Air Fried Lobster Tail Recipe (Fast & Easy)

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This Lobster Tail Recipe is easy and delicious and quickly made in your Air Fryer. It’s also coated with a  delicious garlic buttery sauce and air fried to perfection.

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Full Recipe/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in the blog post.

When I first became obsessed with my Air Fryer a few years ago, a friend of mine mentioned that I should try lobster tails in it. I was intrigued, yet cautious. Lobster tails aren’t cheap and I wasn’t sure if it would work. 

Traditionally, I was taught to boil lobster tails in water. The same with crab legs. But I gave it a try and I’m hooked. Now any time I can find lobster tails on sale, I grab a few and we eat them for dinner. 

Lobster is notoriously difficult to get right, and even the most experienced chef can end up with rubbery, overcooked seafood. That’s why air fryer lobster tails are so good. You don’t need any special skills or equipment, and you can have perfectly cooked lobster on your plate in just a few minutes.

For this recipe, you will want to do the following:

• Butterfly your lobster tail
• Make garlic butter
• Air Fry your lobster tail with butter on top
• Have extra butter for dipping if you like

How to cook lobster tail in the air fryer

Gather your ingredients. I use 4-ounce lobster tails, about 2-3. Create delicious and quick garlic butter with minced garlic, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and fresh chopped chives.

I use the Air Fryer to cook my lobster tail. You could also use the broil function on your oven if you need to make multiple lobster tails. 

First, create your garlic butter mixture. I combine butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped chives, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice and microwave until melted. You could also use this garlic butter mixture I use in this steak recipe. 

Then butterfly your lobster tails.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail?

The butterflying of lobsters is very easy and it makes the lobster meat easier to eat. It also looks pretty on a plate. The only tools you can use are sharp kitchen scissors and your hands.

First, cut the top shell with sharp kitchen shears down the middle, being careful not to cut through the meat. Then, slide your finger under the shell to gently separate the lobster meat from the shell. Once the meat is separated from the shell, pull it through the slit you cut and rest it on top.

If your lobster tail needs to be deveined, devein it at this time.

Then I place my lobster tails in my Air Fryer and spread some garlic butter over the lobster. Then I close my air fryer and cook for 4 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. After 4 minutes, I open the air fryer basket and spread some more butter on top, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. 

The size of your lobster tails will determine how long you need to cook them. At a minimum, they will need 6 minutes if they are on the smaller side, about 2 ounces. The ones pictured here took me the full 8 minutes to be done and were about 4 ounces each. 

A see-through Air Fryer, like this Mealthy CrispLid would be perfect for making these lobster tails as you can watch them through the glass lid while they cook. 

I hope you enjoy these lobster tails as much as we do. I’m so thankful to have friends who give great ideas when it comes to Air Fryer cooking. 

What’s the best temperature to cook lobster tail in the air fryer?

The best temperature to cook lobster tail in the air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the lobster tail is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Additionally, cooking at this temperature will help to preserve the lobster’s natural flavor and moisture.

How to cook frozen lobster tail in the air fryer?

I recommend defrosting the lobster tails prior to cooking, butterflying, and deveining the lobster tails. 

How to reheat lobster tail in the air fryer?

If you have any leftover cooked lobster tail, reheating it in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy it again. Simply preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the lobster tail for about 3-4 minutes. This will help to preserve the lobster’s flavor and moisture.

How do I know when my lobster tail is done?

Lobster meat is done when it is no longer transparent and white in color. The lobster should be slightly firm to the touch and there should be no visible signs of pink or red.

The best way to know when your lobster tails are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the lobster tail and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What should I serve with these lobster tails?

I like to serve these alongside a good steak, salad, or risotto. You can also prep these in the air fryer and add them to lobster mac and cheese.

Looking for more Seafood Recipes? Try these out:

• Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Air Fryer Scallops
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Pressure Cooker Shrimp Boil
• Air Fryer Fish
• Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella
• Ninja Foodi Fish and Grits

This post was originally published on 7/1/2019. It has been updated with new photos and additional helpful information.

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