Air Fryer Lobster Tails
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails are my new favorite main dish! Perfectly cooked in only 10 minutes, they come out so tasty every single time — not to mention, cleanup is a breeze. With just 3 main ingredients plus a handful of simple seasonings, making lobster tail in the air fryer is incredibly easy too!!
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Boy, oh boy, was I excited to learn how to cook lobster tail in the air fryer!! I had already mastered smoked lobster tail and have been on the hunt for other ways to prepare it.
Suddenly, it hit me: I could totally use my air fryer! The results? Air fryer lobster tails that were tender, juicy, and oh-so flavorful.
I’m for sure keeping this one on hand for all of my summertime parties and holiday get-togethers. That’s right — this one is definitely impressive enough for guests!
Simply prep the tails (I’ve included instructions on how to do that on the recipe card below), brush with some homemade seasoned butter, air fry for about 10 minutes, and you’re golden!
If you’re been wondering how to cook lobster tail in the air fryer too, you’ve come to the right place!!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Lobster Tails – I typically opt for smaller tails when air frying — you want pieces that are actually able to fit in the air fryer basket.
- Unsalted Butter – You’ll have to melt this first before getting started! It adds flavor and moisture — plus, who doesn’t love a little butter with lobster?!
- Lemon – I add the juice of ½ a lemon to the seasoned butter as well. Citrus pairs so well with seafood.
- Seasonings – I use a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
As a note, if you want to use finely chopped fresh parsley instead of dried in this air fryer lobster tail recipe, you totally can!
How to Cook Lobster Tail in the Air Fryer
- Size matters.
The cooking time I noted in the recipe card below is a general guideline for making air fryer lobster tails.
I know I mentioned using small tails, but if you’re only able to get larger ones, keep in mind you might need to increase the cooking time.
A meat thermometer is your friend here!! Aim for an internal temp of 140°F for the best results.
- Use a pastry brush to add the seasoned butter.
You really want it to get into every nook and cranny! I find that using a basting brush — or honestly even an unused paint brush if that’s all you have — helps me spread everything out evenly.
The butter mixture adds a lot of flavor, but it also prevents the lobster from drying out. Brush with care!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Don’t try to squish too much lobster tail in air fryer!
This will keep the hot air from circulating properly, which could result in some of the tails coming out undercooked, with others overcooked.
If you plan on making a lot, it’s always better to work in batches.
- And don’t overcook!
Your air fryer lobster tails will become tough and rubbery if you leave them in the basket for too long.
Keep a close eye on the timer, and be sure to remove them as soon as they are cooked through.
As a note, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your lobster and the model of your air fryer.
Prep Ahead
- Prep the lobster tails
- Make the seasoned butter
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Kitchen Shears for prepping the lobster.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Basting Brush – I like this one over the silicone ones.
- Air Fryer – Remember, different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer lobster tails hot and fresh from the air fryer with some extra melted butter and lemon slices on the side!
The longer you wait, the less crispy and tender they’ll become. Lobster is known for being delicate.
You can serve these with so many different side dishes! Roasted garlic potatoes, grilled asparagus, and broccoli are classic pairings.
If you want something a tad lighter, opt for a big burrata salad or a fresh tomato and corn salad and some crusty bread.
Steamed veggies or rice pilaf are a few other options!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
I find that my air fryer lobster tail recipe is best served fresh — I usually only make as much as I know I’ll need.
If you do have leftovers, they will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat, gently warm in the air fryer or oven until heated through. That said, reheating does tend to cause the lobster to become tough. Something to keep in mind!
Lobster Tail in Air Fryer FAQ
As mentioned, a lot depends on the size of the tails and your air fryer. I used small ones and it took about 8-10 minutes at 400°F, to give you an idea.
Yes! I find that making lobster tail in air fryer is one of the best ways to get tender, succulent, and flavorful results in no time.
It’s important not to overcook them — this is the most common reason for tough results.
Keep a very close eye on your air fryer lobster tails toward the end of the cooking time, and have your meat thermometer ready to go.
The internal temperature should be 140°F, the meat should be opaque, and the shells bright red.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 small lobster tails
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise down the center, stopping at the tail fin. Gently spread the shell open to expose the meat without detaching it from the shell. If needed, use a spoon to lift the meat away from the shell. Tuck away any visible membrane to the sides for a neater presentation.
- Make the Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Lobster Meat: Brush the seasoned butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through, and the shells are bright red.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the air fryer and serve immediately with additional melted butter for dipping, if desired.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published October 2024
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