Air-Frying Lamb Shanks: Is It Possible?

Lamb shanks are a delicious, tender, and flavourful dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is a convenient and effective way to cook lamb shanks, infusing them with seasoning and ensuring they are cooked to perfection. With a variety of seasoning options, side dishes, and cooking methods, this is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste. Whether you're feeding a large group or simply enjoying a hearty meal, air-fried lamb shanks are a great option.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for lamb shanks in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size of the lamb shanks, the desired doneness, and the specific air fryer model being used. Here is a step-by-step guide for cooking lamb shanks in an air fryer, along with estimated cooking times and temperatures:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. If you are cooking frozen lamb shanks, you can skip the preheating step. For fresh lamb shanks, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Seasoning the Lamb Shanks:

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the lamb shanks by rubbing them with olive oil and seasoning them generously with herbs, salt, and pepper. Ensure that you cover all sides of the lamb shanks, pressing the seasonings firmly into the meat. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, and garlic are excellent choices for lamb. You can also add smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Initial Cooking:

Place the seasoned lamb shanks into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around each shank for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 30-40 minutes.

Adding Liquid and Adjusting Temperature:

After the initial cooking period, reduce the air fryer's temperature to 300°F (150°C) and add chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water to the air fryer. The liquid is crucial as it creates steam, keeping the meat moist and tender. Cook the lamb shanks for an additional 40-50 minutes at this lower temperature. Remember to turn the lamb shanks gently halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if the lamb shanks are done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat. The USDA recommends that lamb be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. If the meat doesn't reach the desired temperature, continue cooking in 3-minute intervals until it does.

Resting the Meat:

Once the lamb shanks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. During this time, the meat will continue to cook slightly from residual heat, and the juices will redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.

Adjustments for Different Air Fryers:

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, monitoring the internal temperature of the lamb shanks to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness.

Seasoning and spices

Lamb shanks are the meaty hind leg of a lamb cut into one or two pieces. They are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and can be cooked in various ways. When it comes to seasoning and spices, there are many combinations to try.

A classic combination of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, and garlic creates a flavour profile that complements the rich taste of lamb. Smoked paprika adds depth to the dish, while chicken stock keeps the meat moist and succulent. You can also try adding onion powder, cayenne, mustard powder, or cumin.

For a Middle Eastern twist, you can season the lamb shanks with Za'atar, Baharat, or Aleppo Pepper. These spices will add a unique and authentic flavour to the dish.

When seasoning the lamb shanks, be generous and make sure to cover all sides of the meat, including the ends. Press the seasonings firmly into the meat to ensure the flavours really infuse. If you notice any spots where the olive oil hasn't helped the seasonings stick, add a little more oil.

You can also experiment with adding wine to the chicken stock for a deeper, more robust flavour. Alternatively, substitute some of the olive oil in the marinade with red wine for a similar effect.

What to cook with lamb shanks

Lamb shanks are large pieces of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer to achieve a juicy and tender texture. The air fryer's unique cooking method, combined with the use of chicken stock, creates incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.

To cook lamb shanks in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Then, rub the lamb shanks with olive oil and season them with salt, black pepper, Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, garlic, and smoked paprika. Place the seasoned lamb shanks into the air fryer and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. After this initial cooking period, turn the air fryer down to 150°C (300°F) and add the chicken stock. Cook the lamb shanks for another hour, turning them halfway through.

To enhance the flavor and moisture of the dish, you can add red or white wine to the chicken stock. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs. For a thicker gravy, you can use cornstarch and water, or opt for a quick gravy mixture.

Lamb shanks pair well with various side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Mashed cauliflower for a healthier option
• Roast vegetables such as bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes
• Steak fries or Tater Tots
• Cauliflower cheese or creamed spinach
• Couscous

How to store lamb shanks

Lamb shanks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days if placed in an airtight container. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Before storing lamb shanks, it is important to prepare them properly. Start by rinsing the lamb shanks under cold water to remove any unwanted debris and excess moisture. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.

You can choose to marinate the lamb shanks to enhance their flavor. A simple marinade can be made using olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest. You can also add a pinch of paprika or cumin to infuse the lamb shanks with a hint of smokiness or earthiness. Once you have prepared your marinade, allow the shanks to marinate in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

After marinating, remember to season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper before placing them in the airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook lamb shanks from frozen in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure you have the right-sized air fryer for the number of lamb shanks you wish to cook. If you're cooking for more people, consider adding extra lamb shanks; however, you may need a larger air fryer. The cooking time will also vary depending on the size of your lamb shanks, so keep that in mind.

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your lamb shanks by seasoning them generously with your chosen herbs and spices. Fresh or dried herbs can be used, but if using fresh, it is recommended to double the amount. Some suggested seasonings include mint, coriander, thyme, onion powder, cayenne, mustard powder, paprika, or cumin. You can also add red or white wine to the chicken stock for extra flavour.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the lamb shanks inside, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the timer for 20 minutes for every pound of lamb. For example, if you're cooking a 1-pound lamb shank, set the timer for 20 minutes. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your lamb shanks and your desired doneness.

You can also add vegetables to cook alongside the lamb shanks. Potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes are all great options. However, depending on the vegetable, you might need to add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

When the timer goes off, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb shanks. The safe minimum internal temperature for lamb is 145°F (63°C). If the lamb hasn't reached this temperature, put it back in the air fryer and cook in 5-minute increments until it reaches the desired doneness.

Once the lamb shanks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite. While the lamb is resting, you can use the juices and fluids collected in the air fryer to make a delicious, flavoursome gravy. Simply thicken the juices with a mixture of cornstarch and water, or use a quick gravy mix.

Serve the lamb shanks with the gravy and your chosen vegetables. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions