There’s more than one way to cook a lobster. You can broil them, boil them, cook them in the oven, or grill them on a barbecue. But did you know that you can also cook lobsters in an air fryer?
Here is everything you need to know about air-frying lobsters to perfection!
What Is an Air Fryer?
You’ve probably heard about air fryers, or you may even have one yourself, but what makes these gadgets so special?
An air fryer is a countertop convection oven. It produces heat at the top and uses a fan to force it down and around the food.
In that respect, it’s like a deep fryer. Yet, unlike a deep fryer, air fryers require no oil and have virtually zero preheat time.
Looking for the right air fryer? Then check out some of these highly-rated fryers:
Can I Cook Lobster in the Air Fryer?
Yes! As with most dishes, you can cook lobster in an air fryer. Whole lobsters are too large, but you can cook lobster tails instead. They can be frozen or fresh. If you’re cooking them frozen, make sure you add a few more minutes of cooking time just in case.
How Do I Cook the Lobster Tails?
Cooking lobster in an air fryer is simple. Prep time takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, and cook time is even shorter at 5. Here’s how you can get started:
Create Your Butter Sauce
Start by melting unsalted butter on your stovetop or oven. You can add extra ingredients such as garlic or lemon zest or leave it as is. If you’re cooking four lobster tails, you should have two tablespoons of butter, but one tablespoon is fine for two lobster tails.
Cut Open the Lobster Tails
Now that you’ve made the butter sauce, it’s time to turn to the lobster tails. Cut each tail open with kitchen scissors right through the tail section. Set the scissors aside, break the shell open, and pull it back with your fingers. Then, lift the meat over the shell. You can see a demonstration of this here.
Brush on the Butter
Using a proper brush, apply the butter sauce to your lobster tails. DO NOT use up all your butter sauce; you will need it for later! Then, add salt and pepper before placing your tails into the air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes before spreading the rest of your butter sauce onto the tails. From there, cook the lobster for another 2-4 minutes. If your lobster meat is white, it should be done.
Plating Suggestions
Serve your air-fried lobster with a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon wedges, and don’t forget the sauce! This dish’s versatility allows you to pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a light pasta dish, allowing you to create a balanced and unique meal.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Undercooked Lobster: If the lobster is undercooked, return it to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Overcooked Lobster: To avoid overcooking, monitor the lobster closely during the final minutes and remove it as soon as it reaches the proper temperature.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat leftover lobster in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Air-frying lobster is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this luxurious seafood. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked lobster every time.
Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. has fresh Maine lobster tails that can be delivered right to your door! Fill out our contact form for more information or cooking tips, and call us at 1-800-967-4268 to place your lobster order today!
