Air Fryer Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Making Air Fryer Garlic Butter Lobster Tails at home has never been easier or more delicious. In under ten minutes, the air fryer transforms simple lobster tails into tender, juicy perfection. Brushed with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, each bite feels luxurious yet approachable. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight treat or an elegant dinner at home.

The air fryer locks in natural moisture, so the lobster cooks evenly without drying out. This method removes the guesswork of broiling or boiling. You’ll enjoy a stress-free way to serve lobster that tastes straight from a coastal restaurant. The bright lemon and garlic butter enhance the lobster’s natural sweetness. The sauce is irresistible and perfect for dipping fresh bread.

Fun fact: Lobster was once considered a humble food for the poor in colonial America. Today, it’s one of the most prized seafood delicacies. With this recipe, you can enjoy that elegance in minutes.

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Recipe Yield: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp sea salt
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare lobster tails:
Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise to the tail fan. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat, resting it on top of the shell.

2. Make garlic butter sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fragrant.

3. Brush lobster tails:
Divide the garlic butter sauce evenly into two small bowls. Use one bowl to brush half of the sauce generously over the raw lobster meat, reserving the second bowl for serving after cooking.

4. Air fry lobster tails:
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Place lobster tails in the basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, until the meat turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

5. Serve and garnish:
Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle with the remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Choose quality lobster tails: Cold-water lobster tails are sweeter, more tender, and deliver the best flavor compared to warm-water varieties.
• Monitor cooking closely: Lobster cooks quickly, so use an instant-read thermometer and remove tails as soon as they reach 140°F to avoid rubbery texture.
• Upgrade your butter sauce: Stir in a splash of white wine, a pinch of cayenne, or even fresh herbs like tarragon or chives for an elegant twist.