Air-Fried Lobster Tails: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour. They are surprisingly easy to make and only take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook. The air fryer's even heating ensures the lobster is cooked to perfection, with a juicy inside and a crispy outside. The key to a great-tasting lobster tail is the garlic butter, with a variety of herbs and spices to make it your own.

Lobster tail varieties and how to choose them

Lobster tails are a delicacy, and there are several varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is a guide to help you select the best lobster tails for your taste and preferences:

Maine Lobster Tails

Maine lobster tails are renowned for their smooth and plain-coloured shells, and they are often larger than warm-water lobsters with sizeable claws. These cold-water lobsters are found in the North Atlantic Ocean, spanning from Canada's east coast down to the Carolinas. The freezing temperatures impart a distinct sweetness to the meat, which also becomes firmer upon cooking. You can savour every part of a Maine lobster, and its delicate flavour is widely admired.

South African Lobster Tails

South African lobsters are not typical cold-water lobsters but are still considered a cold-water species. The South African government closely manages their fisheries, and these lobsters are known for their high quality. Their tails have a unique flavour due to their muscular build, and they share the trait of slow growth with Maine lobsters, resulting in superior flavour development. The meat is sweet and tender, enclosed in a bright red patterned shell. Roasting these tails on a grill or in an oven, with the meat removed and laid over the shell, is the recommended preparation method.

Caribbean Lobster Tails

Caribbean lobsters are classified as warm-water lobsters, also known as spiny or rock lobsters. They are commercially fished in the Bahamas and are found along the North American coast and the Caribbean shore, with their spawning triggered by specific ocean temperatures. The tail meat is packaged in a hard shell patterned with grey and brown stripes and yellow spots. Caribbean spiny lobsters offer a more savoury taste, deviating from the sweetness of the previous varieties. Boiling these tails in salted water is the best way to unlock their flavour.

Australian Lobster Tails

Australian lobster tails, sourced from the west and north of the country, are known for their firm texture and sweet taste.

Brazilian Lobster Tails

Brazilian lobster tails originate from the warm waters of Brazil and are characterised by their tenderness and unique, sweet flavour.

New Zealand Lobster Tails

New Zealand lobsters inhabit cold waters, resulting in an exotic-tasting, sweet lobster with a scarlet shell.

Canadian Lobster Tails

Canadian lobster tails come from even colder waters than their Maine counterparts, leading to larger sizes.

When selecting lobster tails, it is advisable to opt for cold-water varieties, as they generally offer better taste and sweetness. Additionally, look for tails without black or yellow spots, which indicate warm-water lobsters. Size is another crucial factor, with tails between 5 and 12 ounces considered ideal, as they offer a good balance of meat quantity and flavour. Lastly, remember that higher prices usually signify higher-quality lobster meat, so investing a little extra is often worthwhile.

How to butterfly a lobster tail

Butterflying a lobster tail is a simple process that makes your seafood dish look gourmet. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to butterfly a lobster tail:

Step 1: Cut the Lobster Tail

Hold the lobster tail in one hand with the top of the hard shell facing up. Using sturdy kitchen shears, cut through the centre of the shell and the meat, starting from the end opposite the tail fins. Cut down the centre until you reach the tail, but be careful not to cut through the bottom shell.

Step 2: Open the Lobster Tail

Use your thumbs and fingers to gently spread the two halves of the tail apart, keeping the meat attached near the end of the tail. This will allow you to open the shell like a book. If the meat is stuck to the shell, gently separate it with your fingers.

Step 3: Skewer the Lobster Meat (Optional)

Run a bamboo skewer through the centre of the butterflied lobster flesh, lengthwise. This will prevent the lobster tail from curling up as it cooks. If you don't have skewers, you can skip this step and simply arrange the lobster meat on top of the shell.

Step 4: Lift the Meat Over the Shell

Gently lift the meat over the shell, keeping the base attached at the tail. Squeeze the shell halves back together beneath the meat so that the meat rests on top of the shell. Now your lobster tail is ready to be cooked!

Butterflying lobster tails is a great way to ensure even cooking and create a beautiful presentation for your dish. It may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you'll be able to butterfly lobster tails like a pro!

How to cook lobster tails in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Lobster tails (one per person)
• Butter salted or unsalted
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic fresh cloves or powder
• Lemon juice and zest
• Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil, or thyme)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F.
• Wash the lobster tails and pat them dry.
• Using kitchen shears, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the top shell lengthwise. Be careful not to cut through the bottom shell.
• Open the shell like a book and loosen the meat. You can secure the meat with a bamboo skewer to prevent curling, or place the meat on top of the shell.
• In a small bowl, mix melted butter with your choice of seasonings. Brush this mixture onto the lobster tails.
• Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket with the meat facing up.
• Cook for 5–12 minutes, depending on the size of your lobster tails. The meat is done when it turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F.
• Sprinkle the lobster tails with the remaining garlic butter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Always thaw frozen lobster tails before cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the lobster, as this will make the meat dry and rubbery.
• For extra flavor, brush more butter on the lobster tails halfway through cooking.

How to prevent overcooking

Overcooking lobster tails in the air fryer can result in dry and chewy meat, so it's important to follow these steps to prevent that from happening:

• Choose the right temperature: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Determine the right cooking time: As a general rule, cook small to medium-sized lobster tails (4 to 6 ounces) for 8-10 minutes, and larger tails (8 to 10 ounces) for 12-14 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so monitor the tails closely.
• Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the lobster tails are cooked. The ideal internal temperature should be 140°F (60°C) for optimal taste and texture. If they're not done yet, cook in one-minute increments until they reach the desired temperature.
• Rest the lobster tails: After cooking, let the lobster tails rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Don't cook from frozen: Always thaw frozen lobster tails before cooking. Cooking them from frozen will result in uneven cooking and tough meat.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook the lobster tails in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which can affect cooking times and temperatures.
• Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the lobster tail to check for doneness. The center of the lobster should reach 145°F for best results.
• Be mindful of the cooking time: Lobster tails are best cooked until just opaque. Avoid cooking for longer than the recommended times to prevent overcooking.

What to serve with air-fried lobster tails

There are several side dishes that can accompany air-fried lobster tails to make a delicious meal. Here are some ideas:

Vegetable Sides

• Grilled asparagus
• Sauteed asparagus, zucchini, or green beans almondine
• Air-fried cauliflower or Brussels sprouts

Starch Sides

• Biscuits
• Cheesy potato casserole
• Crockpot cheesy potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Rutabaga or cauliflower mash

Soups and Chowders

Clam chowder

Salads

Light salads, such as spring mix, pear, or Caprese salad

Meat

Steak for surf and turf

You can also use cooked lobster for dishes like lobster risotto or lobster grilled cheese.

Frequently asked questions