Air-Fried Lamb Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Lamb chops are a delicious meal, but they can be time-consuming to prepare and cook. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick and easy way to cook lamb chops, and they turn out tender and juicy every time. With an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked lamb chops on your table in less than 15 minutes. This method is also healthier than traditional frying or baking, as it requires less oil to keep the meat juicy. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook lamb chops in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best results.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

Marinating lamb chops before air frying is a great way to infuse flavour into the meat. The lamb chops can be marinated for as little as an hour or up to five hours. The marinade typically consists of olive oil, herbs, spices, and an acid like red wine vinegar.

To make the marinade, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add red wine vinegar to this mixture, or sprinkle it over the lamb chops before adding the other ingredients. Rub the marinade into the lamb chops, ensuring they are well coated, then cover and chill for an hour or more.

For the herbs, fresh rosemary and thyme are a popular combination, but dried oregano can also be used. If using fresh rosemary, it is recommended to grind it first, to avoid biting into a stalk. For the garlic, freshly minced is preferred, but jarred garlic or garlic powder can also be used. It is also important to pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel before applying the marinade, as this will help the oil and seasonings coat the meat better.

After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 204 degrees Celsius. You can then add the lamb chops to the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The ideal cooking time will depend on how well-done you want the lamb chops to be, and a meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the chops should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while well-done chops will be above 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for lamb chops in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. As per the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F/62°C for medium-rare. If you prefer your lamb more done than that, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For a single side, the cooking time is between 3 and 5 minutes. Then, flip the lamb chops and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This will take a total of 7 to 9 minutes. If you want to cook them for longer, the chops will become well done at 165°F and will take 12 minutes.

It is recommended to let the lamb chops rest for about 3 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This will allow the juices and flavors to settle, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

To ensure the lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. At 120°F, the chops will be rare, 130°F is medium, and 145°F and above is well done.

When cooking lamb chops in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer with some space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking. If needed, cook the chops in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Meat thermometer usage

Cooking lamb chops in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that yields perfectly cooked meat. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air cooks food evenly and quickly, resulting in tender and juicy lamb chops with a crispy exterior.

To ensure uniform cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and allow sufficient space for the air to circulate. If you're cooking a large batch, consider working in batches. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to verify that the chops have reached your desired level of doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone.

The ideal temperature and cooking time for lamb chops depend on the level of doneness you want. As per the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F for medium-rare. For this recipe (using 1-inch chops), this took exactly 7 minutes. For medium-rare, you're looking for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C), and for medium, aim for 145°F (63°C). This method ensures your chops are juicy and avoids the risk of overcooking.

At 120°F, the lamb chops will be rare, 130°F is medium-rare, and over 145°F is well done. When cooked past medium, the gamey flavour of the lamb becomes more pronounced. Lamb chops are fairly tender, and because we use red wine vinegar in the marinade, they don't need to be prepped too far ahead of time.

Remember to preheat your air fryer, arrange the seasoned chops in a single layer, and cook them for the appropriate amount of time based on their thickness and desired doneness.

Storing and reheating

Storing your leftover lamb chops properly is essential to keeping them fresh and safe to eat. Place the chops 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 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your lamb chops again, there are several ways to reheat them while maintaining their juicy texture and flavour. You can use an air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave, but each method requires slightly different steps.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 370°F. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying them lightly with cooking spray if desired. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, checking the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F.

For the oven, place the lamb chops on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes for chops, and 15-20 minutes for a rack or leg of lamb. Again, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F.

When reheating lamb chops on the stovetop, cook them quickly to prevent overcooking. You can also add a little broth, water, or sauce to keep them moist.

While you can use a microwave to reheat lamb chops, it's easy to overcook them, which can make the meat dry. Place the chops in a microwave-safe container, cover with a lid, and microwave on 50% power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through. Allow the chops to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to ensure they're cooked gently.

Side dishes and sauces

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces.

Side dishes

You can serve lamb chops with a variety of vegetables, such as mashed potatoes and your favourite vegetables, or simply roasted vegetables. Baking potatoes in an air fryer is also an option, as it can achieve a crisp skin with a fluffy centre.

Sauces

A homemade chimichurri sauce is a popular choice to accompany lamb chops cooked in an air fryer. You can also try a marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, rosemary, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can combine oil and butter to keep the chops juicy and tender, opting for unsalted butter as salt will already be added to the dish.

Frequently asked questions