📝 About This Recipe
Experience the luxury of a high-end steakhouse in the comfort of your own kitchen with this foolproof air-fried lobster recipe. By using the air fryer, you achieve a perfectly succulent, 'poached-like' texture with a beautiful golden char that traditional boiling simply can't match. Bathed in a rich infusion of roasted garlic, fresh lemon, and aromatic herbs, these lobster tails are a decadent celebration of coastal flavors and modern culinary convenience.
🥗 Ingredients
Main Seafood
- 2 pieces Cold water lobster tails (6-8 ounces each, thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for brushing the meat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked paprika (for a hint of color and warmth)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted and high quality)
- 3 cloves Garlic (very finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh chives (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
For Garnish
- 1 whole Lemon wedges (cut into quarters)
- 1 sprig Fresh dill (for decoration)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the lobster tails under cold water and patting them completely dry with paper towels; dry shells ensure a better sear.
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2
Using sharp kitchen shears, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the top shell all the way to the base of the tail, being careful not to cut the meat or the bottom shell.
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3
Gently pry the shell open with your fingers and use a spoon to loosen the meat from the bottom shell, keeping it attached at the very end of the tail.
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4
Lift the lobster meat upward and rest it on top of the closed shell (piggyback style), which protects the delicate meat from direct heat and creates a stunning presentation.
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5
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
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6
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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7
Lightly brush the exposed lobster meat with a tiny bit of olive oil first to seal in moisture.
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8
Generously brush about half of the prepared garlic herb butter over the lobster meat, ensuring it gets into the crevices.
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9
Place the lobster tails into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation.
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10
Air fry at 380°F for 4 minutes. Open the basket and brush the remaining garlic butter over the tails again.
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11
Continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and white throughout, and the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).
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12
Carefully remove the tails from the air fryer using tongs—the shells will be bright red and the butter should be sizzling.
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13
Let the lobster rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use cold water lobster tails (like Maine or Canadian) for the sweetest, most tender meat compared to warm water varieties. Do not overcook; lobster becomes rubbery very quickly once it passes 145°F, so use an instant-read thermometer. If the tails are curling too much, you can insert a wooden skewer lengthwise through the meat before cooking to keep them straight. If using frozen lobster, ensure it is completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight to prevent uneven cooking. For an extra touch of luxury, add a pinch of saffron or a dash of white wine to your garlic butter mixture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich butter. Serve alongside a bed of lemon-infused jasmine rice or garlic parmesan linguine. A side of charred asparagus or garlic-roasted broccolini adds a beautiful green contrast to the plate. Provide extra clarified butter (ghee) on the side for dipping. Finish the plate with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh lemon zest for a bright pop of flavor.