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

Lamb chops are a delicious meal, but they can be time-consuming to cook. Luckily, air fryers provide a quick and easy way to cook lamb chops that are juicy and tender. With an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked lamb chops on your table in just a few minutes. In this article, we will explore the best methods for cooking lamb chops in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and cooking time, as well as some mouth-watering seasoning suggestions.

Lamb chop marinade ingredients

Lamb chops are a delicious meal, and marinating them can take them to the next level. There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade, and you can choose between a dry rub or a liquid marinade.

A dry rub is a simple mixture of spices that you rub onto the lamb chops. This method is perfect if you're short on time, as you can cook the lamb chops immediately after applying the rub. For a dry rub, you can use a mixture of dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

If you have more time, you can try a liquid marinade. This method involves combining ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. You can also add a little smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

To make a liquid marinade, simply combine your chosen ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Then, pour the marinade over the lamb chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the lamb chops marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, in the refrigerator.

The longer the lamb chops marinate, the more tender and flavourful they will become. However, if you are using an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar, be careful not to marinate the lamb chops for too long, as the acid can break down the meat, resulting in a tough texture.

Once your lamb chops have finished marinating, simply cook them in your air fryer for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a delicious and juicy meal.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking lamb chops in an air fryer depend on how well-done you want your lamb to be. The American Lamb Board considers a temperature of 145°F/62°C to be medium-rare for one-inch-thick loin lamb chops.

For rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F, and for medium, it should be 140°F. The chops are considered well-done at 145°F and above.

The timing will depend on the temperature and the thickness of your chops. As a guide, it takes around 3 minutes on each side to cook 1-inch chops to medium-rare, which is around 7–8 minutes in total. For medium, add another 30 seconds to a minute, and for well-done, cook for a total of 12 minutes.

If you want an even crispier exterior, cook the lamb chops for an additional 2–3 minutes. It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to assemble lamb chops in the air fryer

To assemble lamb chops in the air fryer, start by choosing thicker cuts of lamb with the bone intact. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops will work well. Next, prepare a marinade or rub for the lamb chops. Combine ingredients such as olive oil, red wine vinegar, rosemary, thyme, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. You can also use unsalted butter for a juicier middle and tender outside. Rub the marinade or seasoning onto the lamb chops, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and chill the lamb chops in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius. You can preheat without the basket or without the lamb inside the basket if needed. While the air fryer is preheating, bring the lamb chops to room temperature.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to assemble the lamb chops in the air fryer basket. Place the lamb chops in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded and have room between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the lamb chops in batches.

Now, you are ready to air fry your lamb chops! Place the basket inside the air fryer and follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures based on your desired doneness. For rare lamb chops, cook at 120 degrees F, medium-rare at 130 degrees F, and medium at 140-145 degrees F. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chops, but on average, it will take about 7-10 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through.

How to check if the lamb chops are cooked

The best way to check if your lamb chops are cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. The temperature you aim for will depend on how well done you like your meat. As per the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F for medium-rare. For this recipe (using 1-inch chops), this took around 7 minutes.

If you prefer your lamb more well done, adjust the cooking time. For medium, aim for 150°F and 8 to 9 minutes of cooking time. For well-done lamb chops, the internal temperature should reach 165°F, which will take around 12 minutes.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the lamb chops by looking at the colour of the meat. Medium-rare chops will still be quite pink in the centre, while well-done chops will be brown throughout. Keep in mind that the gamey flavour of the lamb becomes more pronounced when cooked past medium.

Reheating and storing lamb chops

Lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend the storage time, place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

When reheating lamb chops, it is important to ensure they retain their moisture and do not become rubbery or dry. An air fryer can be used to reheat lamb chops, but it is easy to overcook them. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F-370°F and place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray them lightly with cooking spray or oil if desired. Reheat for 4-5 minutes, or 5-7 minutes at 350°F, checking and adjusting in 2-3 minute increments as needed.

You can also reheat lamb chops in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F and place the lamb chops on a baking sheet, covering them with aluminium foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or 15-20 minutes if reheating a rack of lamb or leg of lamb. Lamb chops can also be reheated on the stovetop, which will help them retain their tenderness.

Microwaving lamb chops is not recommended as they can become rubbery and dry, but it can be done by placing them in a microwave-safe dish, covering them, and microwaving on 50% power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through. Allow the lamb chops to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, to allow them to finish cooking gently.

Frequently asked questions