How long should I cook lobster tails in the air fryer?

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lobster tail. Tails that are 4 or 5 ounces will take about 4-6 minutes, while a larger 8-ounce tail will take about 6-8 minutes.

Can you cook frozen lobster tails in the air fryer?

Lobster tails should be thawed before cooking so the protein doesn't turn tough. Some proteins cook just fine from frozen, but it's not worth risking lobster!

How do you know when lobster tail is cooked?

The air fryer lobster should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The lobster meat will be opaque throughout.

Why is my lobster rubbery?

Lobster gets rubbery when it's overcooked. So be careful not to overcook it. Start checking at the lower end of the cooking time.

Perfect Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Description

These air fryer lobster tails are buttery, tender, and foolproof. The perfect easy yet elegant dinner for holidays or date nights at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 4.5-oz. lobster tails
1 Tbsp. melted butter
1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp. lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F.
Rinse lobster tails and pat dry with paper towel. Clean them if necessary.
Cut through the top of the shell, keeping bottom shell in tact.
Gently pull the shell away from the meat (it’s ok if they break a bit) and lightly pull the lobster meat away from the shell. Place the shell back together and set the lobster meat on top of the shell.
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
Brush lobster with butter mixture and air fry lobster tails at 380 degrees F for 5-7 minutes for 4-5 oz. tails, or 6-8 minutes for larger 8 oz. tails, until lobster is cooked through and opaque.

Notes

Cook lobster to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Storage: Lobster is best fresh, so I would recommend only making the number of lobster tails that you’ll need. If you do have leftovers, store lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat lobster in a hot pan or the air fryer, just until warmed through so it doesn’t get rubbery.
Freezer storage: Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Ingredient notes: We’re using just a bit for subtle flavor, it’s not overpowering at all, but if you aren’t a fan of Old Bay, use a touch of salt instead.
Prep ahead: You could prep the lobster tails and mix the lemon butter so that all they need is a quick swipe with the butter and they are ready to cook.
Special tools: You’ll need an air fryer and an instant-read meat thermometer.
Serve with: Drawn butter and easy sides like haricot vert, baked potatoes, or wedge salads.
Leftovers: Try lobster grilled cheese or lobster risotto.