Roast Lamb In An Air Fryer: Perfectly Crispy Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook lamb, locking in flavour and moisture while developing a nice crust on the outside. You can cook a whole roast, chops, or even a leg of lamb in an air fryer, and it will turn out juicy and tender.

How to season lamb before roasting in an air fryer

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make a lamb roast, and the best way to ensure your lamb is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for lamb is between 125°F/52℃ and 165°F/74℃, depending on how well done you like your meat.

Choosing Your Lamb

When selecting your lamb, opt for a cut that fits in your air fryer basket. A boneless leg of lamb is a good option, but you can also use a half leg, butterflied leg, or boneless shoulder.

Preparing the Lamb

Before seasoning, remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This helps the lamb cook more quickly and evenly.

To make the seasoning, mix salt, black pepper, and dried herbs like rosemary and thyme in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like onion powder and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the lamb roast.

For extra flavour, cut small slits into the lamb and stuff them with garlic cloves or slivers. You can also spritz the lamb with a little olive oil before seasoning to help the spices adhere better.

If you have time, wrap the seasoned lamb in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or even overnight. This allows the salt and seasonings to penetrate the meat, reducing any gamey flavour and enhancing the crust.

Cooking the Lamb

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, fatty side up, and cook for 15-20 minutes at the higher temperature to form a crust. Then, lower the temperature to 325°F/160℃ and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Always let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Side Dishes

You can cook side dishes like potatoes and carrots alongside the lamb in the air fryer. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, and add them to the air fryer for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer lamb roast!

The best cuts of lamb for air frying

Yes, you can roast lamb in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook lamb, as it locks in flavour and makes the meat juicy and tender.

Now, onto the best cuts of lamb for air frying.

If you're cooking lamb chops, choose thicker cuts with the bone intact. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops will work, but you'll need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Lamb leg chops are also a good option, as they have a less gamey flavour, but they are usually more expensive.

For a lamb roast, a boneless leg of lamb is a good option. You can also try a half leg joint, butterflied leg, or boneless shoulder, as long as it fits in your air fryer basket. If you're cooking a larger joint, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

For lamb bites or kebabs, you can cut a boneless leg of lamb into bite-sized pieces and season them before air frying.

When air frying lamb, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size of the meat, as well as your desired level of doneness. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that your lamb is cooked to your liking.

How long to roast lamb in an air fryer

The cooking time for lamb in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the lamb, the cut of lamb, and your desired level of doneness.

As a rule of thumb, for a medium-rare to medium roast, you should air fry lamb for 15-20 minutes per pound at 360°F. For example, a 3-pound leg of lamb will take around 60 minutes to cook to a medium-rare level. If you prefer your lamb well-done, you may need to add another 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the shape and thickness of the roast, the make of your air fryer, and your desired level of doneness. The best way to ensure your lamb is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.

• Rare: 125°F/ 52°C
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F/54-57°C
• Medium: 140-145°F/60-63°C
• Well-Done: 150-165°F/65-74°C

When checking the internal temperature of the lamb, be sure to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones. Additionally, keep in mind that the lamb's temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F while it rests after cooking. Therefore, remove the lamb from the air fryer when it is about 10 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired temperature.

What temperature to roast lamb in an air fryer

Yes, you can roast lamb in an air fryer! Here are some tips and guidelines for the best results:

Temperature and Timing:

When roasting lamb in an air fryer, it's important to cook to temperature rather than time. The temperature and timing will depend on your desired doneness and the size and weight of the lamb cut. Here are some general guidelines:

• Rare: 125°F/ 52℃
• Medium-Rare: 130-135℉/54-57℃
• Medium: 140-145℉/60-63℃
• Well Done: 150-165℉/65-74℃
• Shreddable: 180-200℉/82-93℃

For example, a 3-pound boneless leg of lamb will take about 60 minutes for medium-rare. It's recommended to cook lamb to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C for medium doneness. However, some people prefer their lamb less cooked, so it's a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that the lamb will continue to cook and increase in temperature by about 5-15 degrees while resting after cooking. Therefore, remove the lamb from the air fryer when it's about 10 degrees below your desired temperature.

Preparation and Seasoning:

Before air frying, remove the lamb from the refrigerator at least 15-30 minutes beforehand to let it come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking. You can also elevate the lamb slightly by placing it on a rack or making foil balls to place underneath, ensuring it's not too close to the heating element.

For seasoning, a simple combination of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary works well. Mix the spices and spritz the lamb with olive oil before rubbing the spice blend all over it. You can also make slits in the lamb and insert small garlic slices for added flavor.

Cooking Process:

Start air frying the lamb at a higher temperature to form a crust, then lower the temperature to finish cooking to your desired internal temperature. Here's an example of temperature and timing:

• Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 325°F/160°C and continue air frying for 35-45 minutes or until the desired internal temperature is reached.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb and avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious air-fried lamb roast!

What to serve with air fryer roast lamb

There are many side dishes that go well with air fryer roast lamb. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables — Carrots, peas, parsnips, onions, and cauliflower are all great options to serve alongside lamb. You can also make a simple dressing by mixing finely chopped fresh mint leaves with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of vinegar.
• Salad — A fresh salad can complement the richness of the lamb.
• Wraps or pita bread — Drizzle garlic yogurt or tzatziki on your wraps or pita bread for a Greek-inspired flavor.
• Mashed potatoes — Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is a quick and easy option.
• Gravy — Make a simple gravy using the pan drippings. Deglaze the air fryer basket with a little water or broth, then transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry until the desired consistency is reached.
• Rice — Try an Almond Rice Pilaf with Cherries for something a little different.
• Green beans — Green beans are a traditional side dish to serve with lamb.

Frequently asked questions