These air fryer lobster tails are perfectly tender and ready in minutes. A restaurant-worthy dinner that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off.
Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat up through the slit so it sits on top of the shell. Press the shell halves back together underneath the meat.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Brush about half of the garlic butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the lobster tails in the air fryer basket meat-side up. Air fry at 380°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat is opaque white and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Be careful not to overcook.
Remove the lobster tails and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.