Air Fryer Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Tender lobster tails and perfectly cooked sea scallops are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and cooked in the air fryer for an elegant seafood dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Seafood

• 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each)
• 12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Extra chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the lobster tails and scallops completely dry with paper towels.
3. Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise and gently lift the meat over the shell, leaving it attached at the tail.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
5. Brush the lobster meat and scallops with the garlic butter mixture.
6. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil spray and arrange the lobster tails and scallops in a single layer.

Cooking Times

• Lobster tails: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, until the meat is opaque and reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Sea scallops: Air fry for 5–7 minutes, until opaque and the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C).

If cooking together, check the scallops first, as they often finish before the lobster.

7. Brush with the remaining garlic butter immediately after cooking.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Dry the scallops thoroughly for the best texture and browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Do not overcook the seafood, or it can become rubbery.
• Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered asparagus
• Steamed rice or risotto
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread
• Fresh garden salad

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat with a little butter.
• Freezing: Not recommended after cooking, as the texture of the lobster and scallops may change.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 16–18 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving