Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails

If you're looking for a fancy seafood dish that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home.

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

Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Q: Can I substitute the butter with another type of fat?

A: You can substitute the butter with a different type of fat, such as olive oil or coconut oil. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be different.

Q: Can I use a different type of seasoning instead of paprika?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of seasoning instead of paprika, such as cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning.

Q: Can I cook the lobster tails in the oven instead of an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook the lobster tails in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster is fully cooked.

Q: Can I use a different type of herb instead of parsley?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of herb instead of parsley, such as thyme or rosemary.

Q: Can I add more garlic to the recipe?

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. However, keep in mind that too much garlic may overpower the flavor of the lobster.

Q: Can I use lemon zest instead of lemon juice?

A: Yes, you can use lemon zest instead of lemon juice. Just make sure to adjust the amount to your liking.

Air Fryer Lobster Tails Video Tutorial

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Ingredients

4 oz each lobster tail, 4 tails

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 wedges lemon, to serve

Preparation

Using a clean pair of scissors or kitchen shears, cut along the middle of the top of the shell towards the fins of the tail, making sure to cut in a straight line. Do not cut through the end of the tail.

Flip the tail over to the see-through side and crack the ribs using both thumbs down the center. This helps open the shell. Remove and discard the vein if you see one.

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.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley, then brush the mixture evenly over the lobster meat. Sprinkle black pepper and paprika over the lobster meat.

Place the tails in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F. for about 5 minutes, or until the lobsters are 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.

In conclusion, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a luxurious seafood meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer makes cooking lobster tails easy and hassle-free, and the garlic butter sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. Give it a try for your next special occasion or romantic dinner at home.

Enjoy these Amazing Garlic Butter Air Fryer Lobster Tails!