Air Fryer Lobster Tails (Printable Version)
Tender lobster tails cooked in the air fryer with garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes for an elegant meal at home.
# 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
# Directions:
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.
04 - Brush lobster meat generously with half of the butter sauce.
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 Tips:
01 -
- Restaurant quality lobster in under 20 minutes without the restaurant price tag
- The air fryer gives the meat that perfect tender, slightly charred texture
02 -
- Overcooking lobster is the biggest mistake, it turns rubbery fast so check at 6 minutes
- Pat the tails dry before brushing with butter so the sauce actually sticks
03 -
- Tent the lobster loosely with foil if the tops brown too fast before the meat is cooked through
- A pinch of cayenne in the butter adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness