Instant Pot Lobster Tails are such a treat! Try cooking your lobster tails from fresh or frozen in the Instant Pot for an easy indulgence.

Instant Pot lobster tails are the perfect mix of elegance and simplicity. They’re a splurge, no doubt, but 100% worth it!

And while they do require some attention to cook to perfection, there’s no reason that even a beginner should fear them.

Where to buy lobster tails

While fresh lobster right off the boat is undeniably the best option, most of us don’t have that option.

Frozen lobster is usually flash frozen immediately, thereby preserving the freshness of the fist. It takes about 12 hours in the fridge to thaw, after which it’s ready to prepare!

I like to get lobster from my local butcher—it’s sold in single serve portions that are a lot more affordable than some of the bulk options available elsewhere.

If you’re okay with an investment, though, Costco usually sells big packs of lobster tails at a great price!

And of course, you can almost always purchase lobster tails right at the seafood counter of your local grocery store.

a single lobster tail with lemon, dill, and old bay seasoning

How to cook lobster tails in an Instant Pot

Let me share one thing that I never want to try: boiling lobster.

I know that there’s a technique to it and all that, but it just feels so much easier to make lobster tails right in my Instant Pot.

In my opinion, it’s by far the best way to cook lobster tail. Personally, I prefer to use my 6 quart Instant Pot because it gives me the perfect amount of space for four servings.

How to cook frozen lobster tails

If you’re using frozen lobster tails, you’ll cook them almost exactly the same way as fresh tails.

There’s one additional step: put them into the fridge to defrost for about 12 hours (I like to defrost them overnight).

While you can cook them frozen, the prep work will be a lot harder if the lobsters are not already cut for you.

To cook frozen lobsters, pressure cook them just as directed in the instructions for this recipe. You’ll then pull them out of the shell after cooking.

Instant Pot lobster tails with butter and lemon

How to prep lobster tails

At this point, if you decided to use frozen tails, they should be thawed.

Using a pair of kitchen shears, you’ll cut down the whole center of the tail, crack it open, and pop up the meat underneath—don’t remove the meat entirely (it should still be connected to the shell), but make sure it’s far enough out that you can season it generously.

Old Bay seasoning is your best friend for these tails: it’s a classic flavor profile, and it never gets old. Sprinkle it on generously.

Next, add water to your instant pot with the trivet, garlic, and salt. Place the lobster tails onto the trivet, and your prep work is done!

How long to boil lobster tails

Trick question! This is something that people ask me a lot, but it’s actually a completely unnecessary step with the Instant Pot.

Rather than boiling these tails, we’ll be steaming them.

Read on for a breakdown of the cooking process.

How long to steam lobster tails in an Instant Pot

This is a delicate process, but don’t be intimidated! Lobster is an extremely delicate meat that doesn’t need a lot of cooking. Over-cooking lobster will make it dry and rubbery.

Start by setting the Pressure Cook button to zero minutes and adjusting your Instant Pot to low pressure. When the timer beeps, turn the knob from sealing to venting, then remove the lid.

Using a thermometer, take the internal temperature of the lobster by placing the thermometer in the thickest part of the lobster.

It should be at or above 140ºF. If it is a little under, replace the lid (the knob can be on venting or sealing) and wait 2 minutes before checking again.

Lobster is extremely delicate and easy to overcook, so don’t let it sit too long!

How to serve Instant Pot lobster tails

Once your lobsters reach 140ºF, remove them to a plate and top them with fresh parsley. Serve them with clarified butter, fresh lemon, and some high quality sea salt.

Seaworthy Sides