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Lobster tails are a luxurious seafood option that can be surprisingly easy to prepare, especially when using an air fryer. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create perfectly cooked, succulent lobster tails with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to indulge in a gourmet meal at home, this air fryer lobster tails recipe will surely impress!
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Ingredients
To make air fryer lobster tails, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails (6-8 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Kitchen shears
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush for applying butter
- Tongs
- Serving platter
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
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Thaw the Lobster Tails: If your lobster tails are frozen, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30-60 minutes.
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Cut the Shell: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin. This will allow the meat to expand and cook evenly.
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Loosen the Meat: Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, leaving the base attached. This will create a “lobster tail” presentation and allow for better seasoning.
Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Season the Lobster Tails
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Brush the Lobster: Generously brush the lobster meat with the butter mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Reserve some of the butter mixture for basting during cooking.
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Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket, meat side up. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
Cooking Instructions
Step 4: Air Fry the Lobster Tails
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Cook the Lobster: Cook the lobster tails in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, depending on their size. For larger tails, you may need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
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Baste During Cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and baste the lobster meat with the reserved butter mixture using a brush. This will enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
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Check for Doneness: The lobster is done when it turns opaque and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
Step 5: Serve
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Plate the Lobster Tails: Once cooked, carefully remove the lobster tails from the air fryer using tongs. Place them on a serving platter.
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Garnish: Drizzle any remaining butter over the lobster tails and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious air fryer lobster tails!
Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails
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