Gather all ingredients. Preheat an air fryer to 380 degrees F (195 degrees C).

Butterfly lobster tails by cutting lengthwise through the centers of the hard top shells and meat with kitchen shears. Cut to, but not through, the bottoms of the shells.

Spread tail halves apart. Place tails in the air fryer basket with lobster meat facing up.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add lemon zest and garlic; heat until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Transfer 2 tablespoons of butter mixture to a small bowl; brush this onto lobster tails. Discard any remaining brushed butter to avoid contamination from uncooked lobster. Season lobster with salt and pepper.

Cook in the preheated air fryer until lobster meat is opaque, 5 to 7 minutes.