With this easy recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Tails, you can enjoy tender and juicy lobster basted in a savory garlic butter sauce in under 15 minutes. They're perfect for any special occasion or a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Lobster Tails Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Lobster Tails
• 🔪 How to Make Lobster Tails in the Air Fryer
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Buttery Lobster Tails
• 💡 Tips for Making Lobster in the Air Fryer
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• How Do I Know When My Lobster is Done?
• Why Did My Lobster Turn Out Rubbery?
• Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails?
• Is Lobster Low Carb?
• 🍽️ More Air Fryer Dinners

❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Lobster Tails Recipe

• Tender, succulent lobster tails
• Basted in a lemon butter sauce
• Quickly cooked in the air fryer
• Made in under 15 minutes
• Quick enough for busy weeknights
• Perfect for special occasion dinners

These Air Fryer Lobster Tails are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a gourmet meal at home with just a few simple ingredients. By using your air fryer, you get perfectly cooked lobster tails that are tender, juicy, and infused with the incredible flavors of a savory garlic butter sauce.

This velvety, rich sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a mouthwatering dish, just like the ones you get in a fancy seafood restaurant. Serve these lobster tails with a side of lemon wedges and your favorite low-carb side for an easy, elegant, and unforgettable dining experience.

If you don't have an air fryer, you'll want to try these Broiled Lobster Tails with Compound Butter.

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Lobster Tails

• Lobster
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Brush

🔪 How to Make Lobster Tails in the Air Fryer

Pre-heat the air fryer to 380°F.  

Cut a line down the center of the tops of each lobster tail.

Snip each rib on the backs, then gently pull out the lobster meat and set it on top of the shell while still attached in the back.

Add the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice and salt to a small bowl and whisk.

Baste the lobster meat with the butter mixture by brushing it over the tops.

Cook for 3 minutes, then remove and baste the lobster with more of the butter mixture. 

Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or just until they are cooked through and opaque.  Do not overcook or the meat will become tough.

Serve with some lemon wedges and the remaining butter on the side.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Cool the tails until they are completely at room temperature. Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

Freezer: Cool completely at room temperature. Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can steam them for 3-5 minutes until heated through or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, covered with foil. Avoid reheating them in the microwave because this can make the lobster tough and rubbery.

🍴 What to Serve with Buttery Lobster Tails

You can enjoy lobster as a main course or as surf and turf with a juicy filet mignon or these air fryer steak bites. They're also delicious served with these side dishes:

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Glazed Carrots
• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

💡 Tips for Making Lobster in the Air Fryer

• Fresh tails: Choose lobster tails that are firm and heavy for their size, with no discoloration or strong odor.  

• Cutting the shells: After cutting, gently lift the meat through the cut shell to rest on top. This is not only needed to make it easy access to the meat, it also allows it to cook evenly.

• Pat dry: Before cooking, pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure the butter and seasonings coat the lobster.

• Enhancing Flavor: Brush the exposed meat with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs before cooking to infuse the lobster with additional flavor. This step ensures a rich, savory taste in every bite.

• Keep a watch: Monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking, because lobster meat can become tough if cooked for too long.

• Rest them: Allow the lobster tails to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Cajun spice: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the lobster tails before cooking for a spicy kick.

• Herb butter: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and dill into the melted butter before basting.

• Lemon pepper: Add lemon zest and cracked black pepper to the butter mixture for a zesty flavor.

• Parmesan crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered lobster tails before air frying for a crispy, cheesy crust.

• Asian-inspired: Substitute the butter with a mixture of liquid aminos, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.

How Do I Know When My Lobster is Done?

Lobster tails are done when the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F on an instant read meat thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the tails and the air fryer model.

Why Did My Lobster Turn Out Rubbery?

Overcooking can cause lobster meat to become tough and rubbery. Monitor the cooking time closely. Consider adjusting to a lower temperature or a shorter cooking time if they seem to be getting done too quickly.

Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails?

Sure, you can use frozen lobster tails. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Is Lobster Low Carb?

Lobster is an excellent choice for those following a low carb because it’s rich in high-quality protein. Lobster also contains omega-3 fatty acids, B12, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. Lobster is very low in carbohydrates and calories, with approximately 90–100 calories per 3-ounce serving.

🍽️ More Air Fryer Dinners

• Air Fryer Greek Souvlaki
• Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
• Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Steak Bites