Here’s a luxurious yet super easy recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter — juicy, tender lobster meat with a golden, buttery finish and a touch of garlic and lemon. Perfect for special occasions or an elevated weeknight dinner!
🦞 Air Fryer Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Serves 2 | Ready in 20 minutes or less
Ingredients:
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2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep the Lobster Tails:
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Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell to the base (don’t cut through the tail fin).
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Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat up, resting it on top of the shell (“butterfly” style). Loosen it from the sides of the shell but keep it attached at the base.
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Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Brush half of the garlic butter over the lobster meat.
3. Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2–3 minutes.
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Place lobster tails in the air fryer basket meat-side up.
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Air fry for 5–8 minutes, depending on tail size:
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4 oz tails: ~5–6 min
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6 oz tails: ~7–8 min
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Lobster is done when meat is opaque and internal temp is 135–140°F (57–60°C).
4. Serve:
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Brush with remaining garlic butter.
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Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
📝 Tips:
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Don’t overcook — lobster gets rubbery past 145°F.
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Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicier kick.
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Serve with sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or air fryer baked potatoes.