FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Butterfly Lobster Tails
• How To Cook Lobster Tails In The Air Fryer
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Air Fryer Lobster Tail (Fast & Foolproof) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Lobster is my all-time favorite seafood, so I’ve made it every which way. But I have to admit, I hesitated about air fryer lobster tail . Would it turn out as well as my other tried-and-true lobster recipes (from classic broiled and grilled lobster to fancier butter poached lobster and lobster thermidor )? It did, and I’m so glad I went for it! Cooking lobster tail in the air fryer was incredibly easy, the cleanup was fast, and best of all, it came out super juicy . If you haven’t tried it yet, this is your sign. Make these air fried lobster tails with me for your next date night or special occasion!

Why You Need My Air Fryer Lobster Tail Recipe

• Tender, juicy, and buttery – I’ve never met a lobster tail I didn’t like, but if you have an air fryer, you know it’s hard to beat for locking in moisture and flavor. This recipe turns out super moist and tender, with a buttery, garlicky flavor. Perfection!
• Super fast – You can have this on the table in just around 15 minutes, including the prep. And other than picking up the seafood, you probably have all the ingredients you need.
• Perfectly cooked every time – I have a rule of thumb for any size tails in my recipe tips below.
• Easy, elegant dinner – My air fryer lobster tail is a classy, easy meal for date nights, special occasions, and small gatherings. You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy restaurant!

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.

1. 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!

My Recipe Tips

• Reminder: Don’t cook from frozen. Frozen lobster tails will cook unevenly and turn tough. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, or for a faster method, in a bag submerged in cold water.
• Brush on the butter mixture only right before cooking. If it sits on the lobster meat for more than 15 minutes, the acid in the lemon juice will start to “cook” the meat (kind of like my shrimp ceviche — not what we want here).
• Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. My air fryer can fit 4 lobster tails at once (I love it!), but if yours is smaller, cook them in batches.
• For extra flavor, make extra garlic butter. Use the listed amount first, then brush more on your air fryer lobster tails halfway through cooking. There’s no need to flip! You can also reserve extra to use as a dipping sauce for serving.
• My rule of thumb for cooking time: Air fry lobster tails for about 1 minute per ounce! For example, 5-ounce tails need 5-6 minutes, and 10-ounce tails take about 10 minutes. Note this is the weight of one tail (with the shell), not the combined weight of all of them together. It doesn’t matter how many you have, only their individual size!
• Check with a meat thermometer if you can. My times above are a good estimate, but if you want absolutely flawless results, check internal temperature. The probe thermometer I use is available at Amazon or Target , and makes it easier to avoid opening the air fryer. I recommend an internal temp of 140 degrees F in the thickest part of the tail. (Some recipes recommend 145 degrees F, but in my opinion that’s overcooked!)

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 .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 5-oz Lobster tails ▢
• 1/4 cup Salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (crushed) ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper (or more if you want extra heat) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Prep: If tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or in a bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes . Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for a few minutes.
2. Butterfly the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears , cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins, continuing down until you reach the tail but without cutting the tail. You want to cut through the top of the shell, but don’t cut through the bottom shell. Use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell on top, then use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell. Run a bamboo skewer through the center of the flesh lengthwise to prevent curling.
3. Season them: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Brush the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
4. Air fry: Cook lobster tails in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes for 5-ounce lobster tails, or until the meat is opaque and internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). If your tails are a different size, my rule of thumb for lobster tail air fryer time is about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail. For example, if your lobster tails are 8 ounces each, you’ll air fry them for about 8 minutes .) After cooking for 1 minute per ounce of individual tail, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and if they are not done yet, cook for 1-3 more minutes as needed.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 5-ounce lobster tail

• Butterflying: See my section on butterflying lobster tail above for step-by-step photos of how to do it.
• Cooking tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you air fry lobster tail perfectly and prevent overcooking it.
• Meal prep: Lobster is best fresh, but you can butterfly the tails ahead of time. Wrap them in plastic and refrigerate to keep them from drying out. Just don’t brush on the butter in advance!
• Storage: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. They’re also wonderful in my lobster salad !
• Reheat: Wrap each tail in foil with a pat of butter and reheat in the air fryer at 320 degrees F, just until warm.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Lobster Tail

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Lobster Tail (Fast & Foolproof)

Make the most perfect air fryer lobster tail with lemon garlic butter! It’s easy to make, juicy and tender, and super fast.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-lobster-tail/

Ingredients

• 4 5-oz Lobster tails
• 1/4 cup Salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick)
• 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
• 2 tsp Lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper (or more if you want extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prep: If tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or in a bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes . Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for a few minutes.
2. Butterfly the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears , cut down the center of the shell lengthwise, starting from the end opposite the tail fins, continuing down until you reach the tail but without cutting the tail. You want to cut through the top of the shell, but don’t cut through the bottom shell. Use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell on top, then use your thumbs and fingers to spread open the shell. Run a bamboo skewer through the center of the flesh lengthwise to prevent curling.
3. Season them: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Brush the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
4. Air fry: Cook lobster tails in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes for 5-ounce lobster tails, or until the meat is opaque and internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). If your tails are a different size, my rule of thumb for lobster tail air fryer time is about 1 minute per ounce of individual tail. For example, if your lobster tails are 8 ounces each, you’ll air fry them for about 8 minutes .) After cooking for 1 minute per ounce of individual tail, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and if they are not done yet, cook for 1-3 more minutes as needed.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 5-ounce lobster tail

• Butterflying: See my section on butterflying lobster tail above for step-by-step photos of how to do it.
• Cooking tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you air fry lobster tail perfectly and prevent overcooking it.
• Meal prep: Lobster is best fresh, but you can butterfly the tails ahead of time. Wrap them in plastic and refrigerate to keep them from drying out. Just don’t brush on the butter in advance!
• Storage: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. They’re also wonderful in my lobster salad !
• Reheat: Wrap each tail in foil with a pat of butter and reheat in the air fryer at 320 degrees F, just until warm.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)