Air-Fried Lobster: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Lobster is a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to prepare. Fortunately, air fryers provide a simple way to cook lobster tails to perfection in just a few minutes. This guide will teach you how to make juicy, tender, and flavourful lobster tails with a delicious garlic butter sauce.

Preparing the lobster tails

Butterfly the Lobster Tails:

Using kitchen shears, cut the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the centre. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. This technique is called butterflying and allows the lobster meat to cook more evenly.

Loosen and Season the Meat:

Gently pull the lobster meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top, spreading the shell halves apart. You can use your fingers to loosen the meat. Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika and oregano for extra flavour.

Clean and Devein:

Before cooking, it is important to clean and devein the lobster tails. Remove any veins and visible dirt from the lobster meat. This will ensure that your dish is not only tasty but also safe to eat.

Optional: Thaw Frozen Lobster:

If you are using frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them first before proceeding with the rest of the preparation and cooking instructions. This will ensure that your lobster cooks evenly and properly in the air fryer.

Cooking Time Considerations:

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the lobster tails. For most 4-6oz lobster tails, a cooking time of 6-8 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient. However, always check that the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to preparing delicious and tender lobster tails in your air fryer. Remember to handle the lobster with care and precision to ensure the best results.

Making the garlic butter mixture

Melt the butter in the saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Once melted, add the garlic to the saucepan. You can grate or mince the garlic, depending on your preference for texture. Allow the garlic to heat until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.

Next, add the lemon juice and fresh parsley to the saucepan. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can also add additional seasonings like smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you wish.

Finally, pour half of the garlic butter mixture into a small dish and set it aside for later. This reserved portion will be served as a dipping sauce for the cooked lobster.

Cooking the lobster

Now that you have your lobster tails, it's time to get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing and cooking your lobster in the air fryer:

Step 1: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Use kitchen shears to cut the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the centre. 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. Remove any veins and visible dirt.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, lemon zest, and any other seasonings you prefer. You can also add fresh parsley for extra flavour. Pour half of the mixture into a small dish and set it aside for later.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Lobster

Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika and oregano. Then, coat both sides of the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Lobster in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket with the meat facing up. Cook for 4 minutes, then baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked to your desired doneness. The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done.

Step 5: Serve

Your lobster is now ready to serve! Serve it with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and elegant meal!

Serving suggestions

Lobster cooked in an air fryer is a great way to make a juicy, flavorful meal without the hassle of grilling or using an oven. It is a simple and quick way to cook a fancy meal for family or guests.

Sides

For a full-on meal, serve your lobster with some sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Grilled asparagus
• Biscuits
• Creamy clam chowder
• Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
• Maple-roasted Brussels sprouts
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
• Dairy-Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Gluten-Free Buttermilk Biscuits

Dipping Sauces

Lobster is often served with a side of melted butter for dipping. Here are some variations on this classic:

• Lemon-garlic butter: Mix together butter, lemon zest, and garlic.
• Garlic butter: Mix together butter, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.

Mains

You can also use your air-fried lobster as an ingredient in another dish, such as:

• Creamy lobster pasta
• Lobster rolls
• Lobster salad

Tips for cooking lobster tails

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. Here are some tips to ensure your lobster tails are cooked to perfection:

Choosing Lobster Tails:

Select cold water lobster tails as they have a superior taste and are sweeter. Avoid lobster tails that have been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate as they can have an ammonia taste. Go for lobster tails that are between 4 and 12 ounces, as they have a good amount of meat without compromising on flavour.

Preparing the Lobster Tails:

Before cooking, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting lengthwise through the centre of the hard top shells with kitchen shears. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell, and place it on top. Remove any veins and visible dirt.

Cooking the Lobster Tails:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Brush the lobster tails with melted butter, or a garlic butter mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket with the meat facing up. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and tender. For best results, use a meat thermometer—the centre of the lobster should reach 140-145°F when fully cooked.

Serving the Lobster Tails:

Serve the lobster tails with fresh lemon wedges and a side of garlic butter sauce for dipping. Enjoy the juicy and tender lobster as an elegant meal for any special occasion.

Frequently asked questions