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

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. This cooking method is quick and easy, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. The air fryer also ensures a consistent result, with a nice crust and a juicy middle, and the chops are ready to serve in minutes. The fat from the lamb chops drains to the bottom of the frying basket, making them less fatty than the pan-fried version.

Marinating the lamb chops

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to create a delicious marinade for your lamb chops. Here are some options:

• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil
• Spices like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the lamb chops with your chosen oil, vinegar or lemon juice, herbs, and spices. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or onion powder for extra flavour.
• Use your hands to rub the marinade into the meat, ensuring each chop is well coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator.
• Let the lamb chops marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 5 hours. The longer they marinate, the more pronounced the flavours will be. However, avoid marinating for too long, as the acid in the vinegar or lemon juice can break down the meat fibres and make the lamb tough.

Tips

• If you're short on time, you can still benefit from marinating. Even a quick 30-minute soak in the marinade will add flavour and tenderness to your lamb chops.
• If you want to enhance the flavour even more, try scoring the lamb chops before marinating. Make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a criss-cross pattern on the surface of the meat. This will allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• For the best results, choose thicker cuts of lamb with the bone intact, such as lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops. These cuts tend to have more flavour and stay juicier during cooking.

Cooking methods and timings

Yes, you can cook lamb chops in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select your lamb chops. Lamb loin chops are a great choice for the air fryer, but you can also use lamb shoulder chops or rib chops. Just keep in mind that you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes for thicker cuts of lamb.

Before seasoning the lamb, it's a good idea to pat the chops dry with a paper towel and remove any excess fat. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and stays juicy.

For the seasoning, you can use a combination of olive oil, butter, and spices. Mix these together in a bowl, then rub the mixture over each lamb chop. You can also add some minced garlic to the mix for extra flavour. For spices, rosemary is a must for lamb dishes, but you can also use oregano or other fresh herbs. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once your lamb chops are prepared and seasoned, it's time to cook them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you have a lot of chops, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set your air fryer to between 190°C and 200°C. For a 1-inch thick chop, cook the lamb chops for about 7 to 9 minutes for medium-rare. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your lamb chops well done, add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

The best way to check if your lamb chops are cooked to your liking is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F, but keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise by up to 10°F after the chops are removed from the air fryer. For medium, aim for 145°F, and for well-done, 165°F.

Let the lamb chops rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Choosing the right cut of lamb

When it comes to cooking lamb in an air fryer, choosing the right cut is crucial. Lamb chops are a great option for air frying, but not all lamb chops are created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cut of lamb for your air fryer:

Opt for Quick-Cooking Cuts

Choose cuts of lamb that are suitable for quick cooking methods, such as chops or tenderloins. These cuts tend to be more tender and cook faster compared to other cuts. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops are all good options, but keep in mind that thicker cuts with the bone intact may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Ensure Consistent Size

For even cooking, it's important to use lamb chops that are of similar size. This ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked or undercooked. If you have a mix of sizes, consider cutting them to a similar thickness or cooking them in batches to ensure even results.

Consider the Gaminess

The cut of lamb can also impact its flavour, specifically the gaminess. Lamb leg chops, for example, tend to have a milder gamey flavour compared to other cuts. However, they are usually more expensive. If you prefer a stronger lamb flavour, you can opt for other chop options or even a rack of lamb, keeping in mind it may require a bit more time to cook.

Trimming and Marinating

Before cooking, it's a good idea to trim any excess fat from the lamb chops, as the air fryer's cooking method doesn't require additional fat. You can also enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat by marinating it. Try a classic combination of rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper, or experiment with other herbs and spices. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours penetrate the meat.

Cooking Tips

When cooking lamb chops in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375°F (190°C), and place the seasoned lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops and your desired doneness, but for medium-rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C).

What to serve with lamb chops

Lamb chops can be served with a variety of side dishes, ranging from salads to potatoes and even pasta. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy air-fried lamb chops:

Salads

• A tricolore salad with a simple dressing.
• Pear and Blue Cheese Salad: Crispy romaine lettuce, fresh pears, and a creamy homemade blue cheese dressing.
• Nectarine and Tomato Salad: A refreshing combination of summer tomatoes and nectarines with fresh mint.
• Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Hungarian-style salad with sour cream and fresh dill.
• Apple and Fennel Salad: Thinly sliced apples and fennel provide crispness, while walnuts add extra crunch.
• Sugar Snap Pea Salad: Light and crunchy, with a lemon yogurt sauce and olive oil dressing.
• Zucchini Batons Salad: Raw zucchini batons with almonds and fresh herbs, or a combination of zucchini and yellow squash.
• Garbanzo Bean Salad: Full of crisp cucumbers and loaded with fresh Mediterranean flavours.
• Sweet Corn and Blistered Shishito Pepper Salad: A smoky and slightly spicy summer salad.
• Kale Salad: A massaged kale salad with a Caesar-like dressing and added basil and lemon, inspired by the famous Barbuto restaurant in NYC.
• Butternut Squash Salad: A simple fall salad with roasted squash seeds for a crunchy topping.
• Strawberry Arugula Salad: Fresh basil and mint are used in place of lettuce, with a dressing made from macerated strawberry juices and olive oil.
• Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad: A Middle Eastern-inspired salad made with thin green beans, fresh herbs, and spices.

