobster tail in the air fryer might be my new favorite way of cooking lobster. I’ll be honest: it’s an elegant and expensive protein, and I thought using the air fryer would cheapen it and take away from that special-occasion feel.
But after testing it several times, I was proven completely wrong. The circulating heat gently and evenly cooks the meat, locking in the garlic butter flavor and keeping it tender rather than rubbery. Here are a few more reasons to add it to your menu:
- It’s FAST. I’m talking for less than 15 minutes in total.
- Easy to prep. I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process for prepping the actual lobster.
- Simple. No complicated techniques are required, but you’ll still get that buttery, restaurant-quality flavor.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Lobster tail. I’ve tested the most popular lobster tails available, and the clear winner is cold water lobster tails. These are naturally sweeter and firmer, and famous for having super succulent meat. Main lobster tails are a solid option, but I find them harder to source and slightly pricier. Frozen lobster tails do work, but they must be thawed completely.
- Garlic butter glaze. Unsalted butter mixed with fresh garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika.
How I cook lobster tails in the air fryer
The most intimidating thing about lobster has to be the prep work. But really, it’s much easier than you think. Let’s walk through it:
First, let’s prep the lobster tails. Place the lobster tail flat on a cutting board with the hard shell facing up. Now, use kitchen scissors to cut straight down the middle. Start at the small end (the base of the tail) and cut straight down the center of the shell towards the wide end, and stop when you reach the fins (as pictured).
Second, lift the meat. Use your fingers to gently spread the shell open where you cut. Carefully loosen the lobster meat from the shell and lift it up.
Third, season. Whisk together the glaze, then brush it over each lobster tail, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
Fourth, air fry. Place the seasoned lobster tails in the air fryer basket and air fry until opaque (about 5-6 minutes).
Troubleshooting and tips
- Don’t use frozen lobster. Sorry for repeating myself, but using frozen or even partially thawed lobster is a surefire way to end up with rubbery, undercooked lobster. If using frozen lobster, thaw it completely.
- Lobster sizes and cooking times. During testing, my lobster tails ranged from 5 to 7 ounces. Following a one-minute-per-pound rule, mine took between 5 and 7 minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140-145°F.
- Do I need to butterfly the tail? Yes, it’s non-negotiable. Leaving the shell intact results in uneven cooking and minimal penetration of the garlic butter onto the meat.
- Help! I cut all the way through the lobster tail. Don’t fret- it can still be saved! You’ll need to cook it a little less (for a 5 ounce lobster tail, check on it at the 4-minute mark) and brush it with extra garlic butter. It just won’t look as pretty!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. I have three air fryers and usually use my Phillips XXL and Cosori. Both can comfortably fit four lobster tails, but if yours is smaller, I recommend air frying in batches.
Can I store leftovers?
Honestly, this is one of the few recipes I don’t recommend storing to enjoy for later. Lobster is best enjoyed fresh, and reheating it doesn’t taste anywhere near as good.
Air Fryer Lobster Tail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Lobster tails
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the lobster tails on a wooden or chopping board with the shell facing up. Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut down the center of the shell until you reach the fins. Do not cut all the way through the bottom shell or into the meat- you only want to split the top shell.
- Gently pull the shell apart and loosen the meat from the sides, lifting it up to rest on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base.
- In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Brush generously over the lobster flesh. Reserve any remaining garlic butter.
- Place the seasoned lobster tails in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes (if using 5-ounce lobster tails), or an extra minute per extra pound (a 7-ounce lobster tail will take 7 minutes). You can also air fry until it reaches 140-145°F.
- Remove the lobster from the air fryer basket and brush with any remaining garlic butter. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Lobsters: Please use freshwater or Maine lobster tails.
- Air frying time: Aim for 1 minute per pound of lobster tail. When in doubt, I recommend slightly undercooking and checking with a meat thermometer.
- Frozen lobster tail: Thaw it completely. A partially thawed lobster tail can result in a rubbery exterior.
- Leftovers: I don’t recommend keeping leftovers. These are best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
More elegant air fryer seafood recipes
I reckon if you enjoy air fryer lobster, you’ll enjoy some of my other seafood favorites below.
I love air fryer scallops as an easy, elegant appetizer. The edges crisp up beautifully.
My partner and I love air fryer salmon, and I’ve also tested a version using frozen salmon in the air fryer.
You can never say no to air fryer coconut shrimp, and if you want to skip the breading, try my seasoned air fryer shrimp.
If you’ve tried this air fryer lobster tail recipe, then please rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you! – Arman
