Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Air Fried Lobster tails are so easy to make! This butterfly method is full proof and easier than broiling or even grilling! These are ready in less than 10 minutes and drizzled in a lemon garlic butter sauce.

What Type of Lobster to Use

When purchasing lobster, always look for cold water lobster. It usually comes from the East Coast or Canada. Maine lobster tails are a big deal because the water is so cold there.

Coldwater lobsters are larger than warm water lobsters and have more meat. Because they live in cold temperatures their meat gets a lot firmer than those from warm water, which will produce tender meat when properly cooked. Warm water lobster is often mushy with a fishy taste, and sometimes has an ammonia smell.

While shopping, if the display isn’t clear, you should always ask if it’s from warm or cold water. If they don’t know, I would assume the worst and try elsewhere. Cold water is more expensive. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for and quality comes at a price.

Lobsters are always dark in color when you buy them. They turn bright orange and red once cooked.

I also look for wild-caught, which can sometimes be harder to find outside of specialty stores like Sprouts or even Whole Foods (which is why I order my lobster from Butcher Box).

How to Thaw From Frozen

Thaw the lobsters in the fridge overnight. You can also place them in cold water for 30 minutes.

Garlic Butter Sauce

To season the lobster tails I like to use melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, fresh lemon, and Old Bay Seasoning. You can use whatever you like.

How to Butterfly Lobster Tails

My favorite way to serve lobster is to butterfly it. If you’ve never done it, it may take some practice. Butterflying allows heat from the grill, oven, or air fryer to penetrate every piece of the tail’s meat. It allows the lobster tail to cook evenly, so you don’t overcook it. It also looks beautiful.

Pat the lobster tail dry. With kitchen shears, starting at the open end of the tail, cut a lengthwise slit through the center, top of the shell, stopping just before the fin of the tail. You’ll also cut into the meat, which will butterfly it and cause it to sit better on the shell.

Flip the tail over and then press down onto the ribs. Crack each one. This will work wonders at make it easier to pull the meat out on the other side.

Slip your fingers under the meat and the shell and lift it out to prop over the shell.

How to Cook Lobster Tails in Air Fryer

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Butterfly the lobster tails.
2. Drizzle the tails in garlic butter sauce.
3. Air fry.

Air Fryer Temperature

I like to use 370 degrees.

How Long to Cook

Cook for 5 -8 minutes. Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Cook time will also vary depending on the size of the lobster you use. 

How to Tell When the Lobster is Done

The most precise way to know when the lobster is done cooking is to insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the tail. When the internal temperature reaches between 135 to 140ºF the lobster is done.

The tail should be completely white with no grey translucent color. If you overcook the lobster it will be rubbery and tough.

How to Reheat

I don’t recommend reheating the tails. Cook what you know you will be able to eat. If you have to reheat, you can do so in the air fryer on 350 degrees until warm. The more you reheat it, the tougher the texture will become.

Pair With These Recipes

Air Fryer Steak
Mashed Ranch Potatoes
Southern Creamed Corn
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Grilled Asparagus in Foil

More Seafood Recipes

Air Fryer Crab Legs
Smoked Lobster Tail
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Scallops
Creamy Lobster Bisque Soup