Potato Sides

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Silky mashed potatoes with a strong garlic flavour.
• Sweet Potato Gratin: A gooey gratin made with Gruyère cheese and a garlic and sage cream sauce.
• Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes with a golden brown Parmesan cheese topping.
• Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes: Fluffy and creamy on the inside, with a crispy exterior.
• Chipotle Sweet Potato Gratin: A spicy and cheesy twist on a classic gratin.
• Colcannon Mashed Potatoes: Irish-style mashed potatoes made with cabbage or kale and lots of butter.
• Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro and Lime: Roasted with honey and lime, then topped with a cilantro lime sauce and cool yogurt.
• Dill Potato Salad: A simple and flavorful potato salad that can be made ahead of time.

Vegetable Sides

• Green Beans Amandine: A classic French bistro recipe with a luscious lemon butter sauce.
• Maple Glazed Carrots: A mix of sweet and savoury flavours, balanced with fresh parsley and a hint of spice.
• Baked Asparagus with Parmesan: A springtime favourite, ready in just 15 minutes with only 3 ingredients.
• Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Finished in butter with a sweet and savoury topping of dates and pistachios.
• Corn Succotash: A summer side made with lima beans and cherry tomatoes, perfect for grilled lamb chops.
• Maple Roasted Acorn Squash: Topped with candied pecans and a mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
• Winter Squash Gratin: A creamy, cheesy gratin made with butternut squash or other winter squash.
• Crispy Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized in a cast iron skillet and coated in lightly browned butter, with hazelnuts for added crunch.
• Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese: Sweet and tender beets tossed in a fresh orange vinaigrette while still warm.
• Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan: A gluten-free, breadcrumb-free roasted cauliflower with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
• Sautéed Beet Greens: A quick and easy side dish using just 4 ingredients.
• Spicy Charred Broccoli with Feta: Smoky charred broccoli with spicy Calabrian chili paste, feta, and a cool lemon yogurt sauce.
• Cumin Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with cumin, served with a tahini sauce made with maple syrup, lemon, and cayenne.

Polenta, Risotto, and Pasta Sides

• Creamy Polenta: A rich and comforting Italian side dish made with Parmesan cheese.
• Pea Risotto: A springtime risotto with added brightness from lemon juice and zest.
• Gorgonzola Pasta: Penne noodles in a decadent three-ingredient cheese sauce.
• Pesto Pasta: A summery side made with fresh basil pesto.
• Penne all'Arrabbiata: A spicy pasta recipe with a simple tomato sauce.
• Red Wine Spaghetti: Noodles finished in a red wine sauce with butter, garlic, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes.

Other Sides

In addition to the above, here are some other side dish suggestions to serve with lamb chops:

• Creamy mashed potatoes.
• Sautéed beet greens.
• Roasted new red potatoes.
• Air fryer buffalo cauliflower.
• Air fryer brussels sprouts.
• Air fryer baked potato.
• Root vegetable medley with rosemary jus.
• Roasted garlic couscous with sautéed greens and butternut squash purée.
• Polenta with glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.
• Couscous with tomato, cucumber, green olive, mint, oregano, and grilled halloumi cheese.
• Roasted shallots and salsa verde.
• Potato-parsnip purée with spring peas and mint sauce.
• Pomegranate molasses-glazed lamb with daal and crispy fried shallots.
• Roasted garlic, sautéed greens, butternut squash purée, and caramelized onion demi-glace.
• Okinawan sweet potato pavé with grilled asparagus and chimichurri sauce.

Storing and reheating

Leftover lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to two months.

When it comes to reheating, you have several options:

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Let the lamb chops sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Place the chops on an oven-safe dish or foil-lined sheet, ensuring they don't touch.
• Optionally, add a small amount of liquid and cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Microwave:

• Place the lamb chops on a microwave-safe plate and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
• Optionally, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Microwave on low power (30-50%) in short intervals, checking the temperature after each interval.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Let the chops rest for a minute or two before serving.

Stovetop:

• Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Preheat a skillet or frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
• Place the lamb chops in the pan, ensuring they don't touch.
• Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, using tongs to flip halfway through.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Let the chops rest for a minute or two before serving.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.
• Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
• Let the chops rest for a minute or two before serving.

Frequently asked questions