Air-Fried Lamb: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of dishes, and many people are curious about their versatility in cooking different types of meat. Lamb is a popular choice of meat for many, and it is possible to cook it in an air fryer. In fact, cooking lamb in an air fryer can yield delicious results, with the meat turning out tender, juicy, and flavourful. The air fryer is capable of producing a nice crust on the outside of the lamb while keeping it succulent and moist on the inside.

Best cuts of lamb for air frying

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be cooked in many ways, including frying, grilling, and griddling. When it comes to air frying lamb, there are several cuts that work well and deliver delicious results. Here are some of the best cuts of lamb for air frying:

Lamb Chops

Lamb chops are an excellent choice for air frying. They are tender and juicy, with a slightly gamey and grassy flavour. Lamb chops cook quickly in the air fryer, taking around 7 to 9 minutes to reach the desired doneness. It is recommended to choose thicker cuts of lamb chops with the bone intact, such as lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops. These cuts may require a slightly longer cooking time, by about 2 minutes.

Leg Steaks

Leg steaks come from the leaner parts of the lamb and can be a little tough if overcooked. However, when cooked properly, they have a terrific flavour. It is important not to overcook leg steaks and to let the meat rest before serving to ensure optimal tenderness.

Butterflied Leg

A butterflied leg is a great option for air frying, but it may require a larger air fryer basket or an alternative cooking method like a barbecue. A butterflied leg is best cooked over indirect medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.

Neck Fillets

Neck fillets are boneless and can be a bit fatty, but they are full of flavour. They are ideal for fast cooking methods, including air frying, and can also be used for kebabs or escalopes. Neck fillets are versatile and can be slow-cooked as well.

Lamb Cutlets

Lamb cutlets are small, tender cuts that are best enjoyed when still slightly pink in the centre. They lack fat, so it is important not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

When air frying lamb, it is essential to consider the desired level of doneness. An instant-read thermometer can help you achieve the perfect temperature, with medium-rare lamb chops reaching 145°F and well-done chops reaching 165°F. Additionally, marinating the lamb in a mixture of olive oil, butter, garlic, and herbs can enhance its flavour and juiciness.

Marinades and rubs

Lamb cooked in an air fryer is juicy, tender, and flavourful, with a nice crust on the outside. The air fryer locks in the flavour and cooks the lamb to perfection.

There are many different marinade and rub options for lamb cooked in an air fryer. The first step is to choose your seasonings. Fresh rosemary is a must for lamb, but dried rosemary will also work. You can also use fresh thyme, dried thyme, fresh tarragon, dried tarragon, or fresh mint. For a zestier kick, add some Dijon mustard to the marinade.

Next, you'll need to choose an oil. Olive oil is a good option, as it helps the flavours penetrate the meat and helps everything adhere to the lamb. It also acts as a non-stick agent in the air fryer, which needs a small amount of oil to get a nice outer crust. You can also use butter to keep the lamb juicy in the middle and tender on the outside. Opt for unsalted butter, as you'll be adding salt.

For your aromatics, freshly minced garlic is always preferred, but jarred or powdered garlic will also work. You can also add red wine vinegar to your marinade, but be aware that if you leave the lamb in this marinade for longer than five hours, the acid can start to break down the fibres too much and your lamb can become tough.

Finally, add salt and pepper. It's important to only add these seasonings right before cooking the lamb, as salt starts the cooking process immediately, and you don't want tough lamb chops.

Once you've assembled your ingredients, whisk them together in a large bowl. Then, rub the mixture all over the lamb, making small incisions in the meat first to really get the marinade into the lamb. Cover and chill the lamb for up to an hour before cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for lamb in an air fryer depend on the type of lamb joint or cut, the size of the joint or cut, the desired level of doneness, and the type of air fryer being used.

For a half leg of lamb, preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place the lamb in the air fryer basket and roast for 40 minutes, turning over halfway through. Then, add the cubed potatoes into the air fryer basket and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon juice. Unwrap the lamb and place it back in the basket, roasting for another 30 minutes or until the lamb is cooked to your liking. The ideal temperature for medium-rare is 70-75°C (157-167°F), while well-done is approximately 75-80°C (167-176°F).

For lamb chops, preheat the air fryer to 190°C (370°F) or 400°F. Pat the lamb chops dry and cut off any excess fat or sinew. Add the lamb chops to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or about 7 minutes in total. The chops are medium-rare at 145°F and 7-8 minutes, medium at 150°F and 8-9 minutes, and well-done at 165°F and 12 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary based on individual preferences and the specific air fryer being used. To ensure the desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb.

How to get a crispy exterior

To get a crispy exterior on your lamb, you need to ensure a good sear. This can be achieved by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you want. As a guide, for medium-rare chops, you should air fry at 190C/370F for 7 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145F. For a well-done chop, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, and the internal temperature to 165F.

To get a good crust, you can also use a combination of oil and butter to keep the chops juicy in the middle and tender on the outside. Olive oil is a good option, as it will help the flavours to penetrate the meat, and will act as a non-stick agent in the air fryer. You can also use a marinade to add flavour and moisture to the lamb. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. You can also add red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder to your marinade. Leave the lamb to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 5 hours, as the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the fibres in the meat, making it tough.

If you want to add some zest to your marinade, you could add some Dijon mustard. You can also use fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, tarragon, or mint. If you don't have access to fresh, minced garlic, you can use jarred or powdered garlic.

Serving suggestions and sides

Lamb cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some suggestions:

Sides

• Potatoes – You can cook potato wedges or chunks in the air fryer at the same time as the lamb. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic granules. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
• Vegetables – Air-fried lamb can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as oven-roasted asparagus, or a salad.
• Rice – Consider serving the lamb with a side of rice, such as a pilaf or biryani, for a filling and flavorful dish.
• Bread – Lamb can be served with a variety of breads, such as pita, naan, or a crusty loaf, to soak up any juices or sauces.

Sauces

• Gravy – You can make a simple gravy using the pan drippings from the lamb. Deglaze the air fryer basket with a little water or broth, then transfer the liquid to a saucepan and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
• Chimichurri – A fresh and flavorful sauce made with herbs, garlic, and olive oil that pairs well with lamb.
• Mint Sauce – A traditional condiment for lamb, mint sauce can be made with fresh mint, vinegar, and sugar.
• Mustard – A strong and zesty condiment, such as Dijon mustard, can be served alongside the lamb or added to a marinade.

Frequently asked questions