Air-Fryer Lamb Chops: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Lamb chops are a great dish to cook in an air fryer. They're juicy, flavourful, and ready in under 15 minutes. You can marinate the lamb chops in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, or coat them in garlic and herbs for an easy, tasty dish. The air fryer ensures the lamb is tender and cooked to perfection.

What type of lamb chop should I use?

When it comes to choosing lamb chops for your air fryer, there are a few options to consider. The first is the cut of lamb. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, and rib chops are all suitable for air frying, but each offers a slightly different experience.

Lamb loin chops, as the name suggests, are taken from the loin area of the lamb, which is the same cut as a porterhouse steak or T-bone in beef. This cut is incredibly tender and offers a good amount of meat, making it a great choice for air frying.

Lamb shoulder chops are another option, but they are less tender than loin chops due to the harder-working muscles in this area. Shoulder chops are also less expensive, so they can be a good option if you're looking for a more affordable cut. However, they may require a lower heat setting and a longer cooking time to ensure they don't dry out.

Lastly, rib chops are a prized cut of lamb that comes from the rack of lamb. They are very tender and have that distinctive lollipop appearance with the bone sticking out. However, they are usually more expensive than the other options.

In addition to the cut, you'll also want to consider the thickness of the chops. Thicker chops, such as those that are 1-inch thick or more, will take longer to cook and may require a slightly different cooking method than thinner chops. For example, thicker chops may need to be cooked at a lower temperature to ensure they cook evenly throughout.

Ultimately, the best lamb chop for air frying depends on your personal preference and budget. If you're looking for a tender and flavourful option with a good amount of meat, loin chops are a great choice. If you're looking for a more affordable option and don't mind a slightly tougher texture, shoulder chops can work well. And if you're willing to splurge on a prized cut, rib chops are a delicious and tender option.

How long can I marinate the lamb?

Marinating lamb chops is a great way to impart flavour and tenderness to the meat. However, it is important to note that lamb chops are already quite tender, so they do not need to be marinated for too long.

The ideal marination time for lamb chops is around 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat without breaking down the fibres too much. If you are using an acidic marinade, such as one with lemon juice or vinegar, it is especially important not to exceed the recommended time frame, as the acid can start to "cook" the meat and make it tough if left too long.

If you are looking to prep the lamb chops ahead of time, a good alternative is to make the marinade separately and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This way, you can still achieve flavourful lamb chops without compromising their texture.

Additionally, bringing the lamb chops to room temperature before marinating them will result in a juicier outcome, as room temperature meat tends to cook more evenly.

Tips for the best-tasting air-fried lamb chops

Air-fried lamb chops are a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in less than 15 minutes. Here are some tips to ensure your lamb chops are juicy and tender:

Choose the Right Cut of Lamb

Select thicker cuts of lamb with the bone intact. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops are all good options, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted. For example, lamb loin chops may take a couple of minutes longer to cook than rib chops.

Prepare the Lamb Chops

Before seasoning, pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and remove any excess fat or sinew. This will help ensure even cooking and a juicy end result.

Marinade

While not necessary, marinating your lamb chops can add extra flavour and tenderness. A simple marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, rosemary, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper can be rubbed into the meat and left to chill for up to an hour. However, avoid marinating for longer than five hours, as the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the meat fibres and make the lamb tough.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to get a nice crust on the meat. If you do preheat, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for air-fried lamb chops will depend on the level of doneness you prefer. As a guide:

• Rare: 120°F
• Medium-Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium-Well: 150°F
• Well Done: 160°F

It is recommended to avoid cooking lamb chops past medium, as they may develop a gamey flavour. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your lamb chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Rest the Meat

After air frying, let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.

Sides and Sauces

Air-fried lamb chops can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted or air-fried vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salads. While the chops are flavourful on their own, you can also serve them with a sauce such as chimichurri or tzatziki for an extra touch of flavour.

What to serve with this air fryer lamb chop recipe

There are a variety of side dishes that can accompany air fryer lamb chops. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetable Sides

• Air fryer vegetables: Brussels sprouts, buffalo cauliflower, carrots, or baked potato
• Roasted vegetables: Cauliflower, asparagus, or broccolini
• Sauteed vegetables: Green bean almondine or cauliflower rice
• Salads: Caprese salad or broccoli slaw

Starch Sides

Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or fried potatoes

Other Sides

• Soups: Cauliflower or vegetable soup
• Sauces: Chimichurri or tzatziki sauce

How to make lamb chops in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Lamb chops (thicker chops are preferable)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Red wine vinegar (optional)
• Oregano (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Thyme (optional)

Method

• Prepare the lamb chops by patting them dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat.
• Combine the lamb chops with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and any other optional ingredients in a bowl. Rub the marinade into the meat. Cover and chill for up to 1 hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 190°C/370°F-400°F.
• Add the lamb chops to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry for 6-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the chops. For medium-rare lamb chops, cook until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F-145°F.
• Let the lamb rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• It is recommended to cook lamb chops to medium-rare to avoid any gamey flavour.
• If you are using a marinade with lemon juice or vinegar, do not marinate the lamb chops for longer than 1 hour, as the acid can start to break down the meat and make it tough.
• Bring the lamb to room temperature before marinating for a juicier outcome.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavour.

Frequently asked questions