Succulent Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Zesty Lemon
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat12gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Lobster tails (fresh or thawed frozen)2 piece
- Unsalted butter3 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice1 tbsp
- Garlic, minced (preferably fresh)1 clove
- Paprika0.5 tsp
- Salt0.25 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)1 tbsp
This air fryer lobster tail recipe is a quick, simple, and foolproof way to enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. Using common ingredients, you'll achieve juicy, tender lobster meat perfectly cooked with a fresh lemon flavor. The air fryer cooks the lobster evenly and faster than traditional methods while keeping the shell intact for easy presentation. Ideal for cooks of any skill level, this recipe prioritizes food safety by including the proper internal cooking temperature to ensure your lobster is perfectly done and safe to eat. The ingredients cost approximately $20 USD (€18, £16, ₹1650) and the dish yields about 280 kcal per serving. This meal suits pescatarian diets and is medium difficulty due to shell preparation but quick with only 15 minutes of cook time plus prep.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Lobster Tail
1Start by thawing frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator if needed. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the shell lengthwise on the top, from base to tail, without cutting the meat. Gently pull the lobster meat out, resting it just above the shell. This helps it cook evenly and makes a nice presentation.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
2In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Microwave for about 30 seconds until melted and well mixed. Stir to combine well. This sauce will keep the lobster moist and flavorful.
Preheat the Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Preheating helps cook the lobster evenly.
Cook the Lobster Tails
4Brush the lemon butter sauce generously over the lobster meat. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket in a single layer, meat side up. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) checked by a food-safe thermometer. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Finish and Serve
5Once cooked, carefully remove the lobster tails from the air fryer. Brush them again with any remaining lemon butter sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Cooking Tips
-When buying lobster tails, opt for fresh where possible or frozen ones without ice crystals for best texture.
-To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw lobster.
-Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety and perfect doneness.
-If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the lobster meat is opaque and white throughout, and the texture is firm but not rubbery.
-You can substitute garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable, but fresh gives the best flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Kitchen scissors
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Air fryer
- Pastry brush
- Food-safe meat thermometer (recommended)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Lobster tails (2 pieces) — Approx. $15. Choose tails that have intact shells and a fresh sea smell.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (3 tbsp) — Approx. $0.50. Opt for high-quality butter for richer flavor.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1) — Approx. $0.50. Look for firm lemons with a bright yellow color.
- [ ] Garlic (1 clove) — Approx. $0.10. Choose firm cloves without soft spots.
- [ ] Paprika (small amount) — Approx. $0.10. Use smoked for extra flavor if preferred.
- [ ] Salt & black pepper — You may already have these staples.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) — Approx. $0.80. Pick bright green, unwilted leaves.
Total cost: Approx. $16.50
FAQ
Can I cook frozen lobster tail directly in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking. Cooking from frozen is possible but may yield uneven results and longer cook times.
How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?
The lobster meat should be opaque white and firm to touch. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Can I use pre-made garlic butter instead of making the lemon butter sauce?
Yes, pre-made garlic butter works fine. Simply mix in fresh lemon juice before brushing onto the lobster tails for freshness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the lobster tails in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, following the same preparation and internal temperature guidelines.