Easy Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Succulent lobster tails are perfectly juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside. No fuss, just incredible flavor. The secret to these Easy Air Fryer Lobster Tails is the even, all-around heating that's possible thanks to the air fryer.

Oh, let's talk about lobster—my absolute weakness! There's just something about that sweet, succulent meat that gets me every time. It's like a romantic summer evening on a plate.

I've got a soft spot for lobster tails. They're like the crown jewels of the sea, aren't they? I mean, who needs the whole lobster fuss when you can dive straight into those tails, the most indulgent part? It's become a bit of a family tradition; when it's lobster night, tails are the unanimous pick.

Given that lobsters don't come cheap, I want them cooked to perfection. No room for error here! And that's where I love cooking lobster tails in the air fryer. The recipe is practically foolproof and it's my favorite way to cook them. The air fryer's ability to lock in that juiciness while crisping up the edges is nothing short of magic. It's my secret weapon to ensure that every lobster tail is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Every bite is an indulgence worth savoring.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations/ Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Cooking Tips
• FAQ
• Dinner Ideas with Lobster Tails
• More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
• Food safety
• RECIPE

Ingredients

• Lobster Tails – Use your favorite kind of lobster tail. If the tails are frozen, thaw them before continuing with the recipe. I typically like to serve a 4 to 6 oz lobster tail per person.
• Melted Butter – Unsalted butter will give you better control over the dish's saltiness but salted butter can be really flavorful. Choose your preference.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds robust flavor. If you're in a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted for each clove).
• Salt – Adjust according to your taste preference. If using salted butter, you may wish to omit it.
• Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper has a vibrant taste.
• Dill – Fresh chopped dill adds an herbaceous note. Fresh parsley or basil can be used as substitutes.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Hint: Thoroughly wash and clean the lobster tails. Use kitchen scissors to make cuts on the top for easy access to the meat.

Variations/ Substitutions

• Spicy Cajun - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Twist - Add some lemon juice or the zest of a lemon to the garlic butter mixture for a citrusy twist. Serve this lobster recipe with lemon wedges on the plate for garnish.
• Garlic Parmesan - Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the garlic butter mixture for a rich and savory flavor. Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the lobster tails during the last minutes of air frying for a cheesy finish.
• Extra Sweet – Add a drizzle of honey to the garlic butter mixture for a sweet and savory profile.

Equipment

I love that this recipe is perfect for making in smaller air fryers. The compact design of the air fryer basket is sufficent for accommodating two lobster tails. What's even better is the quick cooking time so it's easy to prepare multiple batches if you're serving a crowd.

Storage

Lobster tails are best consumed shortly after preparation. If you have leftovers, the meat can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container but should be used within the next 24 hours. You can use leftover lobster meat to top salads, make lobster rolls, or lobster mac and cheese.

FAQ

Dinner Ideas with Lobster Tails

Crafting the perfect meal to complement these air-fried lobster tails depends on the occasion.No matter the special occasion, the versatility of air-fried lobster tails allows you to tailor the sides to suit your preferences. Whether it's a cozy date night on Valentine's day or a grand celebration with family or friends, let the flavors of the lobster tails shine alongside complementary dishes for an unforgettable dining experience.

• Romantic Dinner for Two – Serve the lobster tails with Angel Hair Pasta With Blush Sauce and Oven Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest and finish with Puff Pastry Apple Roses for dessert. Don't forget a bottle of your favorite sparkling wine or champagne to elevate this indulgent dinner recipe.
• Summer Seafood Celebration - Serve with Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes and Strawberry Avocado Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Walnuts while you enjoy a warm summer evening and finish with these yummy Air Fryer Smores.
• Family Dinner – For a casual yet impressive family dinner, set a seafood spread with the air-fried lobster tails as the star. Add Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Peas or Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions to really round out the meal. My family of seafood lovers really enjoy this impressive meal! 

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Food safety

When it comes to seafood, ensuring food safety is so important. When purchasing fresh seafood, especially delicate choices like lobster tails, aim to use them on the same day to maximize freshness and flavor. If opting for frozen seafood, thaw it safely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Never leave seafood at room temperature for extended periods, as it becomes susceptible to spoilage and potential contamination. Practice good hygiene by keeping raw and cooked seafood separate, using different cutting boards and utensils, and thoroughly washing hands and surfaces.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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RECIPE

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