Air Fryer Lobster Tails (Printable)
Perfectly cooked lobster tails with garlic butter sauce in under 20 minutes
# What You’ll 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
# How-To 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 (193°C) 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 Advice:
01 -
- The air fryer creates the most beautiful, slight char on the lobster meat while keeping it incredibly tender inside
- That garlic butter sauce is absolute liquid gold and you'll want to put it on everything
- It feels like a restaurant quality dinner but comes together in less than 20 minutes
02 -
- Dont overcook the lobster or it becomes tough and rubbery, so check at the 6 minute mark
- Letting the butter mixture sit for a few minutes helps the garlic flavor infuse throughout
- The internal temperature should hit 140°F for perfectly cooked, safe to eat lobster
03 -
- Pat the lobster tails completely dry before brushing with butter for better caramelization
- Let the lobster rest for 2 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute