Air-Frying Lobster: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Lobster is a luxurious treat, often enjoyed at restaurants to mark a special occasion. But what if you could recreate this fancy meal at home? Well, you can! Cooking lobster in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare this seafood favourite. In just 10-15 minutes, you can have tender, juicy, and buttery lobster tails, with minimal prep and clean-up. So, if you want to impress your date or celebrate with friends and family, this could be the perfect, elegant dinner to make at home.

Lobster tail preparation

Lobster is traditionally a celebratory food, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a fancy meal. The air fryer's even heat and quick cooking time allow you to heat the meat through while preventing it from drying out and becoming tough.

Defrosting and Cleaning:

Allow your lobster tails to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For the best flavor and texture, you want your lobster fully defrosted before placing it into your air fryer. If you're using frozen lobster tails, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. Rinse the lobster tails and pat them dry with a paper towel. Clean them if necessary.

Butterflying the Lobster Tails:

Using kitchen shears or scissors, carefully cut down the middle of the top shell, stopping just at the tail. This process is called butterflying and will expose all of the meat to the heat for even cooking while keeping the shell stable.

Preparing the Meat:

Use your fingers to loosen the shell away from the meat. Gently pull the lobster meat upward and away from the shell. Place the shell back together and set the lobster meat on top of the shell. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the outer shell from burning.

Seasoning:

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. You can also add herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor. Brush the lobster meat with the butter mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also reserve some of the butter mixtures for dipping if desired.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Place the lobster tails into the basket of the air fryer, meat side up. Cook for approximately 4-7 minutes for 4-5 oz. tails, or 6-8 minutes for larger 8 oz. tails. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and lightly brown, and the shell is bright red. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving:

Serve the lobster tails with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also serve them with simple sides like lemon risotto, haricot verts, or a steak for surf and turf. Enjoy your perfectly cooked lobster tails!

Air fryer settings

Lobster tails should be cooked at 380°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or until the meat is white, opaque, and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the lobster should reach 140-145°F when fully cooked.

If you are reheating lobster tails, wrap them in foil and place them in the air fryer at 380°F for 2 to 4 minutes.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook the lobster tails in batches.

Cooking times

Lobster tails should be cooked until the meat is opaque and lightly brown. The internal temperature should be 135–145 °F. The lobster meat will be opaque throughout when it is cooked. Be careful not to overcook the lobster, as it will become rubbery.

Most sources recommend cooking lobster tails in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes, although some sources suggest 4 minutes, and others up to 12 minutes. One source recommends cooking 6-ounce lobster tails for 6 minutes, and adding 1–2 minutes of cooking time for larger tails.

Sauces and seasoning

Lobster is a delicious treat, and when cooked in an air fryer, it's quick and easy, too. But what sauces and seasonings go well with lobster?

Well, it's an incredibly versatile seafood, and there are so many options to choose from. Firstly, it's worth noting that lobster is delicious as it is and doesn't need any sauces or seasonings to improve its flavour. However, if you're looking to elevate your lobster dish, there are plenty of options to try.

A classic choice is butter, and it's a great way to get rich, silky flavours when eating lobster. You can keep it plain, or add garlic for a tasty and simple dish. You could also try blending your butter with fresh lemon juice, another classic pairing with lobster. This lemon butter sauce is a great upgrade and can be made with dry white wine and fresh dill, boiled and then whisked with butter. You can also add cornstarch and cold water to thicken the sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a Thermidor sauce, which includes white wine, lobster stock, heavy cream, cheese, and herbs and spices. Or, you could try a wine-based sauce, perhaps with garlic butter and white wine, or even champagne.

When it comes to seasonings, you could try chives, caraway seeds, cayenne pepper, dill, mint, parsley, paprika, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, or sage. These herbs and spices will add a unique flavour to your lobster dish and can be combined in various ways to create a refined, upscale meal.

Storing and reheating

When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use. One of the most popular ways is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the lobster in aluminium foil, and place it on a baking pan. You can add a couple of pats of butter over the meat to retain moisture. Cook for five to ten minutes, and then check the internal temperature of the lobster. It should have reached at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also reheat lobster in a steamer. Add a few inches of water to a large pot and place a vegetable steamer basket at the bottom. Put the lobster on top, cover with a lid, and turn the heat to high. When the water boils, turn off the heat and let the lobster steam for about four to five minutes.

Another option is to use a frying pan. Place the lobster in the pan with a teaspoon of butter and sauté over medium heat. Check the lobster after about five minutes. You can also reheat the lobster in a saucepan with some lobster broth and butter.

While you can reheat lobster in the microwave, it is not recommended, as it can compromise the taste and texture. If you do choose to use the microwave, wrap the lobster in a damp (not wet) paper towel and heat for one to two minutes.

No matter which method you choose, be careful not to overheat the lobster, as this will affect its texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions