Air Fryer Lobster Tail

If you’ve never tried lobster at home, this recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Tail will make you an instant expert. It’s so simple to prepare this fancy delicacy.

If you like this recipe, check out my Lobster al Forno next!

Lobster tails are photogenic. I took way too many photos of my recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Tail because I was so impressed with the results. I purchased four, frozen lobster tails from my favorite local seafood purveyor, Lobsta Bakes of Maine. They were quickly thawed by soaking them (in their freezer bag) in cold water. I used my kitchen shears to prepare them (keep reading for specific instructions). And in less than 10 minutes at 375 degrees in my air fryer, I had four absolutely gorgeous lobster tails ready to serve. Save this recipe for entertaining and date nights. Everyone will be impressed.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Lobster Tail

• Four (6-ounce) lobster tails
• Butter
• Parsley
• Lemon
• Salt

A lot of recipes use garlic to flavor the butter for lobster tails. It is a personal taste preference that I do not add garlic. I don’t want to mask the flavor of the lobster with the strong flavor of garlic. But, if you want garlic, add one minced clove of garlic to your melted butter mixture.

How to Butterfly Lobster Tail

I had never done this before. I was nervous about ruining my lobster. But the meat was more forgiving than I thought it might be. Heavy duty kitchen shears are a must for this job. Find the ones I use here.

Cut the tail down the middle, stopping at the base of the tail. Gently pull the two halves of the shell apart. Slide your fingers in between the flesh and the shell to loosen it. Then lift the tail straight up and out (being sure to leave the tail end still attached).

Kind of pinch the two sides of the split shell back together and then lay the exposed lobster tail right on top of the shell. I was taking pictures by myself, so I don’t have super detailed photos. Here’s a helpful video for those of you who are more visual learners (like me).

How to Cook Lobster Tail in the Air Fryer

Other than basting with a melted butter mixture toward the end, the air fryer does all the work. Arrange the lobster tails in the air fryer basket. They’ll be close together but should not be touching.

Close the air fryer and fry the lobster tails at 375 degrees F for 6 – 7 minutes. Open the basket and brush each tail generously with the melted butter mixture. Close the basket and air fry the tails at 400 degrees F for an additional 1 – 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature of each tail reaches 140 degrees F.

Kitchen Tips

• I use a Philips XXL Air Fryer to test all of my recipes.
• To quickly thaw lobster tails, place them (in a sealed bag) in a large bowl of water. Fill the bowl with COLD water and allow them to soak, changing the water every 15 minutes, for about an hour, or until they are completely thawed.
• Use a silicone pastry brush to coat the lobster tails with the melted butter mixture.
• Kitchen shears for butterflying the lobster tails.
• To clean your air fryer basket (and remove any “fishy” smell) add about 1/4 cup of bottled lemon juice to the bottom of your basket and let it soak for a few minutes before washing it.

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