Air-Fried Lobster Tail: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Lobster is a traditional celebratory food, often synonymous with special occasions. But you don't have to wait for a special occasion to try making lobster tails in an air fryer! It's an easy and quick way to cook lobster tails, taking less than 10 minutes.

To make lobster tails in an air fryer, you'll need to butterfly the tails, prepare a garlic butter mixture, season the lobster, and then cook it in the air fryer.

Choosing the right lobster tails

Type of Lobster:

Start by selecting the right type of lobster. Cold water lobster tails are considered ideal due to their firmer and cleaner-tasting white meat compared to warm water lobsters. Ask your fishmonger or seafood supplier if you're unsure about the source of the lobster tails.

Size:

Look for lobster tails that are between 5 ounces to 12 ounces in weight. This size range offers a good balance between the amount of meat and flavour retention. Larger tails may take longer to cook and could affect the overall cooking time.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate:

Avoid purchasing lobster tails that have been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate. This chemical is sometimes used as a preservative but can give the lobster meat an ammonia taste. Always check the label or inquire about the processing methods to ensure you're getting untreated lobster tails.

Price:

When it comes to lobster tails, it's often worth paying a little extra. Higher-priced lobster tails typically indicate better quality and flavour. Investing in good-quality lobster meat will elevate your dining experience and make your dish truly memorable.

Freshness:

Opt for fresh lobster tails whenever possible. While frozen lobster tails can be used, they should be properly thawed before cooking. Fresh lobster tails will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavour.

Appearance:

Visually inspect the lobster tails before purchasing. Look for firm, shiny meat with clear juices. Avoid tails with discoloured or cloudy liquids, as this may indicate that the lobster is past its prime.

Remember, taking the time to select high-quality lobster tails will make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of your air-fried lobster dish. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the source and handling of the lobster tails to ensure you're getting the best product possible.

Preparing the garlic butter

You can then add other ingredients to the garlic butter mixture. Some recipes suggest adding lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Fresh or dried herbs can be used, but dried herbs tend to have a stronger flavour, so use sparingly. Whisk the ingredients together in the saucepan, or for a thicker sauce, transfer the butter mixture to a small bowl and whisk.

Finally, brush the garlic butter onto the lobster tails. Make sure to coat both sides of the lobster meat generously. Any leftover garlic butter can be served as a dipping sauce.

Cooking the lobster tails

The first step in cooking lobster tails in an air fryer is to butterfly the tails. Using kitchen shears, cut down the centre of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins, continuing until you reach the base of the tail but without cutting it. Be careful not to cut through the bottom shell.

Next, use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell on top. Pull the lobster meat away from the shell and place it on top of the shell. You can run a bamboo skewer through the centre of the flesh lengthwise to prevent curling.

Now it's time to make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add in some thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Brush this garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat.

Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook until the meat is opaque. For a 5-ounce lobster tail, this should take around 5-6 minutes. For a 10-ounce tail, air fry for closer to 10 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for the lobster is 140-145°F.

Serve your lobster tails with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also serve them with melted butter for dipping.

Serving suggestions

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are best served with simple sides that complement the seafood without overwhelming it. Here are some suggestions:

Lemon

A squeeze of lemon is a classic pairing with seafood, and lobster is no exception. A wedge of lemon on the side will also help to cut through the richness of the dish.

Butter

Drawn butter is a traditional choice for seafood, and it's no different with lobster tails. You could also make a lemon butter sauce for dipping.

Salads

A light salad such as spring mix, pear, or Caprese will go well with the lobster without overwhelming it.

Vegetables

Quick sauteed asparagus or zucchini are great choices, or if you want to use the air fryer, try cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.

Potatoes

Roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are hearty side dishes that will round out the meal. For lighter options, try rutabaga or cauliflower mash.

If you want to make a more substantial meal, you could serve the lobster tails with a steak for surf and turf, or use the cooked lobster in a dish like lobster risotto or lobster grilled cheese.

Reheating and storing tips

While some sources suggest that lobster meat becomes tough when reheated and doesn't taste very good, there are ways to retain its sweet, soft texture. Here are some tips for reheating and storing your air-fried lobster tails:

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: Place the lobster inside a large piece of foil, belly side up. Add butter on top and wrap the foil around the lobster. Put it on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Wrap the lobster in dampened paper towels and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or in 30-second increments until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lobster reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Stovetop: Remove the lobster meat from the shell and add it to a pan or skillet with a small amount of lobster, clam, or chicken stock/broth. Bring the stock to a simmer, then add the lobster meat and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring in butter at the end until the lobster is heated thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grill: Turn the grill heat to high and drizzle olive oil over the lobster meat. Place the lobster on the grill with the shell side down and cook until the meat is warmed all the way through, reaching an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storing Tips:

• Raw lobster tails can be stored in a Ziploc bag or airtight container on ice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Cooked lobster tails can be stored in a Ziploc bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, according to some sources, and up to 3 days according to others.

Frequently asked questions