Air-Fried Lamb Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Lamb ribs are a popular choice for grilling, roasting, and braising, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Lamb ribs can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways and are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. They are also said to be tender, juicy, and flavorful. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 25-30 minutes to cook lamb ribs in an air fryer. Some recipes recommend marinating the lamb ribs before cooking, which can enhance their flavor.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for lamb ribs in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the ribs, the model of the air fryer, and your preferred level of doneness.

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs. If you are cooking a large rack of lamb ribs, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. It is also recommended to leave some space between each rib so that air can circulate properly.

Most sources recommend cooking lamb ribs in an air fryer at a temperature between 360-400 °F (180-200 °C) for 25-30 minutes. However, one source suggests cooking at 375 °F for a total of 25-30 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 390 °F for a total of 30 minutes. It is worth noting that the cooking time includes the time for turning the ribs halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For medium-rare lamb ribs, it is recommended to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 135 °F. For medium doneness, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 °F. To achieve this, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that marinating the lamb ribs before cooking can enhance their flavor. Marinating times can vary from one hour to overnight, depending on your preference.

Marinating the meat

To marinate the lamb ribs, start by removing the membrane from the meat. This will help the meat cook faster and fit better in the air fryer. Dry the outside of the meat with paper towels. Next, prepare the marinade. A simple marinade can be made by mixing oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can also be added for extra flavour and aroma. If desired, a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can be added to the mixture. It is important to choose an oil that complements the chosen flavourings. For example, garlic, salt, and rosemary can be paired with olive oil, while sea salt and black pepper can be paired with vegetable oil. Once the marinade is prepared, rub it onto the lamb ribs, ensuring that all sides are coated.

Place the marinated lamb ribs in the refrigerator and leave them to marinate for the desired amount of time. If the ribs are marinated for longer than an hour, they will become even more flavourful. After marinating, the ribs can be placed directly into the air fryer basket without any additional preparation.

Seasoning

Another option is to marinate the lamb ribs by coating them with your chosen seasoning and leaving them to rest for at least an hour or even overnight. This process allows the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in juicy and tender lamb ribs with a flavourful crust. If you have the time, marinating the lamb ribs is an excellent way to take your dish to the next level.

When it comes to specific seasoning combinations, you can experiment with various ingredients. For instance, you can combine cumin, coriander, pepper, salt, lemon juice, vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar for a savoury blend. Alternatively, you can create a spicy blend by adding cumin powder, thyme, ground red peppers, black pepper powder, and a pinch of citric acid.

The versatility of lamb ribs allows you to customise the seasoning to your preference. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning used based on your desired coating level. Whether you prefer a light coating or a generous layer of seasoning, the choice is yours.

Lastly, don't forget to dry the lamb ribs with paper towels before applying the seasoning. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres well to the meat and helps create a delicious crust during the air-frying process.

Meat cut

Lamb ribs are fatty and need to be cooked longer to render the fat. You can ask your butcher to separate the ribs to ensure quicker cooking time. A rack of lamb typically consists of eight rib chops, which are well-marbled and juicy. The primal cuts of the lamb carcass are the basic cuts separated from the carcass during butchering.

The forequarter chop is prepared from the side of the lamb and includes the neck, shank, and shoulder rack. This economical cut is best slow-cooked using either a moist method, such as braising or stewing, or by slow roasting. Forequarter chops are the largest lamb chops available. The rack contains rib bones, backbone, and the thick, meaty rib eye muscle.

You can also order a rib saddle, which is a rib cage from the spine halfway down the side, including the ribeye. The next best thing to cooking a whole lamb is a rib saddle. Some butchers sell the front seven ribs in a slab with the loin muscle removed. There is not much meat on them and a lot of fat.

As with beef, the best cuts are from the back of the animal. This is a section of eight ribs with the loin meat attached, the same cut as bone-in prime rib of beef or pork crown roast. Only lamb loins are much narrower in diameter. The meat is heavenly. Cut between the ribs for lollipop-like chops.

Reheating and storing

Lamb ribs cooked in an air fryer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To store them, let the ribs cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.

When you're ready to reheat your lamb ribs, the air fryer is an excellent method to use. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C) and reheat the ribs for about 5 to 10 minutes, checking periodically to ensure they are heated through. For the best results, reheat the ribs at a lower temperature, around 250°F (120°C), to ensure they heat through without drying out. You can also add a little bit of water, stock, BBQ sauce, or apple juice to keep the meat moist.

Frequently asked questions