Air-Fried Lamb Joint: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook a lamb joint, resulting in a beautifully browned and succulent piece of meat. The air fryer locks in flavour and ensures the lamb is moist and tender on the inside with a lovely crust on the outside. It is also more energy-efficient than an oven, making it a more economical option. However, it is important to ensure the lamb joint fits in the basket of your air fryer and to cook it to temperature rather than time, using a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your liking.

Choosing the right cut of lamb

When choosing a lamb joint to cook in your air fryer, it is important to pick a cut that fits in the basket of your air fryer. A half leg joint is a good option, as are butterflied leg or boneless shoulder cuts. If you opt for a butterflied leg, you will need to reduce the cooking time, as this cut cooks faster than other leg joints.

Lamb chops are another great option for air frying, as they cook much quicker than larger cuts of lamb. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops are all good choices, but thicker cuts with the bone intact will require a slightly longer cooking time. If you want to reduce the gaminess of the lamb, choose lamb leg chops, but be aware that they are usually more expensive.

If you are cooking for a larger group, a 5-7 pound leg of lamb is a good option, and it can be cooked in the air fryer in about 40 minutes. This is a much quicker recipe than slow-roasting the leg of lamb in the oven, which can take over an hour.

When preparing your lamb joint for the air fryer, it is important to let it come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help it cook more quickly and evenly. You can also cut slits into the skin and insert small garlic cloves for added flavor.

Preparing the lamb

Next, make small incisions all over the lamb using a sharp knife. In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings for the lamb. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Olive oil is also commonly used. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, making sure to get it into the incisions.

At this point, you can choose to add some potatoes to the air fryer as well. Cut the potatoes into thick wedges and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic granules. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, toss to combine, and then transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket.

Finally, place the lamb in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits well without sticking up too much. If your lamb has skin, it is recommended to cook it with the skin on to keep the meat moist. However, you can remove the skin to reduce the fat content.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a lamb joint in an air fryer will depend on the size of the lamb joint, the type of air fryer used, and how well-done you want the lamb to be.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the lamb joint fits in the basket of your air fryer. It is recommended to leave the lamb out at room temperature for around 30 minutes before air frying, as this will help it cook more quickly and evenly.

One source recommends cooking a 5-7 pound leg of lamb in an air fryer for 40 minutes in total, which is significantly less time than it would take to slow-roast the lamb in an oven. However, another source suggests that the same weight of lamb would take around 40 minutes per pound to cook, which would mean a total cooking time of 200-280 minutes.

Another source recommends cooking a half leg of lamb at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes to develop a nice crust, then lowering the heat to 180°C (360°F) and cooking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the core meat temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. This source also notes that the cooking time will depend on the size of the lamb joint and the type of air fryer used, and recommends using a digital thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your liking.

To achieve a medium-rare lamb joint, one source suggests cooking the lamb to an internal temperature of 55°C, while another source recommends cooking to an internal temperature of 135-140°F and letting it rest for 10-15 minutes. For a medium lamb joint, it is recommended to cook to an internal temperature of 60°C or 145°F/63°C.

It is important to note that the USDA recommends eating lamb (especially if it has a bone) when it is cooked to medium or above. Additionally, overcooking lamb can make it dry and crusty, so it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the lamb and avoid overcooking.

Resting the lamb

The time required for resting lamb depends on its size. A large roast, such as a leg of lamb, should rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving. Smaller cuts, like cutlets and chops, require less resting time, typically around 5 minutes. As a general guideline, it is recommended to rest the lamb for 1 minute per 100g or 10 minutes per kilogram.

It is essential to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the lamb and avoid overcooking. The ideal internal temperature for lamb varies depending on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 55°C, while 60°C is recommended for a medium cook. If you prefer your lamb well-done, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F to 140°F and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the residual heat will continue to cook the lamb slightly during the resting period.

Additionally, bringing the lamb to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more quickly and evenly. This step also applies to other meats, such as steak, pork, and poultry. Allowing the meat to rest after cooking ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving your air-fried lamb joint, there are several options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables

Pairing your lamb joint with roasted vegetables is a great way to create a well-rounded and nutritious meal. You can cook the vegetables in your air fryer simultaneously as your lamb, saving time and effort. Potatoes are a popular choice, and thick wedges or chunks seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic granules will complement your lamb joint perfectly. For added flavour, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your potatoes before cooking. Carrots are another vegetable option that goes well with lamb.

Salad

A simple salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the lamb joint. Opt for a mix of fresh greens and vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. You can also add some feta cheese or nuts for extra flavour and texture.

Mint Sauce

For a traditional touch, serve your lamb joint with mint sauce. This combination is classic for a reason—the cool, refreshing mint sauce balances the richness of the lamb.

Gravy

If you're looking for a hearty, comforting option, consider making a simple gravy to accompany your lamb joint. You can use the pan drippings from cooking your lamb to create a flavourful gravy. Simply deglaze your air fryer basket with a little water or broth, transfer the liquid to a saucepan, and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry until you reach your desired consistency.

Leftovers

Don't forget that any leftovers from your lamb joint can be used to create new dishes. Cook up the leftover lamb with some gravy for a luscious shepherd's pie, or get creative and experiment with other recipes.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can customise your serving options based on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and ingredients to find your perfect lamb joint meal!

Frequently asked questions