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Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter

by Capri Lilly
Published: Last Updated on

Air Fryer Lobster Tail With Lemon Garlic Butter is an effortless, elegant meal that can be made in less than 10 minutes. This recipe will quickly become your favorite way to make lobster tails! 

Pair with my Copycat Red Lobster Gluten-Free Cheddar Biscuits, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a full-on meal! Or, use this air-fried lobster to make my Creamy Lobster Pasta!

Air Fryer Lobster With Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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I absolutely love making food in the air fryer! It is quick, easy, and always comes out delicious!! I usually prepare my lobster tails by grilling them, but lately, it’s been too hot to sit in the sun and grill. Instead, I decided to fulfill my lobster craving by making a few lobster tails in the air fryer. 

I bet you’re wondering: Are Lobster Tails Good In The Air Fryer?

YES, they are! Making lobster tail in the air fryer is a great way to make juicy, flavorful lobster without the hassle of getting the grill or oven ready! The texture is perfect and the lobster is fully cooked in under 10 minutes. It is perfect for an impressive meal for family or guests! 

Air Fryer Lobster With Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe:

  • It Requires 8 Simple Ingredients 
  • Easy Prep & Clean Up
  • Takes Less Than 10 Minutes To Cook
  • Makes Juicy, Tender Lobster

What You’ll Need To Make This Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter

Lobster Tail: I used 2 6oz Lobster Tails

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter
  • Fresh Garlic, minced
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Lemon
  • Salt & Pepper
Fresh Lobster Tails From Butcher Box
Lobster Tails From Butcher Box

How To Cook Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer

  1. Butterfly The Lobster Tails. Start by cutting the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the center with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt. 
  2. Prepare The Garlic Butter Mixture. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Pour half of the mixture into a small dish and set aside for later. 
  3. Cook The Lobster. Season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. (You can also season with a bit of smoked paprika and oregano — about 1/4 tsp each). Then, coat BOTH SIDES of the lobster with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Then place the lobster in the air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Then, baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done. 
  4. Serve. Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce.
how to cook lobster tail in the air fryer

Tips

  • Do Not cut all the way through the bottom of the lobster shell
  • Clean and devein the lobster before cooking. 
  • If using frozen lobster, make sure to thaw them first before cooking. 
  • Cook time varies depending on the size of the lobster. Generally, 6-8 minutes works for most 4-6oz lobster tails. The meat should be white and tender, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read at least 140°F when done. 
  • OVEN BROIL OPTION: If you do not have an air fryer, you can make your lobster tail in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to broil. Then, place the lobster on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, basting halfway through.
Lobster tail in the air fryer
Lobster Tail Made In The Air Fryer. Ready To Enjoy!

Common Questions: 

How Do You Cook Lobster Tails So They Are Tender?

With any fish, to yield the best results, you want to make sure not to overcook it. When making a typical 4-6 oz lobster tail in the air fryer, it is important to cook for 6-8 minutes and make sure to baste halfway thru (the lobster is fully cooked when the lobster meat is opaque/white). This will ensure the lobster is cooked to perfection. It will be juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. 

How Can You Tell When Lobster Tails Are Done?

Lobster tail is done when the meat is no longer bright red/pink and instead is opaque (white) and tender. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of lobster meat should read 140-145°F when it is fully cooked. 

How To Cook Lobster Tails In the Oven?

If you do not have an air fryer, you can make your lobster tail in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to broil. Then, place the lobster on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, basting halfway through. 

How To Reheat Lobster Tail In the Air fryer? (Rewarming Leftover Lobster Tail)

The best way to reheat lobster tail is in the air fryer. (I do not recommend microwaving it). Wrap the lobster tail in foil, place it in the air fryer at 380°F, and rewarm for 2-4 minutes. 

Where Do I Get My Lobster Tail?

I purchase my lobster tail from Butcher Box. They provide high-quality humanely raised meat that is delivered straight to your door. Check them out via the link below and receive their monthly promotion with your purchase: GOODFOODBADDIE BUTCHER BOX DEAL. 

Juicy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with lemon wedges.

How To Serve Lobster Tails?

