If you've ever thought that making lobster at home is too much of a stretch, our Air Fryer Lobster Tail recipe is here to change your mind. This dish is all about bringing a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort, making it a must-try for both special occasions and everyday treats.
We combine lobster tails seasoned with salt and pepper and air fry them in a mouthwatering lemon garlic butter sauce.
Air Fryer Lobster Tails Recipe Highlights
- Fast prep ready in under 15 minutes
- Few ingredients
- Easy Cleanup Air
- Air fryer simplicity
- Comfort meets luxury - simple yet sophisticated
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
LOBSTER - Lobster tails offer sweet and succulent meat that has a delicate texture.
LEMON - Serving with lemon wedges adds a bright, citrusy element that cuts through the richness of the lobster and butter sauce. You can also use lime wedges as well. You can also use lemon zest to flavor and garnish your air fry lobster tails.
BUTTER - Butter is a key ingredient in the garlic butter sauce. It provides richness and flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute. Instead of using the microwave, you can melt your garlic, parsley, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. You can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of additional salt added to this air fryer lobster tail recipe accordingly.
GARLIC - Minced garlic infuses the butter sauce with aromatic flavor, complementing the sweetness of the lobster meat. For a milder flavor, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic.
PARSLEY - Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the lemon butter sauce. If parsley is not available, you can use other herbs like cilantro or chives for a similar effect.
How To Make Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Cut lobster tail shells down the middle, stopping before the tail fan, and lift the meat above the shell.
- Combine garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parsley; microwave until melted, stirring occasionally.
- Season lobster meat with salt and pepper, then brush with melted butter mixture.
- Air Fry at 350º Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes.
- If desired, garnish with lemon wedges and/or fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
POTATOES - Try Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or a Twice-Baked Potato Casserole for a creamy and indulgent side.
HONEY ROASTED SWEET POTATOES - These offer a sweet and savory contrast that complements the lobster's richness.
AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI - A quick and healthy option that adds freshness and a slight crunch to your meal.
COLESLAW - A classic side that brings a crisp, refreshing bite, balancing the lobster's succulence.
RICE - Choose between classic white or brown rice or mix things up with a side of Mint and Feta Rice for a unique flavor combination.
ROASTED BROCCOLI - Its earthy, charred edges and tender stalks make it a hearty companion to the lobster tails.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE - To store cooked lobster tails, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1-2 days.
FREEZE - For longer storage, cooked lobster tails can be frozen for up to 3 months. I typically wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
REHEAT - To reheat, gently warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until they are heated through.
Recipe Success Tips
SELECTING LOBSTER TAILS - Choose live lobsters or frozen wild-caught lobster tails that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Avoid tails with any strong odor or discoloration. Stay away from super cheap deals because they might be of lower quality.
EVEN COOKING - To promote even cooking, make sure the lobster tails are similar in size and thickness. If necessary, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
DONENESS - Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lobster meat reaches an internal temperature of 140° Fahrenheit.
AVOID OVERCOOKING - Be careful not to overcook the lobster tails. Overcooked lobster tails are tough and rubbery.
PRESENTATION - For an elegant presentation, garnish the plated lobster tails with additional chopped parsley and a lemon wedge.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. I recommend thawing them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I cook the lobster tails in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the lobster tails in a preheated oven at 350° Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Can I use the leftover lobster meat for creamy lobster pasta?
Absolutely! Leftover lobster is delicious in pasta dishes, seafood salads, or even mashed potatoes.
More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails 4-6 ounces each
- salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons parsley chopped, fresh
Optional
- 2 lemons cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cut down the middle of the top shell of each lobster tail with sharp kitchen shears. Don't cut all the way through, instead stop just before the tail fan. Gently pull back the shell to expose the lobster meat and lift the meat so it sits above the shell.
- Combine minced garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parsley in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is completely melted. Stir well to mix.
- Season the exposed lobster meat with salt and pepper. Brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, setting aside the remaining sauce for later use.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350º Fahrenheit. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 6-8 minutes (see notes).
- Serve the lobster tails immediately, with fresh lemon wedges and the reserved garlic butter sauce for dipping.