Instant Pot Lobster Tails

Cook perfectly buttery, flaky steamed lobster tails following my fool-proof recipe for Instant Pot Lobster Tails! Ready in under 15 minutes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword instant pot lobster, instant pot lobster tails, lobster tail recipe, pressure cooker lobster tails

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Resting time 10

Total Time 16

Servings lobster tails

Calories 179kcal

Set lobster tails on a cutting board. With a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut the top of the lobster tail shell down to the tip of the tail. (Don't worry about hitting the meat too much as it will create a "butterfly" appearance). De-vein and remove any grit if needed.
2 Lobster tails
Carefully put the shell down, so the meat looks like it is sitting on top of the shell and open.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
½ teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Onion powder, 1 teaspoon White pepper, 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
Add a trivet to the inside of your Instant Pot, and place the lobster tails on the trivet, shells facing down. Sprinkle the spice mix over the meat.
Add a small pat of butter along the lobster meat as well, then top with a slice of lemon.
2 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Lemon
Pour the water into the bottom of the Instant Pot, then close the lid and pressure cook for 1 minute.
1 cup Water
Once the time is up, use Quick Pressure Release to quick release all pressure. Be careful and use an oven mitt or dishcloth to release the pressure.
Remove the lid, but leave the lobster tails inside. Let rest in the pot for 10 minutes. This is a very important step, so don't skip it!
Using tongs, remove the lobster tails from the pot. Serve with additional melted butter (or my favorite, garlic butter!) and enjoy!

Make sure not to overcook the lobster! The instant it gets too cooked, lobster can get tough and stringy. Only pressure cook it for one minute!

You can add extra flavor by topping the lobster tails with fresh herbs before cooking them!

If you don't want to serve these lobster tails plain, you can use this recipe to perfectly prepare cooked meat for lobster rolls, pasta, salad, sandwiches, and more!