Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails are a delightful treat perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. Their crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat make them stand out in any meal. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring that even novice cooks can impress their guests with a gourmet seafood experience.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Lobster Tails
- For the Breading Mixture
- How to Make Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
- Step 3: Mix Seasoned Flour
- Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
- Step 5: Coat and Fry Lobster Tails
- Step 6: Drain and Serve
- How to Serve Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Create a Seafood Platter
- Serve on a Bed of Greens
- How to Perfect Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Best Side Dishes for Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Reheating Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to coat lobster tails for frying?
- How long should I fry lobster tails?
- Can I make Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails ahead of time?
- What sauces pair well with Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few staples, you can create a mouthwatering dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
- Quick Preparation: These lobster tails can be ready in no time, making them ideal for last-minute dinner plans or entertaining friends.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos for a fun twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy texture and rich flavor are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste or experiment with different dips.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails, you will need some essential tools to ensure success in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Cooking thermometer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: A deep fryer allows for even cooking and prevents oil temperature drops, ensuring crispy results. A heavy pot can also work well for frying if you monitor the temperature closely.
- Cooking thermometer: This tool is crucial for checking oil temperature, which directly affects the crispiness of your lobster tails.
- Tongs: Perfect for safely handling hot lobster tails during cooking and serving without damaging them.

Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
- 3 lobster tails
For the Breading Mixture
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
How to Make Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by thawing frozen lobster tails if needed. Use kitchen scissors to cut down the top shell of each tail, stopping just before reaching the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell and lift the flesh slightly while keeping it attached at the base.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the prepared lobster tails into a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk, ensuring they are well-covered. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps create a moist interior.
Step 3: Mix Seasoned Flour
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 tsp of Old Bay seasoning. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the flour.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Step 5: Coat and Fry Lobster Tails
Remove lobster tails from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tail in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Carefully lower them into the hot oil using tongs. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per tail.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove lobster tails from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails!
How to Serve Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
Serving crispy deep fried lobster tails can elevate any meal. The delightful crunch combined with the tender meat makes for a luxurious dish that impresses guests and family alike.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter adds richness and a savory flavor that complements the lobster perfectly.
- Spicy Mayo: A blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice provides a creamy and spicy kick that enhances each bite.
Create a Seafood Platter
- Mixed Shellfish: Arrange your crispy lobster tails alongside shrimp, scallops, or crab claws for an impressive seafood display.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: Add lemon wedges to brighten flavors and offer a zesty contrast to the richness of the lobster.
Serve on a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Greens Salad: Place lobster tails atop fresh greens for a light yet satisfying meal. Drizzle with a vinaigrette for added flavor.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can provide a crunchy texture that balances the soft meat of the lobster tails.
How to Perfect Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
To achieve perfectly crispy deep fried lobster tails, attention to detail is key. Following these tips will help you get that golden brown crunch every time.
- Use Cold Buttermilk: Starting with cold buttermilk helps create a light batter that adheres well to the lobster.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning your flour mixture. Old Bay seasoning adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C) for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to prevent temperature drops in the oil, which can lead to soggy results.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, let lobster tails rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil for maximum crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
Crispy deep fried lobster tails pair wonderfully with various side dishes. These options will complement your main dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements seafood beautifully; grill or boil for added flavor.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: The tangy crunch of fried green tomatoes adds texture and pairs well with seafood.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Colorful stir-fried vegetables bring freshness and balance to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a light base that allows the lobster’s flavor to shine.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a classic taste that contrasts nicely with fried foods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoiding over-soaking the lobster tails in buttermilk. Too long in the buttermilk can make them soggy instead of crispy. Limit soaking to 30 minutes for best results.
- Ignoring temperature control when frying. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the lobster is cooked. Aim for a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
- Skipping seasoning in the batter. A bland coating will not enhance the flavors of your lobster tails. Make sure to mix in seasonings like Old Bay or your favorite spices.
- Not draining excess oil after frying. Leaving the tails in excess oil can make them greasy and unappetizing. Place them on paper towels immediately after cooking to absorb any extra oil.
- Using stale flour for dredging. Old flour can impact flavor and texture negatively. Always use fresh flour for a light and crispy coating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Wrap each lobster tail tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispiness.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails.
What is the best way to coat lobster tails for frying?
To achieve perfectly crispy deep fried lobster tails, ensure you use a mixture of all-purpose flour and seasonings. Dredge each tail thoroughly, tapping off any excess before frying.
How long should I fry lobster tails?
Fry your lobster tails for about 4-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures they are cooked through yet remain tender.
Can I make Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these tails ahead of time by frying them and storing them properly. Just remember that reheating may slightly affect their crispiness.
What sauces pair well with Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails?
These delicious lobster tails pair well with a variety of sauces such as garlic butter, spicy mayo, or even a tangy lemon dip to complement their flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails are a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or special occasions. The recipe offers room for customization—experiment with different seasonings or dips to suit your taste! Don’t hesitate; try making this dish today!
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Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3
Description
Crispy Deep Fried Lobster Tails are a luxurious yet simple dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. With their crunchy exterior and tender meat, these lobster tails are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a formal dinner. The recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible even to novice cooks. Marinated in buttermilk for added flavor and tenderness, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before frying, these lobster tails deliver a gourmet experience that will impress your guests. Serve them as an appetizer or main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable seafood delight.
Ingredients
- 3 lobster tails
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the lobster tails by thawing if frozen and cutting down the shell.
- Marinate the lobster tails in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Mix flour and Old Bay seasoning in a separate bowl.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Dredge marinated lobster tails in the seasoned flour and carefully fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per tail.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces or lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg