Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails | Easy and Luxurious Recipe

Enjoy these Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails for a luxurious meal that's quick and easy to prepare. Perfectly cooked and drizzled with a delicious garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes!

Though you've probably eaten lobster before, you may not know what it means to butterfly a lobster tail. Basically, it involves cracking open the hard top shell so the meat underneath can come through. As it cooks, the lobster meat will start to puff up over the shell.

Do you crack lobster tails before cooking?

Lobster tails can be intimidating to cook, but this recipe makes it a breeze. The air fryer ensures that the lobster tails cook evenly and quickly, and the garlic butter sauce adds a delicious, savory flavor to the sweet and delicate lobster meat.

To start, you'll need four 4-ounce lobster tails. Using kitchen shears or scissors, cut down the center of the top of the shell towards the fins of the tail, making sure not to cut through the end of the tail. Then, flip the tail over to the see-through side and crack the ribs using both thumbs down the center. This helps open the shell and makes it easier to remove the meat later on. Remove and discard the vein if you see one.

Next, separate the meat from the two sides of the shell, then lift the meat up and out from inside the shell. Press the two sides of the shell together, then lay the meat over the seam where the two shells meet. This will help the lobster tails retain their shape as they cook.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to create the garlic butter sauce. Brush the mixture evenly over the lobster meat, then sprinkle black pepper and paprika over the top.

Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes, or until the lobster is fully cooked but not rubbery. The finished lobster should be white and no longer translucent in the center and register at least 140˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Serve the lobster tails with wedges of lemon on the side for an extra burst of flavor. And there you have it – Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails that are sure to impress your dinner guests or that special someone in your life.

The most effective way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator for 24 hours prior to cooking. If you need them faster, you can thaw at room temp for a few hours, and if you need them right away thaw under running cold water.

How do you thaw lobster tails the same day?

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

2. How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque and white, with an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).

3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake the lobster tails in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

4. Can I use pre-cooked lobster tails?
Yes, but reduce the air frying time to about 3 minutes to just warm them up.

5. What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are great options.

6. Can I add more spices to the butter mixture?
Yes, feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or thyme for additional flavor.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter.

9. How do I reheat the lobster tails?
Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at a lower temperature to avoid drying out.

10. Can I use a different citrus juice instead of lemon?
Lime or orange juice can be used as alternatives for a different flavor.

11. What type of lobster tails should I buy?
Maine lobster tails are a popular choice, but any variety will work.

12. Is it necessary to remove the vein?
Yes, the vein should be removed as it can contain sand and grit.

13. How do I keep the lobster tails from drying out?
Ensure they are not overcooked and use the butter sauce to keep them moist.

14. Can I cook more than four tails at once?
Yes, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.

15. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and refrigerate it. Reheat before using to brush on the lobster.

Air Fryer Lobster Tails Video Tutorial

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Serving: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

4 lobster tails (4 oz each)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Using scissors or kitchen shears, cut along the middle of the top shell towards the fins, ensuring not to cut through the end of the tail.
- Flip the tail and crack the ribs using your thumbs down the center to open the shell. Remove any visible vein.
- Gently separate the meat from the shell sides, lift it out, and lay it over the shell seam.
Season the Lobster:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Brush the mixture evenly over the lobster meat.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and paprika.
Air Fry the Lobster Tails:
- Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the lobster is fully cooked (white and no longer translucent, with an internal temperature of at least 140°F).
Serve:
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Additional Notes

Cooking Time: Adjust based on the size of the lobster tails. Larger tails may need a few extra minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
Protein: 16g

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