Air-Fryer Lamb Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are tender, juicy, and delicious. They are also quick and easy to make, taking between 7 to 10 minutes to cook. The chops can be marinated in olive oil, butter, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavour and are best cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lamb chops are a great option for a special meal and can be served with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are juicy, tender, and flavourful. The marinade and cooking time may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the lamb chops. Lamb chops can be marinated for a short period, as the tender chop meat doesn't need long to soak up the flavour.

• Olive oil: Use olive oil to rub over the lamb chops or to mix with other ingredients to make a marinade. One tablespoon of olive oil is enough for coating the chops. However, if you want to make a marinade, use a quarter of a cup.
• Butter: A combination of oil and butter keeps the chops juicy in the middle and tender on the outside. It is recommended to use unsalted butter.
• Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar is used in the marinade to make the lamb chops tender. However, it is recommended not to marinate the chops for longer than five hours, as the acid can start to break down the fibres, making the lamb tough.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always preferred, but jarred garlic also works.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is a must for any lamb recipe. You can also use dried rosemary, but make sure it's ground so that you don't bite into a stalk.
• Oregano: Oregano, either fresh or dried, can be used in the marinade.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used for seasoning the lamb chops.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice can be whisked together with olive oil to make a marinade.
• Tarragon: Minced tarragon can be added to the marinade.

To prepare the lamb chops for marination, pat them dry with a paper towel and remove any excess fat or sinew. You can trim the bigger pieces of fat if you prefer your lamb chops lean. Then, place the chops in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each chop is well coated. Let the lamb chops marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes or up to five hours.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for lamb chops in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. The American Lamb Board considers a temperature of 145°F/62°C to be medium-rare for 1-inch-thick loin lamb chops. If you prefer your lamb more done than that, you can increase the cooking time accordingly.

For a medium-rare doneness, the internal temperature of the lamb chops should be 135°F. Technically, the internal temperature for medium-rare is 145°F, but the temperature will continue to rise by up to 10°F after the meat is removed from the heat. Therefore, it is recommended to pull the lamb chops out of the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 135°F.

For a medium-well doneness, the internal temperature of the lamb chops should reach 145°F.

The cooking time for lamb chops in an air fryer can range from 5 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops and the desired level of doneness. Thicker chops (about 1-1.25 inches) will cook to medium-rare in about 8 minutes, while thinner chops will only take 5-6 minutes.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F/204°C before adding the lamb chops. Once the desired temperature is reached, place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not crowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. For thicker chops, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes.

The best way to ensure that the lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.

Lamb chop cuts

Lamb chops can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The chops should be cooked in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and completely. The ideal temperature and cooking time depend on the level of doneness required. For example, at 120°F, the chops will be rare, 130°F is medium, and over 145°F is well done.

Now, let's talk about the different cuts of lamb chops:

Lamb Loin Chops

Lamb loin chops are produced from the animal's shoulder blades. They are thick, tough, and slightly fatty, but the fat is easy to trim. They are extremely tender as the loin muscle is never used, so it tastes best when grilled or pan-fried. They weigh around 5oz to 8oz each, including the bone.

Lamb Shoulder Chops

Lamb shoulder chops are made from the upper front shoulder of the lamb. They are much thicker than other varieties like rib or loin chops and are a more economical choice. The shoulder of any animal bears a lot of weight, so it is a tough cut that needs to be cooked slowly and at a low temperature.

Lamb Rib Chops

These chops are the equivalent of ribeye steak on a cow and are recognised by the long, thin rib bone. They are prized for their rich flavour and tender bite, and they are the most expensive cut on the animal. Lamb rib chops are made from the rack of lamb, which consists of the lamb's rib section. They are quite expensive.

Leg of Lamb Chops

Leg of Lamb chops will have less of a gamey flavour but are usually more expensive. This cut produces juicy, tender, and lean meat, especially when using dry heat methods like roasting.

Storing and reheating

When storing leftover lamb chops, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooked and cooled chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two to three months. Be sure to separate them with a sheet of wax paper so they don't freeze together.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, or skillet. The air fryer is the best option to prevent the lamb chops from drying out. To reheat in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and put the chops in for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. You can also cut the meat off the bones and then cut it into strips or small pieces. Lightly spray the meat with oil and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, checking and adjusting in 2-3 minute increments as needed. You can also add a bit of stock or water to help keep the meat moist.

Side dishes

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer pair well with simple sides, allowing the flavour of the lamb to stand out. Here are some side dish suggestions to accompany your air-fried lamb chops:

Air Fryer Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are a great option as they can be cooked quickly and easily in the same appliance as your lamb chops. Some suggested vegetables to try in your air fryer include:

• Potatoes: Try baking potatoes in an air fryer for a crisp skin with a fluffy centre.
• Broccoli: Air fryer broccoli is a quick and healthy side dish.
• Asparagus: Air fryer asparagus is another tasty and nutritious option.
• Carrots: Carrots cooked in an air fryer become sweet and tender and make a great side dish.

Mash and Vegetables

For a heartier meal, serve your lamb chops with a generous portion of creamy mash and your favourite vegetables. This could include roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh salad.

Homemade Chimichurri Sauce

A homemade chimichurri sauce is a great way to add extra flavour to your lamb chops. This sauce is made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, and pairs perfectly with the lamb.

Salads

A fresh salad is a great way to balance out your meal and add some extra nutrients. Try a classic garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or get creative with your favourite ingredients.

Roasted Vegetables

If you have an oven, consider roasting some vegetables to go along with your lamb chops. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets are a great option, or you could try roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower.

Frequently asked questions