Cooking Leg Of Lamb: Air Fryer Style

Cooking a leg of lamb in an air fryer is a great way to get a delicious, tender and juicy roast. The small space of the air fryer means the heat stays in contact with the meat, cooking it quickly and efficiently. You can use a variety of seasonings, including garlic, rosemary, thyme and salt, to add flavour to the lamb, and it pairs well with roasted vegetables, salad or mint sauce. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, the size of the lamb joint and how well done you like your meat, but it's important to cook lamb to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F/63°C.

Cooking time and temperature

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

Firstly, it is recommended that you take the lamb out of the refrigerator 10 to 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This will help the lamb cook more quickly and evenly.

For a rare half-leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless), it will take about 40 minutes for the lamb to roast in an air fryer at 180°C/360°F. It will be 52°C/125°F internally when it’s ready to eat. For a medium-rare cook, it will take about 45 minutes to reach 57°C/135°F internally.

If you want your lamb medium, it will take about 50 minutes to cook at 180°C/360°F to reach an internal temperature of 63°C/145°F. For well-done lamb, it will take about 55 minutes to cook at the same temperature, with the internal temperature reaching 74°C/165°F.

If you are cooking a 1kg leg of lamb, you can cook it for 10 minutes at 200°C/400°F to develop a nice crust, and then lower the heat to 180°C/360°F and continue to cook for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the core meat temperature reaches 63°C/145°F.

It is important to note that the size of your air fryer will also affect the cooking time, as smaller appliances will cook the food more quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your lamb joint fits well in the basket, with enough room between the top of the lamb and the heating element.

Additionally, the presence of a bone will impact the cooking time, with a boneless leg of lamb cooking more quickly than a bone-in leg.

To ensure your lamb is cooked to your desired doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Bone-in vs boneless

You can cook a leg of lamb in an air fryer, and it's a great way to get a juicy, tasty roast. The air fryer locks in flavour and cooks the lamb to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Now, when it comes to bone-in vs boneless, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of your air fryer will determine whether you can cook a bone-in leg of lamb. Unless you have a large air fryer, it is unlikely that a whole lamb leg with the bone in will fit. In this case, a half leg is a perfect alternative. However, if you are in a rush, a boneless leg of lamb is a more manageable option as it can be easily cut into smaller portions or steaks that fit comfortably in the air fryer. It's also worth noting that a boneless leg of lamb will cook more quickly.

If you do choose to cook a bone-in leg of lamb, it is recommended to cook it to at least medium-rare. This is because the fats and connective tissues need enough time to break down and become edible, and the meat closest to the bone needs sufficient time to cook. For a rare half-leg of lamb, it will take about 40 minutes in the air fryer, and the internal temperature should be 125°F/52°C. A medium-rare cook will take about 45 minutes, with an internal temperature of 135°F/57°C. For a medium cook, it will take about 50 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C. A well-done cook will take about 55 minutes and have an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

On the other hand, if you choose to cook a boneless leg of lamb, you can expect a faster cooking time. A 3-pound boneless leg of lamb will take about 60 minutes for medium-rare. It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of the lamb joint and the type of air fryer you use, so a digital thermometer is the best way to ensure the lamb is cooked to your liking. The USDA recommends cooking lamb until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C.

In conclusion, whether you choose bone-in or boneless, you can achieve a delicious and juicy leg of lamb in your air fryer. Just be mindful of the size of your air fryer and adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Marinade and seasoning

The versatility of lamb is well-known, and this is no different when it comes to air frying. The air fryer seals in the flavour and cooks the lamb to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender roast.

The first step is to select the herbs and spices you want to use. Fresh and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, tarragon, mint, basil, cumin, and coriander complement lamb well. You can also use garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves, onion powder, lemon zest, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.

Next, mix your chosen herbs and spices in a small bowl. If you're using dried herbs, you can add olive oil to make a paste. If you're using fresh herbs, spritzing the lamb with olive oil before applying the seasoning is a good option as it helps the herbs stick to the meat and prevents them from burning under the direct heat of the air fryer.

Now, take your lamb leg and make small slits in the skin. Push garlic slices into the slits, then rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it's evenly coated. If you have time, you can wrap the seasoned lamb in plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours or even overnight. This allows the salt and seasonings to penetrate the meat, reducing any gamey flavour and helping form a tasty crust.

When you're ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap and place the lamb in the air fryer basket, preferably on a rack or some potatoes to catch the juices. You can also add a sprig of rosemary to the bottom of the basket for extra flavour.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) or follow the specific instructions for your model. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the lamb cut, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. As a general guideline, medium-rare lamb may take approximately 12-15 minutes per side or 45 minutes in total for a half leg. However, it's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your lamb is cooked to your desired doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 63°C or 145°F for medium-rare.

Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your roast is juicy and flavourful.

Air frying a leg of lamb is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and tender roast, and with various seasoning options, you can create a unique and personalised dish.

Resting and carving

While the lamb is resting, you can make a gravy using the drippings and juices collected from the air fryer. For example, you can add some flour and water to the drippings, stirring continuously until thickened, and then season to taste. Alternatively, you can use the juices as a basis for a lamb stock or gravy, adding garlic and herbs for extra flavour.

When it comes to carving, it is important to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and even slices. For an air-fried leg of lamb, you can start by slicing the meat against the grain, which will help keep it tender. Cut the meat into your desired thickness, typically between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices. If you are serving the lamb with a sauce or gravy, you may want to make the slices slightly thicker to better absorb the flavours.

The bone-in leg of lamb can be a little more challenging to carve than a boneless one. To start, place the lamb on a cutting board with the bone side facing up. Using a sharp knife, cut the meat away from the bone by following the contour of the bone with your knife. Once you have removed the bone, you can then slice the meat as desired.

Finally, remember to let the lamb rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meat is still warm when served.

Sides and accompaniments

There are a variety of sides and accompaniments that go well with a leg of lamb cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish for lamb. You can use the air fryer to cook potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, onions, and even wedges. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, and cook them in the air fryer alongside the lamb or separately.

If you prefer something a little more creamy and indulgent, mashed potatoes are always a good option. For a healthier alternative, you could try making a potato salad or a simple green salad to accompany the lamb.

For a more exotic flavour, you could make some couscous or even a Moroccan-inspired dish with lamb. A simple couscous dish can be made by mixing cooked couscous with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a dressing of your choice. Alternatively, you can create a more substantial dish by adding cooked meat or vegetables to the couscous.

If you're looking for something a little more refreshing, a mint sauce or a chimichurri sauce can be a great accompaniment to lamb. These sauces can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, making them a convenient option.

Lastly, roasted sprouts and cauliflower are also mentioned as sides for lamb. These vegetables provide a nice contrast in flavour and texture to the juicy lamb.

Frequently asked questions