Buttery Air Fryer Lobster Tails

These Air Fryer Lobster Tails are buttery, tender, and ready in just 25 minutes, brushed with garlic herb butter for an easy, restaurant-worthy seafood dinner at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 151kcal

Author Jason Decker

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

4 small lobster tails
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise down the center, stopping at the tail fin.
4 small lobster tails
Gently spread the shell open to expose the meat without detaching it from the shell. If needed, use a spoon to help gently lift the meat away from the shell.
Tuck away any visible membrane to the sides for a neater presentation.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, salr, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, Juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Brush the seasoned butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, shell side down, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Cook the lobster tails in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through, and the shells are bright red.
Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the air fryer and serve immediately with additional melted butter for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Use Sharp Kitchen Shears: Carefully cutting down the top of the shell makes it easier to access the meat and butterfly lobster tails.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your lobster tails—6-8 minutes in the air fryer might be all you need for small tails. Overcooking leads to tough, chewy meat.
Try Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of your lobster and makes it taste just like a restaurant dish.
Pat the Tails Dry: Removing extra moisture helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a more flavorful bite.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking the internal temperature helps you know exactly when your lobster meat is done, ensuring succulent meat every time.
Experiment with Sides: This lobster is perfect on its own, but don’t be shy—serve with sides like potatoes, green beans, or a crusty bread to soak up that butter!

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