Air Fryer Lobster Tails
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
253 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Description
This recipe focuses on lobster tails cooked in an air fryer, which allows for a quick and even cook with minimal fuss. The tails are cut lengthwise through the top shell and gently spread apart to expose the meat, which speeds cooking and helps the flavored butter penetrate. The butter mixture, enriched with lemon zest, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, infuses the seafood with aromatic notes and gentle heat.
The lobster is cooked at a moderate temperature just long enough for the meat to turn opaque, indicating it's done while staying tender and juicy. The reserved butter mixture is spooned on last, adding richness and moisture. Fresh parsley adds a mild herbal flavor and color contrast.
These lobster tails can be served with lemon wedges and complement elegant meals or special occasions. The recipe provides flexibility for herb variations and notes that frozen tails should be thawed before cooking.
For kitchens without an air fryer, broiling the tails in the oven is a suggested alternative. Leftovers can be stored chilled and consumed within a few days for best quality.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails 4 oz each
- 8 tablespoon butter unsalted, 1 stick
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Butterfly Lobster Tails: Cut lengthwise through the center of the top hard shell of the lobster tail with kitchen shears. Cut through, but not all the way to the bottom of the shells; spread the tail halves apart. Place the lobster tail the air fryer basket with meat facing up.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for another minute. Transfer half of this mixture to a smaller bowl, and brush over the lobster tails.
- Cook: Cook the lobster tails in the air fryer at 380°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until the lobster meat is opaque. Spoon reserved butter mixture over the lobster meat and serve garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Cut through the top shell without piercing the bottom shell when butterflying lobster tails to keep the meat intact.
- Feel free to customize the butter mixture by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
- Use previously frozen lobster tails only after fully thawing them to ensure even cooking.
- Serving lobster with fresh lemon wedges enhances the dish with brightness.
- If no air fryer is available, broil lobster tails in the oven for 5-10 minutes as a suitable alternative.
- Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 253 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1lobster tail | |
| Calories | 253kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 272mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 127mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 907IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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