Go Back
- 2 lobster tails - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap unsalted butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a lighter option. For seasoning, try adding cayenne pepper for heat or dill for a fresh taste. If you don’t have parsley, chives or cilantro work well too. Using these options can still give you a tasty dish. Remember, cooking is about making it your own! 1. Preheating the air fryer Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking. 2. Cutting and preparing lobster tails Use kitchen scissors to cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise. Be careful as you do this. Next, gently pull the lobster meat out. Place it on top of the shell. This creates a nice “butterfly” effect that looks beautiful. 1. Mixing the garlic butter In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s well blended. This garlic butter will add a rich flavor to the lobster. 2. Cooking times and temperature settings Brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat. Make sure it's coated well. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, meat side up. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). 1. Drizzling remaining garlic butter After cooking, carefully remove the lobster tails from the air fryer. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the top. This adds extra flavor and makes it look appealing. 2. Garnishing the dish Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the lobster tails. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Your air fryer garlic butter lobster tails are now ready to enjoy! To cook lobster tails well, you must check the internal temperature. Aim for 145°F (63°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and has a great texture. To avoid overcooking, set a timer for 8-10 minutes. Check the lobster often to see if it turns opaque. If it does, it’s ready! To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. For sides, serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A light lemon vinaigrette pairs well, too. You can also enjoy a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the dish. After cooking, let your air fryer cool down. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to clean the basket. Avoid harsh scrubbers to keep it nice. To maintain performance, check the heating element for grease. Regularly clean it to ensure even cooking and a longer lifespan. {{image_2}} You can add your twist to the garlic butter lobster tails. Here are some ideas: - Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh thyme or dill to the butter mix. These herbs add a lovely aroma. - Spices: A pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice kick. Or, use Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor. - Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the butter. This adds a bright, fresh taste. You can also mix in other ingredients. For example, add a bit of Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs great with lobster. When serving lobster tails, side dishes can enhance the meal. Here are some tasty ideas: - Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, they balance the dish perfectly. - Grilled Asparagus: This adds a nice crunch and fresh taste. - Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic pairing with seafood. For drinks, a chilled white wine works well. Consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay. These wines complement the rich flavors of the lobster. You can also cook lobster tails in the oven. Here’s how: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Prepare the lobster tails as you would for the air fryer. 3. Place them on a baking tray and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Another option is using a grill. - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. - Cook the lobster tails on the grill for about 6-8 minutes, meat side down. - Then, flip and brush with garlic butter for another 4-6 minutes. Each method gives a unique taste, so feel free to try them all! To keep your leftover lobster tails fresh, follow these easy steps: - Refrigerate: Place leftover lobster tails in an airtight container. Make sure they're covered well to avoid drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. - Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the lobster tails. Wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. To enjoy your lobster tails again, reheating is key. Here’s how: - Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the lobster tails in the basket. Heat for about 5-6 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the meat tender and juicy. - Other Methods: You can also reheat in the oven. Wrap the tails in foil to keep moisture in. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can use a microwave, but it may dry out the meat. Knowing how long your lobster tails last is important: - Cooked lobster tails can last in the fridge for 2 days. If frozen, they can be good for 3 months. - Signs of spoilage include a strong fishy smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you notice any of these, it’s best to toss them out. You should cook lobster tails in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Check the lobster meat to see if it turns opaque. This means it is done. The meat should also reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help them cook evenly. The best way to tell if lobster is cooked is by its color. The meat should turn from translucent to opaque. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If the meat is firm to the touch, it's ready! Butterflying the lobster tails is not strictly necessary but highly recommended. This technique helps the lobster cook evenly. It also allows the garlic butter to soak in better. Plus, it looks pretty when served! Use kitchen scissors to cut the shell and pull the meat up. You learned how to cook lobster tails in an air fryer with simple steps. We discussed key ingredients and some easy swaps, like butter alternatives. Tips helped you avoid overcooking and enhance flavors. We explored variations for flavors and sides that pair well. Remember to store your leftovers correctly for the best taste. Cooking lobster can be fun and rewarding. You can impress your family and friends with this tasty dish! Enjoy your culinary journey with lobster.

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Indulge in a gourmet delight with air fryer garlic butter lobster tails! This quick and easy recipe features succulent lobster tails topped with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion. Learn how to achieve perfect results in just 20 minutes, and impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. Ready to elevate your seafood game? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy this delectable treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lobster tails

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

    While it's heating, prepare the lobster tails. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of the shells lengthwise to expose the meat. Gently pull the lobster meat out and place it on top of the shell, creating a “butterfly” effect.

      In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat, ensuring it's well coated.

          Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, meat side up, and cook at 380°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

            Once cooked, carefully remove the lobster tails from the air fryer. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top.

              Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2