Serve with fresh lemon wedges and garlic butter sauce for dipping. You can even whip up my Copycat Gluten-Free Red Lobster Biscuits, which pair perfectly with the lobster! OR, you can take it a step further and use this garlic butter lobster to make creamy lobster pasta! Here are a few great side dishes that pair perfectly with the lobster:

How Long Can You Keep Cooked Lobster In The Fridge? (Storing Leftover Cooked Lobster Tail)

Store any cooked lobster in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, rewarm the lobster in the air fryer or oven. 

Lobster tail made in the air fryer

I hope you enjoy this Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Pinterest and Instagram! I love hearing from you!

Looking For More Air Fryer Recipes To Try? Check These Out: 

Delicious Easy Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe

Air Fryer Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Lobster Tail With Lemon Garlic Butter is an effortless, elegant meal that can be made in less than 10 minutes. This recipe will quickly become your favorite way to make lobster tails!
4.94 from 87 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 242kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 2 4-6oz Lobster Tails

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt, plus more as to taste

Instructions

  • Butterfly The Lobster Tails. Start by cutting the top hard shell of the lobster tail lengthwise through the center with kitchen shears. Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the shell. Spread the shells apart. Using your fingers, gently pull the meat from the inside of the shell and place it on top. Be sure to remove any veins and visible dirt.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Pour half of the mixture into a small dish and set aside for later.
  • Cook The Lobster. Season the lobster with salt and pepper to taste. Then, Coat BOTH SIDES of the lobster with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Then place the lobster in the air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Then, baste the lobster meat with more garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The lobster will be white, golden, and tender when done.
  • Serve: Serve the lobster with fresh lemon wedges and a side of the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce

Notes

Tips
  • Do Not Cut all the way through the bottom of the lobster shell.
  • Clean and devein the lobster before cooking. 
  • If using frozen lobster, make sure to thaw them first before cooking. 
  • Cook time varies depending on the size of the lobster. Generally, 6-8 minutes works for most 4-6oz lobster tails. The meat should be white, tender, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read at least 140*F when done. 
  • If you do not have an air fryer, you can make your lobster tail in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to broil. Then, place the lobster on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, basting halfway through. 

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal
estimated nutrition facts for air fryer lobster with lemon garlic butter sauce. 242 calories. total fat 12.6. cholesterol 131mg. sodium 615mg. total carbohydrate 3.9g. protein 28.6g

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56 comments

Andréa Janssen September 15, 2021 - 8:58 am

5 stars
This is such an easy and delicious recipe. I love using my air fryer for it, because it makes it even better and simpler! Thank you!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 15, 2021 - 6:38 pm

You’re welcome Andrea! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe! I find lobster much easier to make in the air fryer too!

Reply
TJ May 9, 2022 - 3:32 pm

This is my second time making this recipe! Omg…the easiest and it’s delicious! I have a bit of sauce left over that I’m going to use with shrimp tomorrow…can’t wait! Thank you 😊

Reply
Capri Lilly May 9, 2022 - 4:05 pm

Hi TJ! I love love love to hear it! I am happy you enjoy the recipe! Using the sauce to make shrimp is such a great idea! Thanks for leaving a review 🙂

Reply
Kim September 15, 2021 - 12:55 pm

5 stars
What a treat! I love that you can make them in the air fryer. So much easier than heating up the oven.

Reply
Linda September 15, 2021 - 6:29 pm

5 stars
Can’t wait to try this! Nice short list of ingredients and love that those lobster tails cook in such a short amount of time. Air fryers are the best! And that lemon garlic butter sauce…might need to double that part!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 16, 2021 - 6:59 am

Hi! I agree, air fryers are the best! Especially when making lobster. I hope you enjoy the recipe. Also, the garlic butter sauce is the best! You can’t go wrong with making extra 😉

Reply
Aya September 15, 2021 - 6:32 pm

5 stars
This is the perfect dinner! I love the lemon garlic butter sauce. The flavors in it are delicious.

Reply
Lindsay September 16, 2021 - 1:21 pm

5 stars
OH GOODNESS, favorite food in the air fryer? Yes please!! Thanks for this fabulous recipe, I can’t wait to make it again and again!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 19, 2021 - 1:23 pm

Hi Lindsay! I am so happy to hear it! And so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!

