Air Fryer Lobster Tail

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer lobster tails recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Lobster Tails – I prefer cold water lobster tails over warm water ones, because they’re firmer and have a cleaner, sweeter flavor. Frozen lobster tails work fine, but you’ll need to thaw them first.
• Salted Butter – Adds flavor, locks in moisture, and helps with browning. If you want to control the salt, use unsalted butter and add (less) salt separately.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is best here. I recommend crushing it with a garlic press for maximum flavor, although minced will work. If you’re out of fresh, swap in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Lemon Juice – For even more zing, toss in some lemon zest, too. And save extra lemon wedges for serving!
• Spices – Smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness and cayenne pepper for subtle heat. Sweet paprika works, too.

How To Butterfly Lobster Tails

Before you air fry lobster tail, you’ll need to butterfly it. Don’t worry, that’s just a fancy way to say open up the shell! Here’s how:

1. Cut the shell down the center. Grab some kitchen shears — I love these kitchen scissors, shown below, because they’re sharp and so precise! Cut, starting at the opposite end of the tail fins. You want to cut through the top of the shell while avoiding the bottom shell. Stop when you reach the fins.
2. Spread it open. Just use your fingers to open it like a book. Sometimes the shell sticks to the meat, and when this happens I find it helpful to separate it with my fingers.
3. Add skewers. Run a bamboo skewer through the center of the butterflied lobster flesh, lengthwise. This prevents your air fried lobster tails from curling as they cook. You can trim the skewers with your shears if they are too long.

TIP: Don’t have skewers?

You can skip that step and arrange the lobster meat on top of the shell instead. See how to do it in my broiled lobster tail recipe. (You can still cook it in the air fryer if you like.)

How To Cook Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Season the lobster. While your air fryer preheats, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. (I usually melt the butter in the microwave first, then add the rest. You can also use a small saucepan on the stove.) Brush the garlic butter over the lobster meat.

2. Air fry. Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket and cook until opaque. I highly recommend serving with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley!

Serving Ideas

I think air fryer lobster tail works best with other elegant (but easy) dishes. Here are my top picks:

• Veggies – While you’ve got the lobster tail in the air fryer, saute some asparagus, zucchini, or green beans almondine. Want to keep everything in the air fryer? Try my air fried cauliflower or air fried brussels sprouts.
• Potatoes – Try my roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes for something filling, or keep it lighter with rutabaga or cauliflower mash.
• Salad – I think lobster pairs well with light salads, like spring mix salad, pear salad, or Caprese salad.