Emilie Meyer
Lamb shoulder is a well-used part of the animal, full of fat and connective tissue. It can take several hours to slow roast in the oven. However, an air fryer can drastically reduce cooking time and still produce outstanding results. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cooking a juicy and tender lamb shoulder in an air fryer, as well as tips and tricks to ensure your roast is perfect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lamb shoulder cut | Half shoulder, full shoulder, boneless shoulder |
| Lamb shoulder weight | 750g, 1.5kg |
| Marinade | Greek roast lamb (arni sto fourno) |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, herbs, rosemary, onion flakes |
| Cooking time | 90-110 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 88-93°C/ 190-200°F |
| Resting time | 10-20 minutes |
| Sides | Potato wedges, Middle Eastern-inspired meals |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the lamb shoulder
Marinating lamb shoulder helps to infuse it with flavour and tenderise the meat. First, pierce the lamb shoulder all over with a knife. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat. Next, add your chosen marinade and rub it all over the lamb shoulder. Cover the lamb and transfer it to the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
There are many different marinade options to choose from. A simple marinade of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like rosemary can be used. Alternatively, you could try a Greek-inspired marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano. For a more Middle Eastern flavour profile, you could use a marinade with onion flakes and rosemary. If you want to add some spice, try a teriyaki sauce marinade and serve the lamb with sticky rice and chilli edamame beans.
After marinating, take the lamb out of the fridge and leave it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the lamb cook more evenly. Then, wrap the lamb in foil and place it in the air fryer basket to roast.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for lamb shoulder in an air fryer will depend on the size of the lamb joint, the type of air fryer you use, and your desired level of doneness. It's important to note that lamb shoulder requires long and slow cooking to render the fat and tenderize the meat.
For a half shoulder of lamb, which is a more common and economical cut, you can expect a total cooking time of around 90 to 110 minutes for maximum tenderness. This includes marinating the lamb for 30 minutes to 2 hours and letting it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
When cooking, start by roasting the lamb at 160°C / 320°F for 40 minutes on each side. Then, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 180°C / 350°F, cooking for an additional 20 minutes and flipping the lamb over halfway through. This final step helps to crisp up the exterior.
For a whole lamb shoulder, the cooking time will be longer, but the temperature settings can remain the same. Ensure that your air fryer basket is large enough to accommodate a full lamb shoulder, allowing sufficient space for air to circulate.
To check the doneness of the lamb, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 70-75°C (157-167°F), while for well-done, target an internal temperature of 75-80°C (167-176°F). If you prefer your lamb shoulder to be meltingly tender, aim for an internal temperature of 88-93°C / 190-200°F. For pulled lamb, cook until the temperature reaches 95°C/203°F.
Remember that cooking times may vary between different models and brands of air fryers, so adjust the temperature and timing accordingly based on your experience with your specific air fryer.
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Carving the lamb shoulder
When you are ready to carve, place the lamb shoulder with the crisp skin side facing up. Identify the shoulder bone and cut into the meat on one side of the bone, carefully following the line of the bone with a sharp carving knife. Be sure to cut horizontally to remove the meat from the bone in one large piece. Repeat this process on the other side of the bone.
For tender and succulent meat, slice the lamb thinly and carve the meat across the grain. It is also recommended to collect any roasting juices to make a gravy, enhancing the flavour of your dish.
The half lamb shoulder is considered easier to carve than a half or full lamb leg, making it a great option for those who want a quick and tasty roast.
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Making gravy from the drippings
Yes, you can make gravy from the drippings of your lamb shoulder roast in an air fryer. The drippings, fat, and crispy bits from the bottom of the air fryer basket can be used to make a flavourful gravy.
To make the gravy, first, melt some butter in a pan. Then, use a wooden spoon or whisk to scrape up the drippings from the bottom of the pan. Next, sprinkle some flour into the pan and stir until it is well combined. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes. If you want to keep your gravy gluten-free, you can use cornstarch instead of flour. Slowly stir in the broth and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. For gluten-free gravy, omit the flour and stir the broth into the melted butter and drippings. Allow the broth to simmer for 5-10 minutes. In a separate bowl, create a slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water. Pour this slurry into the simmering broth and whisk to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you want to add an extra kick to your gravy, you can use a stock. Homemade stock is always best, but you can also use store-bought pouches, cans, or containers from the fridge section of the supermarket. It is recommended to avoid using stock cubes, pots, or powders as they can overpower the gravy. Lamb or chicken stock is the best option for lamb gravy.
It is important to note that the drippings should be collected after the lamb has finished cooking. This is because the meat needs to rest after cooking, which allows it to relax and ensures a more even colour and tender meat. Additionally, if the drippings are collected midway through the cooking process, they may brown and make the gravy taste bitter.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing and reheating lamb shoulder leftovers is a great way to make the most of your delicious home-cooked meal. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Storing Leftovers:
It is important to store your leftover lamb shoulder properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to consume. Allow the cooked lamb to cool to room temperature after cooking. This will help prevent bacterial growth. Then, wrap the leftover lamb tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent odours and moisture from escaping or seeping into the meat. Place the wrapped lamb in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Properly stored leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Leftovers:
To reheat your leftover lamb shoulder in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F (175°C). While the air fryer is heating up, remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the lamb warm up slightly before reheating, promoting even heating. Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not crowded to allow for even reheating. Reheat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the lamb reaches your desired temperature. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C).
Additional Tips:
- It is generally recommended to reheat leftovers only once to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
- If you have leftover reheated lamb, it is advisable to consume it within a day.
- You can also freeze leftover lamb for future use. Ensure it is wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- When reheating frozen lamb, let it thaw completely before placing it in the air fryer.
- For a crispy exterior, increase the reheating time slightly, but be careful not to overcook the lamb.
- Rest the lamb for a minute or two after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful meat.
- Get creative with your leftovers! You can use reheated lamb shoulder in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, or even stir-fries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook lamb shoulder in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make a lamb roast.
Cooking lamb shoulder in an air fryer takes a lot less time than in an oven. It is recommended to cook the lamb shoulder for 90 to 110 minutes for maximum tenderness.
The cooking temperature depends on the desired doneness of the lamb shoulder. For a medium-rare lamb shoulder, cook at 170˚C for 50 minutes. For a well-done lamb shoulder, cook at 170˚C for 60 minutes.
To make lamb shoulder in an air fryer, start by piercing the lamb shoulder with a knife and adding a marinade. Rub the marinade over the lamb and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Then, bring the lamb to room temperature and wrap it in foil. Place the lamb in the air fryer basket and roast at 160°C for 40 minutes per side. Remove the foil and increase the temperature to 180°C, cooking for an additional 20 minutes. Finally, let the lamb rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving.