Reply
Marta September 17, 2021 - 12:47 pm

5 stars
Loved the simplicity of using the air fryer for this recipe. Flavor was excellent and the lobster was perfectly cooked.

Reply
Capri Lilly September 19, 2021 - 1:22 pm

Hi Marta! I am so happy to hear it! I also love how easy lobster is to make in the air fryer. And the texture always turns out perfect! It’s totally fool-proof!

Reply
Robin September 19, 2021 - 6:16 am

5 stars
I honestly don’t use my air fryer much. These lobster tails however, have ignited me to pull it out more often. Divine!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 19, 2021 - 1:21 pm

Hi Robin! I am glad it this recipe reignited you! I use my air fryer for almost EVERYTHING! Thanks for leaving a comment and I am happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

Reply
Dee Moore September 20, 2021 - 1:03 am

5 stars
This was for sure an effortless recipe, I never thought to put lobster tails in the air fryer. These were so flavorful and absolutely genius!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:38 pm

Hi Dee! I am so happy you liked! 🙂

Reply
Jeri September 20, 2021 - 5:39 am

5 stars
Effortless, indeed! Your timing suggestions were spot on and the lemon garlic butter sauce was absolutely delicious! My husband and I are looking forward to making this again very soon!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:38 pm

Hi Jeri! I am glad and your husband enjoyed it! Thank you so much for leaving a comment! 🙂

Reply
Mila September 22, 2021 - 5:11 am

5 stars
Loved your tips on Air Frying the lobster. I have always been afraid to try with such an expensive food, but it turned out great and was so much easier than I thought.

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:36 pm

Yes, I completely understand your hesitation, especially when preparing expensive food such as lobster. I think that is why I love this recipe so much! It is totally fool-proof so you don’t mess up that expensive food you just purchased! Thanks for leaving a comment! I am glad it turned out great and you enjoyed it 🙂

Reply
Shanna Jones September 22, 2021 - 5:47 am

5 stars
I’ve been making everything in my air fryer lately, and of all the things I’ve tried, these lobster tails have been my favorite! So quick and easy with the perfect results — I am still amazed at how they turned out! So good!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:31 pm

I am with you! I’ve been making everything the air fryer lately as well! It is just so quick and easy, and the flavor is unmatched! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

Reply
Britney Brown September 22, 2021 - 3:18 pm

5 stars
I never knew cooking lobster could be so easy! This recipe was no fuss and came together so quickly! I paired this with some broccoli and it was absolutely delicious!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:30 pm

This lobster with broccoli sounds delish! I am glad you found the recipe easy to make. Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂

Reply
Jazz September 22, 2021 - 3:27 pm

5 stars
Whew! This was such a treat to make AND to eat. We will be doing lobster tails for dinner once a month, now, thanks to your simple recipe!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:30 pm

Oo! Fancy meal once a month! That sounds wonderful! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

Reply
Chenée September 22, 2021 - 6:19 pm

5 stars
I love that i can make these in the air fryer! It makes them so much quicker and easier, and they came out SO good!

Reply
Capri Lilly September 22, 2021 - 7:29 pm

Yes, doesn’t it! I’ve found this is the easiest way to make lobster! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe!

Reply
Jen Sim September 22, 2021 - 7:54 pm

Nothing beats lobster tails and now I’m so happy that I’ve found a way to prepare them in my air fryer! The seasoning was perfect too.

Reply
Capri Lilly September 23, 2021 - 6:12 pm

Hi Jen! Glad you liked! I appreciate you leaving a comment 🙂

Reply
Bernice January 17, 2022 - 4:50 pm

5 stars
Now that I have an air fryer, this is a must try recipe for me. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Reply
Capri Lilly January 17, 2022 - 4:59 pm

That is a great idea, Bernice! Enjoy!

Reply
Toni January 17, 2022 - 4:52 pm

5 stars
Delicious! Love that it’s made in the Air Fryer.

Reply
Serena January 17, 2022 - 5:39 pm

5 stars
I never thought to put lobster tails in the air fryer before this! It was Delish!

