Air-Fried Lamb Leg Steaks: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Lamb leg steaks cooked in an air fryer are juicy, tender, and flavourful. The air fryer cooks food like a powerful oven, producing significantly less heat and locking in flavour. The precision of the device makes cooking meat to the right temperature nearly foolproof, which is essential when preparing a delicate red meat like lamb. Lamb steaks can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, and the exact cooking time depends on how well you want your lamb cooked.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking time and temperature for lamb leg steaks in an air fryer depend on how well you want the meat to be cooked. As a general rule, medium-sized lamb steaks that are around 2-2.5 cm or 1 inch thick will take about 5 minutes to cook to a medium-rare level. If you prefer your meat more well done, you can add 2 minutes of cooking time for each additional level of doneness. For example, a medium steak may take around 7 minutes, and a well-done steak may take around 9 minutes.

It is important to note that the exact cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and your personal preference for steak doneness. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb steaks closely, especially towards the end of the cooking time.

The USDA recommends that lamb be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63°C/145°F, which is medium-rare. If you prefer your lamb cooked to medium, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F-135°F. For well-done lamb, the internal temperature should reach 140°F.

When cooking lamb in an air fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance to the desired temperature, usually between 330°F and 400°F, before adding the steaks. This ensures that the cooking time is accurate and helps to create a consistent temperature, resulting in crispy exteriors and juicy, tender interiors.

Additionally, it is worth noting that carry-over cooking occurs with lamb, and the temperature can rise by more than just 5-10 degrees, especially with thicker roasts. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the lamb from the air fryer when it reaches about 10 degrees below your target temperature and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Marinade and seasoning

Marinating lamb steaks can add flavour and help them become more tender. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper can be used, or you can get creative with herbs and spices.

For a dry rub, combine herbs, spices, salt, and pepper, and rub the mixture onto both sides of the steaks, ensuring an even coating. Leave the lamb leg steaks to rest for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can penetrate the meat.

For a marinade, you can use a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Try rosemary, thyme, paprika, or fresh mint. Mix your marinade ingredients in a small bowl and then spoon them over the lamb. Place the lamb steaks in the fridge for an hour or two to marinate, or even overnight for optimal results.

If you want to create a spicy lamb steak, you can blend your own spice paste with onion, garlic, and other Indian spices. Slash into the meat and fat to allow the marinade to penetrate, then mix well and leave to rest for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to cook, brush the lamb with a high-heat cooking oil like canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil. This will help to achieve a crispy exterior.

Tenderising the meat

Lamb leg steaks can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on how well you like your lamb cooked and the type of air fryer you are using.

To tenderise the meat, there are several techniques you can use:

Firstly, it is important to note that the density and surface area of the meat will affect the cooking process. A thicker roast, such as a lamb leg steak, will rise in temperature more than a thinner cut of meat. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the lamb from the air fryer when it reaches about 10 degrees below your target temperature to prevent overcooking. Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will give the meat time to continue cooking and ensure a more even cook. When slicing, cut against the grain in thin slices for the most tender lamb.

Secondly, for larger pieces of meat, it is recommended to wrap them in foil initially. This allows the inside of the meat to cook without the outside charring. Once the internal temperature is close to the target temperature, remove the foil and increase the heat to finish searing the outside. An instant-read thermometer is useful for checking the internal temperature and ensuring your meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is important to ensure there is enough airflow around the meat to cook it properly. Place the lamb steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each steak to allow for proper airflow. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from becoming dry or burnt.

Finally, while not necessary, marinating the lamb steaks before cooking can help to tenderise the meat and enhance its flavour. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or mint can be used. Alternatively, a dry rub of salt and pepper can be applied before cooking to add flavour and help tenderise the meat.

Resting the meat

After removing the lamb steaks from the air fryer, it is crucial to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Cover the steaks with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes, as recommended by most sources. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

The duration of the resting period depends on the size and thickness of the lamb leg steaks. For larger or thicker cuts, consider extending the resting time to 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute more effectively throughout the meat.

Additionally, the desired doneness of the lamb steaks also influences the resting time. For a well-done steak, a longer resting period of 15 minutes or more may be beneficial. This ensures that the juices are fully retained within the meat, preventing dryness.

It is important to note that the lamb steaks will continue to cook while resting due to carryover cooking. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the steaks from the air fryer when they are about 10 degrees below your desired target temperature. This ensures that the steaks reach the perfect temperature during the resting period.

Storing leftovers

It is important to store leftover lamb steaks properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to consume. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftovers:

Firstly, it is recommended to let the cooked lamb steaks rest for around 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicy and tender meat. After serving, any leftover lamb steaks should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the meat from spoiling and keeps it fresh for longer.

The ideal storage time for leftover lamb steaks is around 3 to 5 days, as advised by the USDA. This ensures the meat stays safe and fresh for consumption. It is important to use an airtight container to prevent the lamb from drying out and to maintain its flavour and texture.

When storing leftover lamb steaks, it is crucial to label the container with the date. This helps keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored and ensures they are consumed within the recommended time frame.

Additionally, it is worth noting that leftover lamb steaks can be frozen for longer-term storage. If you wish to freeze the leftovers, wrap them tightly in freezer-safe packaging or place them in a freezer-safe container. Label the package with the date, and consume the frozen leftovers within 2 to 3 months for the best quality.

To reheat the leftover lamb steaks, you can use your air fryer! Set the air fryer to 400°F/ 200°C and heat the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 74°C/ 165 °F. This will ensure the leftovers are safely reheated while maintaining their juicy texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions