Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Lobster Claws
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat7gram
Protein24gram
Ingredients
- Frozen lobster claws (precooked) - choose claws that are bright in color, with firm shells and no off smells.4 pieces
- Unsalted butter - use fresh, high-quality butter for best flavor.2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh, firm garlic bulbs without green sprouts.2 cloves
- Lemon juice - fresh squeezed from ripe lemons.1 tbsp
- Paprika - for a mild smoky flavor, use sweet paprika.1/2 tsp
- Salt - use fine sea salt or kosher salt.to taste n/a
- Black pepper - freshly ground for best flavor.to taste n/a
This recipe shows you how to easily cook tender and juicy lobster claws in your air fryer. It’s a quick and foolproof way to enjoy delicious lobster at home with minimal effort, perfect for a special dinner or treat. The lobster claws come out perfectly cooked with a smoky, slightly crispy shell and tender meat inside. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $24 USD, €22 EUR, £19 GBP, and ₹1,950 INR. The dish contains about 220 calories per serving. It’s ideal for a pescatarian diet and takes just 20 minutes of cooking time plus 5 minutes prep. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal equipment.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the garlic butter sauce
2Mince the garlic cloves finely. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the lobster claws
3If lobster claws are frozen, rinse under cold water to remove any ice and pat dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture, which helps achieve a crisp texture in the air fryer.
Cook the lobster claws
4Place the lobster claws in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
Check doneness and food safety
5Since lobster claws are precooked, the goal is to heat through and enhance flavor. Internally, the meat should be hot and reach at least 60°C (140°F) for safe consumption. Use a food thermometer to check temperature if unsure.
Apply butter and serve
6Remove lobster claws from the air fryer and immediately brush with the prepared garlic butter sauce. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest. Enjoy your tender and flavorful lobster claws!
Cooking Tips
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked seafood.
-If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1/2 tsp garlic powder as a substitute.
-Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy texture on the lobster shell.
-For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the lobster claws before serving.
-Lobster claws are usually precooked, so air frying is just to heat them up and add texture—overcooking can make them tough.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Brush for basting
- Knife for mincing garlic
- Food thermometer (recommended for safety)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Lobster claws (4 pieces) – approx. $20. Look for bright, firm shells with no off odor.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (2 tbsp) – approx. $1.50. Choose quality fresh butter.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (2 cloves) – approx. $0.50. Avoid bulbs with green sprouts.
- [ ] Lemon (1 for juice) – approx. $0.70. Pick firm lemons with a good aroma.
- [ ] Paprika (small jar) – approx. $2. Can substitute with smoked paprika for richer flavor.
- [ ] Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – small quantities if not already at home.
Total estimated cost: $24.
FAQ
Are lobster claws already cooked when you buy them?
Yes, lobster claws are typically precooked before freezing. The air fryer step is just to warm them up and enhance flavor.
How do I know when lobster claws are safe to eat?
They should be reheated to an internal temperature of at least 60°C (140°F). Use a food thermometer if unsure.
Can I use frozen lobster claws directly from the freezer?
It's best to thaw them under cold running water and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure even heating.
Can I add other seasonings to the butter sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley or spices like cayenne pepper can add extra flavor depending on your taste.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can warm lobster claws in a conventional oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 8-10 minutes, but an air fryer provides a better texture.