Air-Fried Rack Of Lamb: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook rack of lamb in an air fryer. In fact, many people recommend it, saying it's quick, easy, and delicious. The air fryer locks in the juices and flavour, creating a nice crust. It's also a healthier option, as you need less oil to keep the meat juicy. The ideal internal temperature for a rack of lamb is 135 °F for medium-rare or 145 °F for medium. You can also reheat rack of lamb in the air fryer.

Recommended air fryer settings for cooking rack of lamb

When cooking a rack of lamb in an air fryer, there are several steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to remove the lamb from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This is an important step as it ensures the lamb cooks evenly. While the lamb is coming to room temperature, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or however long it takes to prepare the lamb.

Once the lamb is at room temperature, you can pat it dry with a paper towel and then season it generously. Drizzle both sides with a good quality oil, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil, or olive oil, and use your hands to rub it into the meat. Then, season both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Some popular seasonings include rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion powder, and parsley. You can also use a combination of oil and butter to keep the lamb juicy and tender.

After seasoning, place the lamb into the preheated air fryer, with the fat side facing up, and cook for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the lamb and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare lamb, cook for 15-18 minutes at 380°F (190°C). For a more well-done rack of lamb, you may need to cook for up to 27 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C). It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the rack of lamb, so it is always best to keep an eye on it and adjust the time accordingly.

Finally, once the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful lamb chops. For an accurate reading, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb. The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare lamb is 135°F (57°C), while for medium, it is 145°F (63°C).

Marinating the meat

Firstly, take the lamb out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. While you are waiting, you can prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to your taste, and feel free to add other herbs and spices if you wish. Mix the ingredients together until they form a paste.

Once the lamb has reached room temperature, it is time to apply the marinade. Start by patting the meat dry with a paper towel. This will help the marinade to stick to the surface of the lamb. Next, drizzle both sides of the lamb with olive oil or avocado oil and use your hands to rub it into the meat. Make sure the lamb is thoroughly coated.

Now, take the herb and garlic paste and rub it generously all over the lamb. Massage it into the meat, making sure to cover all surfaces, including in between the bones. Once the lamb is coated, you can place it back in the fridge to marinate. Leave it for at least one hour, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave it for up to 24 hours.

While the lamb is marinating, you can prepare any side dishes you wish to serve with it, such as roasted potatoes and a green salad, or mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. You can also use this time to prepare any sauces or condiments, such as a mint and cilantro chimichurri, or a simple English-style mint sauce.

Preparing the lamb for cooking

Step 1: Selecting the Lamb

When purchasing your rack of lamb, opt for grass-fed lamb that has been humanely raised. Look for a rack with eight rib chops, well-marbled for that extra juicy flavour. Choose thicker cuts of lamb with the bone intact, such as lamb loin chops or lamb shoulder chops. If you're using a pre-prepped rack of lamb, ensure the fatty bits from the tips of the bones have been removed, along with the silver skin from the bone side of the ribs.

Step 2: Marinating the Lamb

Take your rack of lamb out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. In a small bowl, combine your choice of herbs and seasonings. Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic are classic choices, but you can also add other herbs like oregano or parsley. Mix in some extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, salt, and pepper to create a delicious marinade. You can also add other ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, or butter for an extra indulgent flavour.

Step 3: Applying the Marinade

Now, it's time to apply the marinade to the lamb generously. Start by drizzling oil over the bone side of the rack. Then, sprinkle or rub your chosen seasonings and herbs evenly over this side. Flip the rack over and repeat the process on the fat side, being a little more generous with the seasonings on this side. Don't forget to score the fat side with very shallow cuts in a lattice pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat.

Step 4: Marinating and Resting

Once you've applied the marinade, it's best to let the lamb sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb all the flavours. If you have the time, you can also cover and refrigerate the marinated lamb for up to 24 hours for an even deeper infusion of flavours.

Step 5: Preheating the Air Fryer

While your lamb is marinating or resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You want it hot enough that you hear a sizzle when you place the lamb inside. This should take around 5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Now that your lamb is prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you're ready to start cooking! Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your lamb to ensure it's cooked to your desired doneness.

Cooking the lamb

Firstly, take the lamb out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. If your lamb hasn't been prepped, you will need to cut away the fatty bits from the tips of the bones and remove the silver skin from the bone side of the ribs. Then, score the fat by cutting very shallow lines into the fat side of the rack, making a lattice pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.

Next, pat the lamb dry with a paper towel. Drizzle both sides with a good-quality oil, such as avocado, canola, vegetable, or olive oil, and use your hands to rub it into the meat. Then, season generously with salt and pepper, and other herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion powder, oregano, parsley, or garlic powder. You can also add other ingredients such as butter, shallots, lemon juice, or garlic powder to make a rub for the lamb.

Now the lamb is ready to cook in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or until you hear a sizzle when the lamb is placed inside. Place the lamb fat side up in the air fryer rack or tray and cook for 12 minutes. Then, flip the rack of lamb and cook for another 12 minutes. For rarer lamb, you can cook for 18 minutes in total at 375°F, or 15 minutes at 380°F. For well-done lamb, you will need to cook for 12 minutes at 165°F.

Once cooked, transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 to 10 minutes. Cover the lamb with aluminum foil while it rests. The lamb will continue to cook during this time, and the juices will redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat. The ideal internal temperature for a rack of lamb is 135 °F for medium-rare or 145 °F for medium. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part of the meat.

Finally, cut the lamb into individual chops by cutting between the bones and serve.

Resting and serving the lamb

Once your rack of lamb is cooked, it's important to let the meat rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful lamb chops. The resting time will depend on the size of your rack of lamb and the doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare rack of lamb, a minimum resting time of 3 minutes is required. However, you can let it rest for up to 10 minutes. During this time, you can cover the meat loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

While the lamb is resting, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with it. Roasted potatoes and a green salad make for a simple yet elegant meal. For a heartier option, pair the lamb with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. If you're short on time, a quick side dish of air-fried vegetables or a salad will also work well.

When it comes to serving the lamb, there are a few options. You can cut the rack of lamb into individual lamb rib chops by slicing between the bones. This makes it easier for your guests to eat and ensures even cooking during reheating. However, you can also serve the rack of lamb whole, especially if you have a smaller group of people.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled lamb chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or skillet until warmed through, adding a little water or stock if needed to keep the meat moist.

Finally, don't forget to present your dish with a sprinkle of Maldon flaky sea salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that extra touch of elegance. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried rack of lamb!

Frequently asked questions