Air-Fried Lamb Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are juicy, tender, and flavourful. They are also quick and easy to make, with a cooking time of under 15 minutes. The air fryer method is healthier than frying or baking, as it requires less oil to keep the meat juicy. The air fryer also ensures a perfect result, so you never have to worry about chewy or tough meat.

Marinade ingredients and prep

The key to juicy and tender lamb chops is in the marinade. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs will flavour the lamb and keep it moist.

For the herbs, rosemary is a must, but you can also add oregano, tarragon, thyme, or basil. You can use dried or fresh herbs, but if you're using dried rosemary, it's best to grind it first so you don't bite into a stalk.

If you want to add a little kick to your marinade, add some red wine vinegar. This will also help to tenderise the meat, but be careful not to leave the lamb in the marinade for too long, or the acid will start to break down the fibres and turn the meat tough. An hour is plenty, but you can leave it for up to five hours if needed.

Start by making your marinade. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice, then add the minced garlic and herbs, along with salt and pepper, to taste. Place your lamb chops in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper, then pour over the marinade. Turn the chops a few times to coat them completely and leave to marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

If you want to prepare the lamb ahead of time, it's best to keep the marinade separate from the meat and only combine them 20 minutes before you're ready to start cooking.

For the best results, bring the lamb to room temperature before you add the marinade. This will help the meat cook more evenly and ensure a juicier outcome.

When you're ready to cook your lamb chops, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Air fryer settings

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

Before you begin cooking, there are a few essential steps to ensure your lamb chops are flavourful and cooked to perfection. Firstly, if your lamb chops have large pieces of excess fat, you can trim them off. This step is optional, as some people prefer to keep the fat on their lamb. Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. This step will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote even cooking.

Seasoning and Marinade:

For seasoning, you can use a combination of olive oil, butter, and spices such as rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients in a bowl and rub the mixture over each lamb chop generously. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, dried oregano, or ground rosemary to enhance the flavour.

Additionally, you can marinate the lamb chops for a more intense flavour. Create a marinade by whisking together olive oil and lemon juice and minced fresh herbs such as rosemary and tarragon. You can also add garlic to the marinade. Place the lamb chops in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and then pour the marinade over them. Let the lamb chops marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to around 400°F or 190°C to achieve a nice crust on the lamb chops. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. If needed, cook the lamb chops in batches.

Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your lamb chops. For medium-rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F. For medium, target 140°F to 150°F, and for medium-well, aim for 145°F. Well-done lamb chops will be at an internal temperature of 160°F or above.

The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the lamb chops. Thicker chops will take longer to cook. As a guide, thinner chops may take around 5 to 6 minutes, while thicker chops can take up to 8 minutes or more. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Post-Cooking:

Once the lamb chops have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures juicy and tender lamb chops.

With these air fryer settings and instructions, you'll be able to cook delicious and perfectly cooked lamb chops every time!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer lamb chops depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. As a general rule, thicker chops will require a longer cooking time.

According to the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F for medium-rare. However, cooking lamb chops above medium is not recommended as they may taste gamey if overcooked.

For a single layer of 1-inch thick lamb chops, the following cooking times and temperatures apply:

• Medium-rare: 145°F for 7-8 minutes
• Medium: 150°F for 8 1/2–9 minutes
• Medium-well: 155–160°F for 10–12 minutes
• Well-done: 165°F for 12 minutes

If you prefer your lamb chops to be rare, cook them at 120°F. For a well-done chop, you can cook it for up to 160°F.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb chops. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is worth noting that preheating your air fryer can help to create a nice crust on the meat, but it is not required.

Resting and serving

While your lamb chops are resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with them. Lamb chops go well with a variety of vegetable side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, salads, or soups. Potato sides are also a popular choice. If you want to add a sauce, a herb butter or chimichurri sauce can complement the lamb chops nicely.

Once your lamb chops have rested, they're ready to be served and enjoyed!

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating your lamb chops properly is essential to ensure they stay tender, juicy, and flavorful. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you do it right:

Storage Instructions:

• Leftovers: Place leftover lamb chops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, place the cooked and cooled chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating Instructions:

You can reheat your lamb chops using an air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave. Here's how to do it:

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's nice and hot for reheating.
• Take the lamb chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps them warm up slightly before reheating.
• Place the lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other for even heating.
• Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side. Adjust the time as needed, depending on the thickness of the chops and their initial temperature.
• Check the internal temperature of the lamb chops with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare to medium doneness, the chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Once the lamb chops are reheated to your desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more juicy and tender.
• Plate the lamb chops and serve them with your favorite sides or sauces.

Reheating in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If your lamb chops are stored in the refrigerator, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to remove the chill.
• Place the lamb chops on an oven-safe baking dish or a sheet lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are spaced out for even heating.
• (Optional) Add a small amount of liquid, such as broth or water, to the baking dish to prevent the lamb chops from drying out.
• (Optional) Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and create a steamy environment.
• Place the lamb chops in the oven and reheat for about 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness and initial temperature.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the lamb chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Plate the lamb chops and serve with your favorite sides or sauces.

Reheating on a Stovetop:

• Take the lamb chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to warm up slightly.
• Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a small amount of butter to the pan to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.
• Place the lamb chops in the pan, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching each other for even heating.
• Heat the lamb chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. Adjust the time as needed, depending on the thickness and initial temperature of the chops.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Once the lamb chops are heated through, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a minute or two to allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
• Plate the lamb chops and serve with your favorite sides or sauces.

Reheating in a Microwave:

• Take the lamb chops out of the refrigerator and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Let the lamb chops sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to remove the chill.
• (Optional) Cover the lamb chops with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture during reheating.
• Set your microwave to a lower power setting (around 30-50% power) to avoid overcooking the lamb chops.
• Microwave the lamb chops in short intervals (e.g., 30-second bursts), checking their temperature after each interval to prevent overcooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the lamb chops from the microwave and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
• Plate the lamb chops and serve with your preferred sides or sauces.

Remember, when reheating lamb chops, always aim for a final internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness. Additionally, it's best to reheat leftovers only once to minimize the risk of bacteria growth. Enjoy your juicy and tender lamb chops!

Frequently asked questions