Golden crispy lobster claws served on a plate with lemon wedges

Crispy Air Fryer Lobster Claws

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Lobster Claws
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pieces Frozen lobster claws (shell-on) - ideally thawed before cooking. Choose claws with intact shells for best results.; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs - for extra crispy coating, fresh and dry for optimum crunch; 1/4 cup All-purpose flour - for dredging, should be light and sifted if possible; 2 pieces Eggs - large, beaten, to help breadcrumbs adhere; 1 tsp Garlic powder - enhances flavor; 1 tsp Paprika - adds mild smoky flavor and color; 1/2 tsp Salt - to taste; 1/4 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground preferred; as needed n/a Cooking spray (oil) - to help crisp the coating without extra fat; 4 pieces Lemon wedges - for serving and fresh zest if desired

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / Cooking Lobster in an Air Fryer

easy

12 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories250kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat12gram

Protein20gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Frozen lobster claws (shell-on) - ideally thawed before cooking. Choose claws with intact shells for best results.8 pieces
Panko breadcrumbs - for extra crispy coating, fresh and dry for optimum crunch1/2 cup
All-purpose flour - for dredging, should be light and sifted if possible1/4 cup
Eggs - large, beaten, to help breadcrumbs adhere2 pieces
Garlic powder - enhances flavor1 tsp
Paprika - adds mild smoky flavor and color1 tsp
Salt - to taste1/2 tsp
Black pepper - freshly ground preferred1/4 tsp
Cooking spray (oil) - to help crisp the coating without extra fatas needed n/a
Lemon wedges - for serving and fresh zest if desired4 pieces

This recipe teaches you how to make crispy, flavorful lobster claws using an air fryer, ideal for anyone wanting restaurant-quality seafood at home with minimal hassle. The claws turn out golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. The total ingredient cost is approximately $20 USD (€18, £15, ₹1650) for 4 servings, with each serving containing about 250 calories. This dish suits a pescatarian diet and is relatively easy to prepare, taking around 25 minutes in total.

Preparation instructions

Thaw and Dry Lobster Claws

1If using frozen lobster claws, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove all moisture; this helps the coating stick and become crispy.

Prepare Coating Stations

2Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; the second with beaten eggs; the third with panko breadcrumbs.

Dredge the Claws

3One at a time, coat each claw first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.

Preheat the Air Fryer

4Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Arrange Claws in Air Fryer

5Place the coated lobster claws in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for best results. Lightly spray with cooking oil to promote golden crispiness.

Cook the Lobster Claws

6Air fry the claws at 180°C (356°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Cooking time may vary with claw size.

Check Internal Temperature

7Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 63°C (145°F), which is the recommended safe minimum for seafood.

Serve Immediately

8Remove claws carefully. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy the crispy, tender lobster! Refrigerate any leftovers promptly.

Cooking Tips

-Make sure claws are completely thawed and dry; excess moisture prevents crisping.

-For extra flavor, add some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley to the breadcrumbs.

-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for optimal crispiness.

-If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can be used, though texture will differ.

-Always use a food thermometer to check doneness for seafood safety.

Equipment

Air fryer
Instant-read food thermometer
Three shallow dishes for dredging
Cooking spray
Paper towels
Tongs or fork for flipping lobster claws

Shopping List

[ ] Frozen lobster claws (~$15) – Choose claws with intact shells and good-sized pieces.
[ ] Panko breadcrumbs (~$2) – Look for crispy, fresh panko for best crunch.
[ ] All-purpose flour (~$0.50) – Regular flour works fine.
[ ] Eggs (2 large) (~$0.30) – Fresh eggs make a better coating binder.
[ ] Spices: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper (~$1 total) – Use fresh spices for vibrant flavor.
[ ] Cooking spray or oil (~$1) – Light oil to aid crisping.
[ ] Lemons (4 pieces) (~$1.50) – Fresh lemons for serving and zest.

FAQ

Can I use fresh lobster claws instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh lobster claws can be used. Just ensure they are properly cleaned and patted dry before coating to achieve crispiness.

How do I know when lobster claws are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the claw. It should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The claw meat should also be opaque and firm.