Lobster tail is my all-time favorite seafood and I’ve tested it every which way — broiled lobster, grilled lobster, you name it. But cooking lobster tail in the air fryer was a more recent development — and I have to admit, I hesitated about whether it would be worth it compared to my other tried-and-true methods. I’m so glad I went for it! This air fryer lobster tail recipe turned out just as good as the others, if not better. And I should have known: Other fancy foods like air fryer filet mignon, air fryer lamb chops, and air fryer salmon turn out fantastic, so why not lobster?
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking lobster tails in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Lobster Tails – Cold water lobsters are ideal compared to warm water ones, since they have a firmer, cleaner tasting white meat. Ask your butcher if you’re not sure! Salted Butter – Adds flavor, locks in moisture, and helps with browning. If you want to control your salt intake, you could also use unsalted butter and add (less) salt separately.Garlic – Use fresh garlic in this recipe, as you will crush it with a garlic press. Minced garlic will burn more easily. If you don’t have any garlic on hand, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for best results. If you want extra lemon flavor, add the lemon zest as well.Smoked Paprika – Sweet paprika will also work as a substitute, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.Cayenne Pepper – Just a pinch. Add more for extra heat.
How To Cook Lobster Tail In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to cook lobster tails in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
How Long To Cook Lobster Tail In The Air Fryer?
Lobster tail air fryer time depends on their size. A good rule of thumb is about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail. For example, for 5-ounce tails (doesn’t matter how many), air fry them for 5-6 minutes. For 10-ounce tails, air fry for 10 minutes. You can skip this step and arrange the lobster meat on top of the shell instead. See how to do it in this lobster tail recipe. (You can still cook it in the air fryer if you like.) If you want to be sure, check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The ideal temp is 140 degrees F.
Can You Cook Frozen Lobster Tails In An Air Fryer?
No, it is not recommended to cook frozen lobster tails in the air fryer. The meat will cook unevenly, so some parts will come out tough and overcooked. Simply thaw the lobster in cold water before cooking.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover lobster tail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Meal prep: Lobster is best cooked fresh, since seafood generally doesn’t reheat very well. However, you can butterfly lobster tails in advance and wrap in plastic before refrigerating, to prevent drying out.Reheat: You can reheat lobster tails in the air fryer as well. Place each tail on a sheet of aluminum foil and add a pat of butter. Wrap the foil all the way around and heat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 320 degrees F, just until warm. You can also use the same method on a baking sheet in the oven if you prefer, at 350 degrees F.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Serve this easy air fryer lobster tail recipe with:
Butter – Drawn butter is a classic choice for seafood, especially lobster. You can also change it up and make my lemon butter sauce recipe for dipping.Potatoes – Try roasted potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or for lighter options, rutabaga or cauliflower mash.Veggies – Make quick sauteed asparagus or sauteed zucchini while your lobster cooks in the air fryer. If you prefer your side to be in the air fryer as well, try air fryer cauliflower or air fryer brussels sprouts.Salad – Light salads like spring mix salad, pear salad, or Caprese salad pair well with lobster.
More Easy Shellfish Recipes
Seafood recipes taste fancy, but many of them actually come together quickly and easily. Here are more of my favorites: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
