Air-Fried Lamb Roast: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Cooking a lamb roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. With a simple rub of herbs and oil, the lamb is ready to go into the air fryer, where it cooks to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. The air fryer's small space means the heat stays in contact with the meat, cooking it more quickly and making the lamb crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a lamb roast in an air fryer depend on the size of the lamb joint, the type of air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. It's important to preheat the air fryer and let the roast come to room temperature before cooking.

For a rare half-leg of lamb (bone-in), cook for about 40 minutes at 125°F/52°C. For a medium-rare half-leg, it will take about 45 minutes to reach 135°F/57°C. A medium half-leg will take about 50 minutes to cook to 145°F/63°C. Well-done lamb is achieved at temperatures of 165°F/74°C and will take about 55 minutes.

As a rule of thumb, you can estimate cooking times as 10 minutes per pound (or 450g) for rare, then add five minutes for each additional level of doneness. For example, a medium-rare lamb roast would take 15 minutes per pound. However, it's important to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb with a meat thermometer and adjust cooking times accordingly.

For boneless lamb roasts, cooking times will be shorter. One source recommends cooking a 3-pound boneless leg of lamb at 360°F/180°C for 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Another source suggests cooking a boneless lamb roast at the same temperature for 20 minutes or until done to your liking.

It's worth noting that some air fryers, like the Ninja model, may run hotter than others, so adjustments may be needed. Additionally, the size of the air fryer can affect cooking time, with smaller appliances cooking food more quickly.

Marinades and seasonings

One popular option is to use garlic and herbs. To prepare this, mix together minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic slivers and rub the lamb with spices to create a juicy and tender leg of lamb. Make small incisions all over the lamb and rub the mixture into these incisions for extra flavour. You can also add some butter to the lamb while it cooks, which will create a juicy texture as it soaks into the meat.

Another option is to marinate the lamb in red wine vinegar and herbs. Combine the lamb with olive oil, red wine vinegar, rosemary, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This marinade only needs an hour to work its magic, but you can leave it for up to five hours if you want a more intense flavour. However, be careful not to leave it for too long, as the acid in the vinegar can break down the fibres of the meat and make it tough.

If you're short on time, a simple rub of herbs and oil can also do the trick. Fresh rosemary and thyme are a great combination, but you can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and you're good to go!

Remember, the beauty of cooking lamb in an air fryer is that you can adjust the flavours and ingredients to your liking. So, feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and seasonings to find your perfect roast lamb marinade or seasoning blend.

Sides and accompaniments

A traditional roast lamb dinner typically includes crispy roasted potatoes, fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and rich brown gravy. You can also serve roast lamb with a salad, or in wraps or pita bread drizzled with garlic yoghurt or tzatziki for a Greek-inspired flavour.

For a simple dressing, make a British-style mint sauce by mixing finely chopped fresh mint leaves with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of vinegar.

If you are watching your carbs, you can substitute potatoes with turnips.

For a keto diet, you can serve the roast lamb with sides like cauliflower au gratin or scalloped turnips.

• 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 little lemon juice and toss to combine, then transfer to the basket of your air fryer.
• Use 6 medium potatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

Resting and serving

While the lamb is resting, you can prepare any side dishes and the gravy. Simple side dishes like roasted vegetables or potatoes can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the lamb. For a more complete meal, serve the lamb with a gravy made from the pan drippings. To make the gravy, deglaze the air fryer basket with a little water or broth, then transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry until you reach the desired consistency.

After resting, carve the lamb against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve the juicy, tender lamb roast with your chosen sides and gravy. Enjoy the delicious flavours and textures of your air-fried lamb roast!

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Firstly, take the lamb out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step is important as it helps the lamb cook more evenly. During this time, preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply set it to ''air fry' or ''roast' for around 3 to 5 minutes.

Preparing the Lamb:

For seasoning, you can use a combination of herbs, spices, and garlic. Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper are popular choices. Mix these ingredients together with some olive oil and rub the mixture generously over the lamb. You can also make small incisions in the lamb and stuff them with garlic slivers to infuse more flavour into the meat. If you're using a boneless leg of lamb, you may want to keep any netting in place to help the roast hold its shape during cooking.

Cooking the Lamb:

Place the seasoned lamb in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking potatoes and other vegetables alongside the lamb, arrange them around the lamb in a single layer. Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F or 180°C. The cooking time will depend on the size of the lamb joint and your desired doneness. As a rule of thumb, for medium-rare lamb, cook for about 20 to 30 minutes. For a 3-pound boneless leg of lamb, this should take around 30 minutes. If you prefer your lamb well done, you can cook it for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Checking Doneness:

The best way to check if your lamb is cooked to your liking is by using a digital meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the joint, avoiding any bones. For medium-rare lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C). For well-done lamb, target a temperature of 165°F to 176°F (74°C to 80°C).

Resting and Serving:

Once the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast. You can serve the lamb with crispy roasted potatoes and your choice of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or turnips. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer lamb roast!

Frequently asked questions