Air Fryer Lobster Tails (Printable)
Tender lobster tails air-fried to perfection with zesty garlic butter
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
→ Butter Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
09 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin. Gently loosen the meat from the shell and lift it up to rest on top, leaving the end attached.
02 - Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
03 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Brush lobster meat generously with half of the butter sauce, ensuring even coverage.
05 - Place lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly browned (internal temperature should reach 140°F).
06 - Remove lobster tails and drizzle with remaining butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Restaurant quality lobster in under 20 minutes without heating up your whole kitchen
- The garlic butter sauce is absolutely addictive and perfect for dipping crusty bread
02 -
- Overcooking happens fast in the air fryer, so check at the 6 minute mark even if you want a slight char
- The lobster continues cooking slightly after removal, so pull them when they are just opaque throughout
03 -
- Let the lobster rest for 2 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute throughout the meat
- Serve extra lemon wedges on the side because everyone likes different levels of brightness