Air Fried Lobster tails are so easy to make! This butterfly method is full proof and easier than broiling or even grilling! These are ready in less than 10 minutes and drizzled in a lemon garlic butter sauce.
Table of Contents
What Type of Lobster to Use
When purchasing lobster, always look for cold water lobster. It usually comes from the East Coast or Canada. Maine lobster tails are a big deal because the water is so cold there.
Coldwater lobsters are larger than warm water lobsters and have more meat. Because they live in cold temperatures their meat gets a lot firmer than those from warm water, which will produce tender meat when properly cooked. Warm water lobster is often mushy with a fishy taste, and sometimes has an ammonia smell.
While shopping, if the display isn't clear, you should always ask if it's from warm or cold water. If they don't know, I would assume the worst and try elsewhere. Cold water is more expensive. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for and quality comes at a price.
Lobsters are always dark in color when you buy them. They turn bright orange and red once cooked.
I also look for wild-caught, which can sometimes be harder to find outside of specialty stores like Sprouts or even Whole Foods (which is why I order my lobster from Butcher Box).
How to Thaw From Frozen
Thaw the lobsters in the fridge overnight. You can also place them in cold water for 30 minutes.
Garlic Butter Sauce
To season the lobster tails I like to use melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, fresh lemon, and Old Bay Seasoning. You can use whatever you like.
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails
My favorite way to serve lobster is to butterfly it. If you've never done it, it may take some practice. Butterflying allows heat from the grill, oven, or air fryer to penetrate every piece of the tail's meat. It allows the lobster tail to cook evenly, so you don't overcook it. It also looks beautiful.
Pat the lobster tail dry. With kitchen shears, starting at the open end of the tail, cut a lengthwise slit through the center, top of the shell, stopping just before the fin of the tail. You’ll also cut into the meat, which will butterfly it and cause it to sit better on the shell.
Flip the tail over and then press down onto the ribs. Crack each one. This will work wonders at make it easier to pull the meat out on the other side.
Slip your fingers under the meat and the shell and lift it out to prop over the shell.
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How to Cook Lobster Tails in Air Fryer
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Butterfly the lobster tails.
- Drizzle the tails in garlic butter sauce.
- Air fry.
Air Fryer Temperature
I like to use 370 degrees.
How Long to Cook
Cook for 5 -8 minutes. Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Cook time will also vary depending on the size of the lobster you use.
How to Tell When the Lobster is Done
The most precise way to know when the lobster is done cooking is to insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the tail. When the internal temperature reaches between 135 to 140ºF the lobster is done.
The tail should be completely white with no grey translucent color. If you overcook the lobster it will be rubbery and tough.
How to Reheat
I don't recommend reheating the tails. Cook what you know you will be able to eat. If you have to reheat, you can do so in the air fryer on 350 degrees until warm. The more you reheat it, the tougher the texture will become.
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer Steak
Mashed Ranch Potatoes
Southern Creamed Corn
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
More Seafood Recipes
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Smoked Lobster Tail
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Scallops
Creamy Lobster Bisque Soup
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails About 5-7 ounces each.
- 1 ½ tablespoons melted unsalted butter See notes.
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves Minced
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning Feel free to use your favorite seafood seasoning.
Instructions
- Pat the lobster dry and use kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster tails. Take the shears and slice through the top shell down the middle until you reach the base of the tail (fin). You’ll also cut into the meat, which will butterfly it and cause it to sit better on the shell.Then flip the lobster tail over and press down on the ribs until you hear them crack. This will help release the meat when you go to butterfly it.Turn the lobster tail over and open up the shell. Remove the vein from the lobster if it hasn't been deveined. Press along the edges of the shell on both sides to loosen up the meat. Keep the meat attached to the shell. Lift up the meat from the shell and lay it over the shell.
- Combine the butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and Old Bay Seasoning. Brush it over the tails. I like to use half of the butter sauce for when the lobsters go in the air fryer and then I drizzle the remaining sauce over the lobster tails once they have finished cooking.
- Air fry for 5-8 minutes on 370 degrees. The best way to tell if the lobster is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Test the deepest part of the meat and ensure it reads 145 degrees. The tail should be completely white with no grey translucent color.
Video
Notes
- Feel free to double the recipe and ingredients. Cook the amount that will fit in your air fryer. Do not stack.