Reply
Swathi January 17, 2022 - 6:36 pm

5 stars
Air fryer lobster tail looks delicious.

Reply
KRistina January 17, 2022 - 6:38 pm

5 stars
Came out delicious!

Reply
Capri Lilly January 17, 2022 - 9:28 pm

Hi Kristina! I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe!

Reply
Jeri January 17, 2022 - 7:15 pm

5 stars
Lobster is my all-time favorite! I can’t wait to try it in the air fryer! It looks so good!

Reply
Jamie January 17, 2022 - 7:55 pm

5 stars
I love using the air fryer for lobster!

Reply
Emily Flint January 17, 2022 - 9:08 pm

5 stars
I can’t believe you can cook lobster in the air fryer! I can’t wait to make this!

Reply
Capri Lilly January 17, 2022 - 9:24 pm

It’s so good! Enjoy!

Reply
Linda January 18, 2022 - 4:39 am

5 stars
Super easy and delicious!

Reply
Stine Mari January 18, 2022 - 3:07 pm

5 stars
Such a delicious and flavorful date night meal!

Reply
Capri Lilly January 18, 2022 - 7:54 pm

It’s my fav go-to for a romantic meal 🙂

Reply
Tatiana January 19, 2022 - 7:20 pm

5 stars
MMmmmmmm lobster was so delicious and tender!

Reply
Capri Lilly January 19, 2022 - 9:59 pm

Hi Tatiana! I am glad you liked the recipe!

Reply
Carol June 22, 2022 - 9:46 pm

5 stars
This recipe is so good!! I made this for my husband and he loved it! He’s already asking me to make it again

Reply
Trisha September 2, 2022 - 7:42 pm

5 stars
Just tried this tonight – first time cooking lobster! Loved how it tasted, but even more how easy it was to make. I guesstimated the salt (because I tasted the butter and I couldn’t taste the salt) so it was slightly more salty; definitely better to stick to the recipe.

Paired it with Trader Joe’s Mango Jicama salad which added the perfect amount of freshness to this during the summer.

Butterflying the lobster definitely wasn’t easy. So I suggest pushing the meat from underside of the lobster which should help with taking out the meat from the cut topside.

Reply
Capri Lilly September 3, 2022 - 1:54 am

Hi Trisha, I am happy you enjoyed the recipe and your first time making lobster was a success! I haven’t tried the Trader Joe’s Mango Jicama salad, but it sounds delish. I will have to check it out. Thanks for leaving a review!

Reply
Tiffani October 17, 2022 - 12:35 am

5 stars
Capri!!! THIS is the the PERFECT lobster recipe! I mean, we had lobster tails Wednesday, found your quick and easy air fryer recipe and ther were PERFECT! So much so, my Guy wanted me to do this again. Sure. And perfect again. I told my butcher guy, my daughter… Man oh man! I didn’t need a dissertation on air fryer lobster, YOU MADE THAT HAPPEN. 24 seconds was all I needed and were in lobster heaven. Not chewy, overcooked, none of that! Just tender and flavorful. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Capri Lilly October 17, 2022 - 11:22 am

Yess! I am SO happy to hear it! I am glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe. And thanks so much for sharing it and leaving a review 🙂

Reply
Emily October 27, 2022 - 6:08 pm

5 stars
phenomenal!! was a huge hit

Reply
Capri Lilly October 28, 2022 - 1:13 am

Hi Emily! I am glad you like the recipe! Tysm leaving a review 🙂

Reply
Diana December 23, 2022 - 2:54 pm

5 stars
Thank you thank you!!!! I love lobster and now that I have found your perfect delicious recipe I can do in the air fryer I will have my tail more often whenever my husband has his salmon or other fishes… Keep these recipes coming…

Reply
Capri Lilly December 24, 2022 - 1:20 pm

You’re so welcome! 🙂 I am happy you like the recipe!!

Reply
How long to cook lobster tails in air fryer? December 31, 2022 - 8:05 am

[…] Sep 8, 2021When making a typical 4-6 oz lobster tail in the air fryer, it is important to cook for 6-8 minutes and make sure to baste halfway thru (the …. => Read Now […]

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