Air Fryer Lobster Tails (My Friend’s Secret Seafood Trick!)

Restaurant-Quality • Buttery • Tender • Ready in Minutes

I always thought lobster tails were too fancy and too complicated to cook at home… until my friend showed me this INSANELY easy air fryer trick.
The lobster comes out juicy, buttery, and perfectly tender every single time — with a fraction of the effort, and ZERO stress.

This might honestly be the easiest (and most impressive) seafood dinner you will ever make!

INGREDIENTS

2–4 lobster tails (fresh or thawed)
4 tablespoons melted butter
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika (adds color + flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER LOBSTER TAILS

1 Prep the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell straight down the middle.
Gently lift the lobster meat and rest it on top of the shell (“butterflying”).
Pat the meat dry with paper towels.

This step helps the lobster cook evenly and look restaurant-perfect.

2 Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix:

Melted butter
Minced garlic
Lemon juice
Paprika
Salt & black pepper

Stir until combined.
Brush generously over the exposed lobster meat.

3 Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Place lobster tails in the basket, shell side down.
Air fry for 5–8 minutes, depending on size.
- The meat should be white, opaque, and tender.
- Internal temp: 140–145°F (60–63°C)

Brush more garlic butter halfway through for extra flavor.

4 Finish & Serve

Drizzle remaining garlic butter over the hot lobster tails.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with extra lemon wedges.

The meat will be unbelievably juicy — like it came straight from a luxury seafood restaurant.

SERVING IDEAS

Pair your lobster tails with:

Garlic butter mashed potatoes
Steamed asparagus
Air fryer baked potatoes
Creamy pasta
White rice with butter + herbs
A simple green salad

Also amazing with steak for Surf + Turf!

PRO TIPS (The “Secret Tricks”)

Don’t overcook. Lobster cooks FAST — check at 5 minutes.
Butterfly the tail for even cooking and gorgeous presentation.
Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a spicy kick.
Use clarified butter for a cleaner, richer flavor.

TIME

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 6–8 minutes
Total: ~10 minutes