Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Name: Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (6–8 oz each); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 2 garlic cloves (finely grated or minced); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Ready to bring a little luxury to your weeknight dinner? These Air Fryer Lobster Tails are buttery, garlicky, and perfectly tender in under 10 minutes. It’s a foolproof way to make restaurant-quality lobster right in your kitchen, no boiling pot or special tools required.

Air fryer lobster tail on a metal tray served with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Table of Contents

Cooking lobster at home might feel intimidating, but I promise it’s simple! Especially in the air fryer. It turns out perfectly every time, tender, juicy, and full of buttery garlic flavor.

I love serving these lobster tails for special occasions (or even just when I want dinner to feel a little fancy without the fuss). Pair them with sautéed green beans, mashed potatoes, or even my go-to little gem salad for an easy, elegant meal that’s sure to impress.

And if you’re planning a surf-and-turf night, these lobster tails pair beautifully with filet mignon or grilled chicken. They also make a fun addition to a holiday spread or a romantic dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-quality lobster at home: No boiling water or broiler needed — the air fryer gives you perfectly tender lobster tails in minutes.
Buttery bliss in every bite: The garlic-lemon butter melts perfectly into the tender lobster meat, giving each bite rich, irresistible flavor.
Quick cook, no stress: Ready in under 10 minutes, so you can enjoy gourmet flavor any night of the week without the fuss.
Perfect pairings: Serve with melted butter, creamy risotto, crispy roasted mini potatoes, or even crispy fries for a surf-inspired feast.

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Uncooked lobster, fresh parsley, a lemon, garlic near a small bowl with butter.

Lobster tails: Fresh or thawed, 6–8 oz each works perfectly. Butterfly them so the meat rests neatly on top for even cooking.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps keep the lobster tender. Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the butter a bright, savory kick.
Lemon juice: A squeeze brightens and balances the richness of the butter.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the lobster.
Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness for serving.

For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions And Variations

Butter swap: You can use olive oil or ghee instead of butter if you prefer.
Flavor boost: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving really makes the flavors pop.
Extra indulgence: Whisk a few drops of truffle oil or a pinch of cayenne into the butter for a rich, elevated taste.
Herb swap: For a luxe twist, replace parsley with fresh tarragon or chives.

Step By Step: How To Make Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Prep the lobster: Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster shell lengthwise down to the tail. Gently loosen the meat with your fingers and lift it slightly to rest on top of the shell (the very end should stay attached to the shell). This helps it cook evenly and look restaurant-style. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels, then lightly season with salt and pepper.

A mix of melted butter, garlic and lemon juice in a small white bowl.

Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika until smooth. This creates the flavorful basting butter. Set aside 2 tablespoons for serving later.

Brushing the lobster meat with garlic butter mixture.

Baste the lobster: Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure it’s well coated — this keeps it juicy and gives it that signature golden color.

Air fryer lobster tail served with lemon wedges on a metal tray.

Air Fry & serve: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the lobster tails in the basket, meat side up, and cook for 6–8 minutes, until the meat is opaque, lightly browned, and firm to the touch (internal temperature 140–145°F). Brush the cooked lobster with the reserved butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges for a bright, buttery finish.

Serving Ideas

Classic pairing: Serve with drawn butter, lemon wedges, and a simple side of steamed or roasted broccoli for an elegant meal.
Over rice or risotto: Place the lobster tails on a bed of rice or creamy risotto to soak up the flavorful juices.
With pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a light garlic cream sauce and top with the lobster tails for a decadent dinner.
Salad upgrade: Serve sliced lobster over a fresh little gem salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette. Or give this lobster salad recipe a try.
Holiday table: Add to your Christmas menu for a show-stopping main that feels fancy but is easy to prepare.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Every Time

Butterfly correctly: Lift the meat over the shell so it rests neatly on top. The shell underneath helps hold it in place and prevents curling.
Gentle heat control: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for perfect cooking. Higher temps can make the tails curl more and cook unevenly.
Don’t overcook: Lobster should be tender and slightly springy, not rubbery. Keep a close eye on it during cooking.
Skewer method: If you accidentally detach the end of the tail from the shell, you can use the skewer method. It keeps the lobster flat, giving you that restaurant-style look without any fuss.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While lobster tails are best served fresh, if you happen to have leftovers, don’t toss them!

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Avoid freezing cooked lobster, as the texture can become rubbery and lose the delicate flavor.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 320–330°F for 3–5 minutes, just until warmed through. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, for 5–7 minutes to prevent drying out. Brush with a little melted butter before serving to restore moisture and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tail?

Absolutely. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.

How do I butterfly lobster tails?

Use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the shell, stopping at the tail fins, while keeping the bottom shell intact. Gently spread the shell open with your fingers. You can then, insert a skewer lengthwise through the meat to keep it flat during cooking.

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The meat should be opaque, firm, and slightly springy, with an internal temperature of 140–145°F. Cook time varies depending on the size of the lobster. Generally, 6-8 minutes works for most 6-8 oz lobster tails.

Using a fork to dip lobster meat into melted butter.

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