Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Lobster Tail
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat8gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Lobster tails (fresh or thawed)2 pieces
- Butter (unsalted, melted)30 g
- Garlic (minced)1 clove
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Paprika1 tsp
- Salt0.5 tsp
- Black pepperto taste n/a
This recipe guides you through cooking tender and juicy lobster tails using an air fryer for a quick, delicious, and restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to enjoy lobster at home with minimal effort. The cost of ingredients is approximately $20 / €18 / £16 / ₹1500 for 2 servings. Each serving provides about 250 kcal, with moderate protein content, low fat, and minimal carbs. This dish is ideal for pescatarian and gluten-free diets. The recipe is easy in difficulty and takes 15 minutes total cooking time with 5 minutes preparation.
Preparation instructions
Prepare Lobster Tails
1Use kitchen scissors to carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the center to the end. Gently pull apart the shell and loosen the meat, then lift the meat above the shell, keeping the bottom attached, and rest it on top of the shell. This helps cook the lobster evenly and gives an attractive presentation. Rinse and pat dry the lobster meat.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture
2In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful butter will keep the lobster tender and tasty.
Preheat Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a nice texture.
Brush Lobster Tails
4Brush the prepared lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat all exposed meat for flavor and moisture.
Cook Lobster Tails in Air Fryer
5Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, meat side up. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 200°C. The lobster meat should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Use a food thermometer to check.
Rest and Serve
6Carefully remove the lobster tails from the air fryer. Let them rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with additional melted butter or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Tips
-Use fresh or previously frozen lobster tails that are fully thawed for best results.
-Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and utensils after handling raw lobster.
-Don’t overcook lobster; overcooked lobster becomes tough and rubbery.
-If you do not have an air fryer, broil the lobster tails in an oven at 200°C for 8-10 minutes as an alternative.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Kitchen scissors
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush for butter
- Food thermometer (recommended for safety)
Shopping List
- [ ] Lobster tails (2 pieces) ~ $15 (Choose fresh or fully thawed frozen tails with firm, translucent flesh.)
- [ ] Unsalted butter (30 g) ~ $1 (Opt for good-quality butter for best flavor.)
- [ ] Garlic (1 clove) ~ $0.20 (Look for fresh garlic bulbs that are firm and smooth.)
- [ ] Lemon (for 1 tbsp juice) ~ $0.50 (Select firm lemons with bright yellow skin.)
- [ ] Paprika (1 tsp) ~ $0.30 (You can use smoked or sweet paprika based on preference.)
- [ ] Salt and black pepper ~ negligible
Total approximate cost: $17.00
FAQ
Can I cook frozen lobster tails directly in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw lobster tails completely before cooking for even cooking and best texture. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?
The lobster meat should be opaque and firm. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F), which is safe for seafood.
Can I substitute butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used instead of butter for a lighter flavor, but butter adds richness and helps keep the lobster tender.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer helps cook the lobster tails evenly and achieve a tender texture, though you may skip it if short on time.