Making lobster tails in the air fryer is an easy way to prepare this seafood favorite. This recipe keeps it simple, with just butter, garlic, lemon, and a few seasonings. It is the perfect elegant meal!
I love having lobster at a fancy restaurant, but usually only for a special occasion. But making them in the air fryer is not only easy, but this is probably one of the best lobster tail recipes I've ever made! The lobster meat was so moist and juicy!
These garlic butter lobster tails are so easy to make with a simple seasoning mixture, and a garlic butter sauce, they are full of flavor in every bite! I love using the air fryer to an impressive meal for family, and this recipe does not disappoint! For more fancy dinners, try our favorite meals like this amazing steak or air fryer tuna steak recipe!
This recipe makes the juiciest lobster tails that will please every lobster lover! For a complete lobster dinner, you can cut the meat into bites and then toss pieces of lobster with sauce and noodles for a creamy lobster pasta. You can even serve lobster meat cold in a tossed salad!
Ingredients
- lobster tails-Try to get even-sized lobster tails so they air fry evenly. I use 8 ounce lobster tails for this recipe.
- unsalted butter
- garlic minced
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- Old Bay Seasoning
Optional: Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
Of course, seasonings can be changed to your preference. You can even just use butter and garlic if you prefer, but I like a pinch of lemon, and just light seasonings for extra flavor.
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How to make Lobster Tails in Air Fryer
- To prepare the tails, using sharp kitchen scissors, cut the top of the shell down the middle. Be careful to not cut all the way through.
- Once sliced, gently pull shell back to get to the lobster meat.
- Gently pull the meat up through the open shell so that it rests on the top of the shell.
- Melt the two tablespoons butter in a small sauce pan on medium heat, or in a small microwave safe bowl. Then add in the garlic and seasonings, and stir together.
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, and then brush the butter mixture onto the meat.
- Once they are buttered and seasoned, place the basket into the fryer and air fry lobster at 380 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Depending on the thickness, you may need to air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes.Â
These lobster tails took the full eight minutes because of their size. I use a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer for my lobster tails, so keep an eye on yours the first time you make them, and check after 5 minutes.
How to Serve Lobster
Halfway through air frying, you can lightly brush another little drizzle of the melted garlic and butter.
Dip lobster tail meat with melted butter, and fresh lemon wedges to garnish. If you are looking for a side dish, I made this air fryer asparagus, and they went really well together.
Once your tails are halfway done cooking, you can lightly brush another little drizzle of the melted garlic and butter.
FAQ's about Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Of course you want fresh or frozen lobster tails. Look for good color tails, without any gray or discoloration in the meat. For a good serving size, try to purchase lobster tails that are 6-12 ounces.
Cooked lobster meat is best when freshly cooked. If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.Â
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails 6-8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
- ¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning
Instructions
- To prepare the tails, using sharp kitchen scissors, cut the top of the shell down the middle. Be careful to not cut all the way through.
- Once sliced, gently pull shell back to get to the lobster meat.
- Gently pull the meat up through the open shell so that it rests on the top of the shell.
- Melt the two tablespoons butter in a small sauce pan on medium heat, or in a small microwave safe bowl. Then add in the garlic and seasonings, and stir together.
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, and then brush the butter mixture onto the meat.
- Once they are buttered and seasoned, place the basket into the fryer and air fry lobster at 380 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Depending on the thickness, you may need to air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes.Â
Notes
- These lobster tails took the full eight minutes because of their size. Because air fryers can have different wattages, be sure to keep an eye on yours the first time you make them, and check after 5 minutes.
- I found these gorgeous tails at the local grocery store. They were almost 8 ounces each! Usually, I can easily find 6-8 ounce tails, so if you go with smaller tails, just adjust the cooking time.
- Once the lobster meat is lifted out the shell, they can be top heavy. To help balance the tails, fan the tail fins open.Â
- Be sure to use sharp kitchen scissors when cutting the tail.Â
- Weight Watchers: Substitute unsalted butter for Countryside Creamery Tastes Like Butter Spray to make this meal ZERO points
- KETO: C/1 P/30 F/12
- Note: Protein is based on an 8 ounce lobster tail
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2023
Do you pre-heat the air fryer? I may have missed that. Thank you
No, you do not have to preheat the air fryer.
my air fryer has racks can they be done on the rack
Yes! They can.
my air fryer does need to get the the right temperature, so, I say yes, you do have to allow it to "warm up"