Air Fryer Lobster Tails with Lemon Garlic Butter
Description
Tender, juicy lobster tails brushed with lemon garlic butter and cooked to perfection in the air fryer in under 10 minutes — a restaurant-quality dinner made easy at home.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails, about 5–6 oz each, thawed if frozen
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional, for color
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, to garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Butterfly the lobster tails: using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise through the top of the shell, stopping before the fins. Spread the shell open and lift the meat out, keeping it attached at the base, then rest the meat on top of the shell.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, meat side up, in a single layer. Brush generously with about half the butter mixture.
- Air fry for 5–8 minutes, depending on size, brushing with the remaining butter halfway through.
- The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and any remaining butter for dipping.
Equipment
- Kitchen Shears
- Silicone basting brush,
- Instant-read thermometer
Notes
- Cook time rule of thumb: about 1 minute per ounce per individual tail at 380°F. Always confirm doneness with a thermometer.
- Use cold-water lobster tails for the sweetest, most tender result.
- Thaw frozen tails fully before cooking.
- Reheat gently at 320°F for 3–4 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 11gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 561mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 652IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 0.3mg