Name: Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 2 4-6oz Lobster Tails; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 3 Garlic Cloves, minced; 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice; 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp Sea Salt, plus more as to taste

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Last updated on May 6th, 2024 at 03:46 pm

Air Fryer Lobster Tail With Lemon Garlic Butter is an effortless, elegant meal that can be made in less than 10 minutes. This recipe will quickly become your favorite way to make lobster tails!

Pair with my Copycat Red Lobster Gluten-Free Cheddar Biscuits, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a full-on meal! Or, use this air-fried lobster to make my Creamy Lobster Pasta!

Air Fryer Lobster With Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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I absolutely love making food in the air fryer! It is quick, easy, and always comes out delicious!! I usually prepare my lobster tails by grilling them, but lately, it’s been too hot to sit in the sun and grill. Instead, I decided to fulfill my lobster craving by making a few lobster tails in the air fryer.

I bet you’re wondering: Are Lobster Tails Good In The Air Fryer?

YES, they are! Making lobster tail in the air fryer is a great way to make juicy, flavorful lobster without the hassle of getting the grill or oven ready! The texture is perfect and the lobster is fully cooked in under 10 minutes. It is perfect for an impressive meal for family or guests!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe:

It Requires 8 Simple Ingredients
Easy Prep & Clean Up
Takes Less Than 10 Minutes To Cook
Makes Juicy, Tender Lobster

What You’ll Need To Make This Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter

Lobster Tail: I used 2 6oz Lobster Tails

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

Unsalted Butter
Fresh Garlic, minced
Smoked Paprika
Fresh Parsley
Lemon
Salt & Pepper

Fresh Lobster Tails From Butcher Box — Lobster Tails From Butcher Box

How To Cook Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer

Butterfly The Lobster Tails. Start by cutting the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the center with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt.
Prepare The Garlic Butter Mixture. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Pour half of the mixture into a small dish and set aside for later.
Cook The Lobster. Season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. (You can also season with a bit of smoked paprika and oregano — about 1/4 tsp each). Then, coat BOTH SIDES of the lobster with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Then place the lobster in the air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Then, baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done.
Serve. Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce.

how to cook lobster tail in the air fryer

Tips To Make Your Lobster Perfectly

Do Not cut all the way through the bottom of the lobster shell
Clean and devein the lobster before cooking.
If using frozen lobster, make sure to thaw them first before cooking.
Cook time varies depending on the size of the lobster. Generally, 6-8 minutes works for most 4-6oz lobster tails. The meat should be white and tender, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read at least 140°F when done.
OVEN BROIL OPTION: If you do not have an air fryer, you can make your lobster tail in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to broil. Then, place the lobster on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, basting halfway through.

Lobster tail in the air fryer — Lobster Tail Made In The Air Fryer. Ready To Enjoy!

Common Questions:

How Do You Cook Lobster Tails So They Are Tender?

With any fish, to yield the best results, you want to make sure not to overcook it. When making a typical 4-6 oz lobster tail in the air fryer, it is important to cook for 6-8 minutes and make sure to baste halfway through (the lobster is fully cooked when the lobster meat is opaque/white). This will ensure the lobster is cooked to perfection. It will be juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful.

How Can You Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done?

Lobster tail is done when the meat is no longer bright red/pink and instead is opaque (white) and tender. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of lobster meat should read 140-145°F when it is fully cooked.

How To Cook Lobster Tails In the Oven?

If you do not have an air fryer, you can make your lobster tail in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to broil. Then, place the lobster on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, basting halfway through. Check out my Broiled Lobster Recipe for more details!

How To Reheat Lobster Tail In the Air fryer? (Rewarming Leftover Lobster Tail)

The best way to reheat lobster tail is in the air fryer. (I do not recommend microwaving it). Wrap the lobster tail in foil, place it in the air fryer at 380°F, and rewarm for 2-4 minutes.

Where Do I Get My Lobster Tail?

I purchase my lobster tail from Butcher Box. They provide high-quality humanely raised meat that is delivered straight to your door. Check them out via the link below and receive their monthly promotion with your purchase: GOODFOODBADDIE BUTCHER BOX DEAL.

Juicy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with lemon wedges.

How To Serve Lobster Tails?

Serve with fresh lemon wedges and garlic butter sauce for dipping. You can even whip up my Copycat Gluten-Free Red Lobster Biscuits (and some Maryland Crab Cakes or Hot Crab Dip while you’re at it!), which pair perfectly with the lobster! OR, you can take it a step further and use this garlic butter lobster to make creamy lobster pasta! Here are a few great side dishes that pair perfectly with the lobster:

How Long Can You Keep Cooked Lobster In The Fridge? (Storing Leftover Cooked Lobster Tail)

Store any cooked lobster in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, rewarm the lobster in the air fryer or oven.

I hope you enjoy this Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

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