- The amount of butter used in this recipe assumes more dipping of butter once the lobster is cooked. Feel free to reduce the ingredients in half or by whatever suits your taste.
- Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Cook time will also vary depending on the size of the lobster you use. You will need to watch it and check on it as it cooks, to avoid overcooking it. If you overcook the lobster it will be rubbery and tough.
- If you've never butterflied lobster, it may take some practice. You may not get it right the first or second time.
- Butterflying allows heat from the grill, oven, or air fryer to penetrate every piece of the tail's meat. It allows the lobster tail to cook evenly, so you don't overcook it.
- You can cook whatever size lobster will fit in your air fryer. Be cautious of cook time.
Erica says
Just made these. Amazing how something so decadent is super duper easy to make - the instructions are thorough and if you follow them, this recipe is foolproof. Seriously delicious!!!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed these.
Shaday says
First time making lobster tails at home and it won’t be the last with this recipe! Easy to follow with great results!! Thank you!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Beeloved Acres says
Delicious and so little fuss! Clear directions with lots of helpful hints in the recipe. I struggled a little with the butterfly technique but Brandi said it might take a little practice. Guess that means more air fryer lobster in my future!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear you are open to practicing!
Christine Luetke says
I have never made lobster tail, pretty sure I’ve never even had a full lobster tail. I received them in a subscription box, and this recipe made it way less intimidating! They turned out great for a first timer. Thank you!
staysnatched says
I'm glad your first time was a hit.
Felicia says
I celebrated my birthday yesterday and after a weekend of being out I just wanted a nice dinner at home. We made these lobster tails to go with the meal and they turned out amazing! Very easy to do and after struggling to butterfly lobster over the years I finally got it right with your tips. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! The perfect birthday treat!
Amanda G. says
A wonderfully easy yet effective way to get perfect lobster tails! We had this along with your keto creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo-a great seafood dinner!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Dara says
First time ever attempting to make lobster tails at home and this did not disappoint. The instructions were easy to follow and my lobster tails were delicious. This recipe convinced me to keep making lobster tails at home. Thanks Brandi.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear it.
Lucy says
Perfect recipe for a special occasion. I never would have guessed you can cook lobster in an air fryer! The instructions for butterflying the lobster were so easy to follow, and the butter sauce was mouth watering. Will definitely make again!
staysnatched says
I'm glad the instructions were easy to follow.
Rochelle B says
This is the first time that I have cooked lobster. I was nervous about butterflying the lobster. I watched your cider and it was so easy from beginning to end. This lobster was so tender and flavorful. My husband couldn’t stop talking about how good the lobster is. I will definitely make this recipe
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I love to hear it.
Carmen says
The recipe is so easy to follow and the lobster is delicious!! I will be making this again.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear you will be making them again!
Kelly Murphy says
Delicious and so easy to make! Turned out to be the perfect Valentines Day meal. Will definitely make again!
staysnatched says
Perfect for Valentine's Day!
Melissa says
Listennnn, I’m sitting here deciding whether to make the second lobster tail since my brother isn’t making it for dinner. This was perfectly delicious. The recipe was so easy to make thanks to the clear instructions. I actually messed up the butterfly last time I tried it and this time it worked!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Felicia says
Very easy to make and the directions and pictures to butterfly the tails were easy to follow.
Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad it worked out!
Candace says
Caught lobster on sale & although I never cooked it, this recipe looked easy. I didn’t do too good on the butterflying but the instructions were perfect. The sauce & flavor was amazing!! Just found a new recipe to add to my collection
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will make it again!
Lisa says
I’m about to make these for the first time. Always used to be nervous about messing up an expensive dish like this. Your instructions could not be more clear! Thank you for making an intimidating dish more approachable.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Audrey says
Okay. This is THE ONE! Followed the easy instructions for the shells & cooked exactly as described, to absolutely delectable perfection. It has been a while as I was getting some little whole lobsters, but the tails are wonderful with all meat and without all the waste. I had tried a dipping sauce before with some paprika, but was not impressed. Your butter sauce with the Old Bay seasoning really, really, enhances the lobster flavour and I find that no extra dipping sauce is necessary – so much healthier. So impressive. Thank you, Brandi, for sharing this exquisite recipe. I so appreciate what you do. Your recipes are all so flavourful!!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.