These air fryer lobster tails are topped with garlic butter then cooked to perfection in just 6 minutes.
If you’re a lobster lover check out these fried lobster tails and air fryer stuffed lobster tails too!
These coldwater lobster tails cooked perfectly in the air fryer! They were tender, juicy, and buttery. I like to serve them with a simple salad and an air fryer-loaded baked potato.
Ingredient Notes
- Lobster Tails – Coldwater lobster tails are my favorite because they are super tender. Fresh or frozen works for this recipe, just make sure to thaw the frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight.
- Unsalted Butter – I seasoned the lobster tail meat with a generous amount of salt therefore I used unsalted melted butter. If using salted butter, cut back on the seasoning.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is best but if you don’t have it on hand feel free to use garlic powder instead.
How To Cook Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer
- The first thing you want to do is butterfly the lobster tails. Cut a lengthwise slit through the center, top of the shell, stopping just before the tail fins using shears. Spread the shell open and pull out the meat in one piece. Close the shell and place the meat over the shell.
- Season the lobster meat with Kosher salt and sprinkle a little bit of paprika for color.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer preheats, melt 2 tbsp of butter then combine the butter and minced garlic. Brush the lobster tail meat with garlic butter.
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes or until the lobster meat is no longer translucent and the shell is bright red.
Top Tips
- Use even-sized lobster tails so they cook evenly. If the lobster tails are different in size, cook them separately. I used two 6-ounce lobster tails but if you’re using bigger lobster tails, cook for 1-2 minutes extra.
- Make sure the lobster tails are completely thawed before cooking.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Because this is such a simple recipe and the lobster tails cook in under 10 minutes I’m going to say that it isn’t worth it. I only recommend making it ahead of time if you plan on making a lobster salad or eating the lobster meat cold. If you plan on enjoying it hot, the lobster tails will overcook when you reheat them and they can become rubbery.
More Lobster Recipes You’ll Love
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 6-ounce lobster tails
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- salt and paprika to taste
Instructions
- The first thing you want to do is butterfly the lobster tails. Cut a lengthwise slit through the center, top of the shell, stopping just before the tail fins using shears. Spread the shell open and pull out the meat in one piece. Close the shell and place the meat over the shell.
- Season the lobster meat with Kosher salt and sprinkle a little bit of paprika for color.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer preheats, melt 2 tbsp of butter then combine the butter and minced garlic. Brush the lobster tail meat with garlic butter.
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes or until the lobster is no longer translucent.
Notes
- Use even-sized lobster tails so they cook evenly. If the lobster tails are different in size, cook them separately. I used two 6-ounce lobster tails but if you’re using bigger lobster tails, cook for 1-2 minutes extra.
- Make sure the lobster tails are completely thawed before cooking.
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