Air-Fried Lobster Tails: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Lobster is a delicious treat, but cooking it can be a hassle. Enter the air fryer—a quick and easy way to cook lobster tails to perfection. With this handy kitchen appliance, you can enjoy juicy, tender, and flavourful lobster tails without the fuss of grilling or oven-baking. So, if you're looking for a simple way to prepare lobster tails that taste like they came straight from a fancy restaurant, read on to discover how an air fryer can be your secret weapon in the kitchen.

Lobster tail preparation

Firstly, buy cold water lobster tails as they have a better taste and are sweeter. They also have a firmer texture and a cleaner, sweeter flavour. You can use frozen lobster tails, but you will need to thaw them first before cooking.

Next, prepare the lobster by butterflying the tails. Cut the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the centre with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart and gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell. Place the meat on top of the shell, ensuring you remove any veins and visible dirt.

Then, prepare the garlic butter mixture. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. You can also add other seasonings such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Brush the garlic butter over the lobster meat.

Now, place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket with the meat facing up. Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Then, open the basket and spread more butter on top of the lobster. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque, white, and tender, and the shell is lightly brown. It should register at least 140˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Finally, serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried lobster tail!

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Lobster tails can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the lobster tail. For example, 4 to 5-ounce tails will take about 4 to 7 minutes, while 8-ounce tails will take about 6 to 8 minutes. The internal temperature of the lobster tails should reach 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before cooking, the lobster tails should be thawed and rinsed. You can then cut through the top of the shell, keeping the bottom shell intact, and gently pull the shell away from the meat. Place the shell back together and set the lobster meat on top.

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Brush this mixture over the lobster meat.

Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tails, as mentioned earlier.

You can also cook lobster tails in the air fryer without removing them from the shell. Simply use kitchen shears to butterfly the tail by cutting down the center and loosening the meat. Pull the lobster meat upward and season with salt and pepper. Spread the butter mixture over the lobster tail and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly browned.

Garlic butter sauce

Lobster tails can be cooked in an air fryer, and they are incredibly tender and delicious. The air fryer makes cooking lobster tails simple, and the cleanup is fast. The meat will be juicy and tender, with a buttery, garlicky flavour.

To make the garlic butter sauce, you will need:

• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon juice/zest
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Oregano (optional)

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest; heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. You can also add some lemon juice to the saucepan. Then, add in the fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to include, such as smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined.

You can then brush this garlic butter sauce onto the lobster tails before cooking them in the air fryer. This will help to keep the lobster meat moist and flavourful. After cooking, you can also spoon the reserved butter sauce over the lobster meat and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

The garlic butter sauce is a key component to the deliciousness of air-fried lobster tails, and it is sure to impress!

Lobster tail sides and pairings

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are incredibly tender and juicy. They are best paired with simple, light, and refreshing sides that complement the delicate and sweet flavour of the lobster without overpowering it.

A classic side dish to serve with lobster is drawn butter, also known as clarified butter. This is a simple sauce made by melting butter and adding a little lemon juice. It is often served on the side as a dip for the lobster, adding a rich and creamy flavour.

Other simple sides that go well with lobster include fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil, which add a bright and refreshing flavour to the dish. A light, refreshing salad can also pair well with lobster tails, especially a garlicky, lemony Caesar salad, which enhances the flavours of the lobster. Other salad options include a spring mix, pear, or Caprese salad.

If you're looking for something a little more filling, roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are a good option. For a unique twist, consider making a potato gratin with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. Other options include polenta, couscous, farro, or orzo.

When it comes to drinks, a Bloody Mary made with seafood-infused vodka and garnished with a shrimp or lobster claw is a unique and delicious pairing. A Champagne cocktail, such as a French 75 or a Kir Royale, is also a great option, as the bubbles help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavours of the lobster. A gin and tonic is another refreshing and light cocktail that will complement the delicate flavour of the lobster.

Reheating lobster tails

Lobster tails can be cooked in an air fryer and they taste delicious. They turn out tender, not rubbery, and cook in less than 10 minutes.

If you have leftover lobster tails, you can store the lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To reheat the lobster tails, you can use a hot pan or the air fryer. Reheat the lobster tails just until warmed through so they don't get rubbery. You can also freeze leftover lobster. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for 2-3 months. To reheat frozen lobster tails, use a 350-degree F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Cooking Lobster Tails in an Air Fryer:

If you are cooking lobster tails in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Butterfly the lobster tails using kitchen scissors to cut through the top of the shell and top of the meat, being careful not to cut through the bottom of the shell. Pull the shell away from the meat and lift the lobster meat away from the shell. Place the meat on top of the shells. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Brush or spoon the butter mixture onto the lobster meat. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the meat is opaque and lightly brown. Serve with lemon wedges and a fresh parsley garnish, if desired.

Frequently asked questions