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

Lamb chops are a great dish to make in an air fryer. They're quick, easy, and delicious, and can be made in under 15 minutes. The air fryer helps get a nice crust on the meat, and the chops come out perfectly cooked and tender. You can marinate the lamb chops in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, and season them with salt and pepper. The chops are then cooked in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, depending on their thickness, and are best served with a veggie-centric side dish.

Marinade ingredients and prep

Lamb chops can be marinated in a variety of ways, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some common ingredients and preparation methods for an air fryer lamb chop marinade:

Marinade Ingredients:

• Olive oil: This is a basic ingredient used in most lamb chop marinades. It helps to coat the meat and enhance the flavour of the other ingredients.
• Butter: Adding a small amount of butter to the olive oil can keep the lamb chops juicy and tender.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the fibres in the meat. However, it should not be used for longer than an hour, as it can start to "cook" the meat.
• Red wine vinegar: Like lemon juice, red wine vinegar can help tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavour.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or jarred garlic adds a punch of flavour to the marinade.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, tarragon, thyme, or basil can be used to infuse the lamb chops with flavour.
• Spices: Salt and black pepper are commonly used to season the lamb chops. Other spices like kosher salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning can also be added.

Prep:

• Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, butter (if using), lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, and chosen herbs and spices. Stir to combine.
• Prepare the lamb chops: Place the lamb chops in a baking dish or large bowl. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then pour the marinade over them. Turn the chops a few times to completely coat them in the marinade.
• Marinate: Let the lamb chops marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or up to an hour. You can also cover and chill the marinated lamb chops for up to 5 hours for more intense flavour.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for your lamb chops will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. As per the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F/62°C for medium-rare. For thicker chops (around 1-1.25 inches), this will take about 8 minutes. Thinner chops will only take 5-6 minutes.

If you want your lamb chops cooked to a different degree, you can follow this guide:

• Medium-rare: 145°F/62°C and 7-8 minutes.
• Medium: 150°F and 8 1/2-9 minutes.
• Medium-well: 155-160°F and 10-12 minutes.
• Well-done: 165°F and 12 minutes.

It's important to note that the internal temperature of the lamb chops will continue to rise by up to 10°F after removing them from the heat. So, if you're aiming for medium-rare, you can take the chops out of the air fryer when they reach 135°F.

The best way to ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer. An instant-read thermometer will give you a quick temperature reading, but a probe thermometer is even better. You can insert the probe into the meat after flipping the chops, and it will beep when the desired internal temperature is reached.

Additionally, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F before adding the lamb chops. This will help you achieve a nice crust on the outside of the meat.

Resting and serving instructions

Once you've cooked your lamb chops in the air fryer, it's important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your lamb chops are juicy and tender. The ideal resting time is around 2-5 minutes.

While your lamb chops are resting, you can prepare any side dishes to serve with them. Lamb chops go well with a variety of vegetable and potato sides. Some suggestions include creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed beet greens, roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, or broccolini, and air-fried mushrooms or carrots. You could also serve them with a sauce, such as chimichurri or tzatziki, for an extra flavour boost.

When it comes to plating, consider garnishing your lamb chops with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a sprinkle of coarse salt. This will enhance the flavour and presentation of the dish.

Finally, don't forget to use a meat thermometer to check that your lamb chops have reached the desired internal temperature before serving. For medium-rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, while medium-well lamb chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried lamb chops!

Choosing the right cut of lamb

Lamb chops can be made from different primal cuts of lamb, and the cut you choose will depend on your recipe, budget, and personal preference. Here's a guide to help you choose the right cut of lamb for your lamb chops:

Lamb Loin Chops

Lamb loin chops are taken from the waist of the lamb. On one side of the chop is the lamb loin, and on the other is the fillet. They are miniature T-bone steaks and are incredibly tender. Loin chops are best served pink and are amazing when roasted or served lollipop-style. They are also great for grilling or barbecuing.

Lamb Shoulder Chops

Lamb shoulder chops are taken from the shoulder of the lamb. The meat from this part of the animal is full of flavour but takes a while to become tender. It is a less expensive cut of lamb and is great for slow-roasting or stewing. Shoulder chops are thicker than rib or loin chops and have a stronger flavour. They are best cooked on an outdoor charcoal grill or in a frying pan.

Lamb Rib Chops

Lamb rib chops are the most expensive cuts of lamb. They are taken from the ribs of the lamb and are usually cooked individually over a grill or barbecue. They have a mild flavour and incredibly juicy meat. When left together and cooked as a whole, they are called a rack of lamb. They are best served pink and are very versatile, tasting great grilled, air-fried, pan-seared, or roasted.

Lamb Leg Chops

Lamb leg chops are taken from the upper portion of the animal's hind legs. They are leaner and have less of a gamey flavour compared to other cuts of lamb. They are also more expensive.

Air fryer settings and accessories

To make lamb chops in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature—typically between 370°F and 400°F. Some recipes recommend greasing the air fryer basket before adding the lamb chops.

Before cooking, you should pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and trim off any excess fat or sinew. Then, add the chops to a mixing bowl and coat them in a mixture of oil, butter, and spices. Some recipes also suggest marinating the lamb chops in this mixture for up to an hour before cooking.

When cooking, place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chops in batches. Lamb chops typically take 7–9 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the level of doneness you prefer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the lamb has reached the desired internal temperature.

For medium-rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F; for medium, 150°F; for medium-well, 155–160°F; and for well-done, 165°F.

Frequently asked questions