Air-Fried Lobster: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Lobster is a seafood delicacy that is often associated with fancy restaurants and special occasions. However, cooking lobster tails in an air fryer is a simple, quick, and easy way to enjoy this luxurious dish at home. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal with juicy, tender, and flavourful lobster tails that are cooked to perfection. This guide will teach you how to prepare and cook lobster tails in an air fryer, so you can impress your family and friends with a delicious and elegant dish.

How to prepare lobster for the air fryer

Preparing lobster for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps. Firstly, you'll want to buy cold water lobster tails, as these have a better taste and are sweeter. Frozen lobster tails can be used, but you will need to thaw them first.

Next, you'll want to butterfly the lobster tails. Cut the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the centre with kitchen shears, but be careful not to 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, placing it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt.

Now, you can season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add smoked paprika and oregano for extra flavour. Then, prepare your garlic butter sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, adding crushed garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. You can also add lemon zest, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like. Brush the garlic butter sauce onto the lobster tails, coating both sides.

Finally, place the lobster tails in the basket of the air fryer, meat-side up, and cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Then, baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque, white, and tender, which should be after a total of 6-8 minutes for 4-6oz lobster tails.

The best type of lobster to use

When it comes to choosing the best lobster for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use cold water lobster tails over warm water ones. Cold water lobsters have a superior taste—they are firmer, sweeter, and have a cleaner flavour. You can identify cold water tails by their shell, which lacks the black or yellow spots that are present on warm water lobster shells.

Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid lobsters that have been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate. This chemical is sometimes used as a preservative, but it can give the lobster an ammonia taste.

You can use either fresh or frozen lobster tails in your air fryer, but if you go for frozen, be sure to thaw them first. Frozen lobster tails that are cooked straight from the freezer will cook unevenly and turn out tough.

When selecting your lobster tails, look for ones that are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate. As a rule of thumb, lobster tails should be cooked in the air fryer for about 1 minute per ounce. For example, a 5-ounce tail will need 5-6 minutes, while a 10-ounce tail will take about 10 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

Lobster tails should be cooked in the air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on their size. Most sources recommend cooking 4-6oz lobster tails for 6-8 minutes, while some recommend 5-7 minutes. One source recommends cooking for 4 minutes, then basting the lobster meat with garlic butter sauce and cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking for 2 minutes, then applying more garlic butter and cooking for another 5 minutes.

Lobster tails are done when the meat is no longer bright red/pink and is opaque white and tender. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lobster meat should read 140-145°F when it is fully cooked. It is important to note that frozen lobster tails will cook unevenly and turn tough, so they should be thawed before cooking.

It is not necessary to flip the lobster tails during cooking, as the air fryer allows hot air to circulate, creating an even cooking environment. However, some sources recommend brushing the lobster tails with garlic butter sauce halfway through cooking.

What to serve with air-fried lobster

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. They are usually served with melted butter, garlic, and lemon wedges. Now, what are some good side dishes to go with this mouth-watering meal?

Grilled asparagus, biscuits, and creamy clam chowder are some excellent choices to accompany your air-fried lobster. These sides will complement the lobster's rich, buttery flavour and add a touch of elegance to your meal.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, consider serving the lobster with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Some roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower would add a nice crispy texture and a healthy boost to your meal.

For a lighter option, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a citrusy fruit salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of the lobster. A classic Caesar salad or a spinach salad with a light dressing would be perfect.

Lastly, don't forget to finish your meal with a delicious dessert! Chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect choice, as they are elegant and pair well with the lobster's flavour profile.

With these sides and dessert, your air-fried lobster will be taken to the next level, creating a truly special dining experience.

Reheating lobster tails in the air fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to crowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Reheat for around 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the lobster should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be careful not to overcook the lobster, as this will make the meat rubbery. Once the lobster is warmed through, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality lobster tails!

Frequently asked questions