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

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are ready in under 15 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the chops and the desired level of doneness. For example, thinner chops will be ready in about 5-6 minutes, while thicker chops will take about 8 minutes for medium-rare doneness. The chops should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket and flipped halfway through the cooking time. The ideal temperature for cooking lamb chops in an air fryer is around 400°F.

How to prepare lamb chops for the air fryer

Ingredients

To make juicy and tender lamb chops in an air fryer, you will need:

• Lamb chops (preferably thicker cuts with the bone intact)
• Olive oil (or a neutral oil like avocado oil)
• Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
• Black pepper
• Garlic (freshly minced or jarred)
• Rosemary (dried or fresh)
• Butter (optional, unsalted)

Optional ingredients for a marinade include:

• Lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Oregano (dried or fresh)
• Thyme (dried)
• Tarragon (fresh)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the lamb chops by patting them dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat or sinew.

Step 2: If you are using a marinade, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and/or red wine vinegar with the herbs and spices in a small bowl. You can also add garlic and black pepper to the marinade. Whisk or stir the ingredients together.

Step 3: Place the lamb chops in a baking dish or large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, turning them with tongs to ensure they are well coated. Let the lamb chops marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Do not marinate for longer as the acid in the lemon juice or vinegar can start to break down the meat, making it tough.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 370°F-375°F. You can also preheat to 204°C if your air fryer has a Celsius setting. Grease the air fryer basket or tray.

Step 5: If you did not use a marinade, season the lamb chops now. Drizzle or brush the lamb chops with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle or rub the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper over each lamb chop. Ensure they are well coated.

Step 6: Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving space between each chop. Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 7: Air fry the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes on each side for rarer chops, or 6-8 minutes in total for medium-rare to medium chops. For well-done lamb chops, cook for up to 10-12 minutes. Flip the chops halfway through the cooking time.

Step 8: Check the internal temperature of the lamb chops with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature depends on how well-done you like your lamb:

• Rare: 120°F
• Medium-rare: 130°F-145°F
• Medium: 150°F
• Medium-well: 145°F-155°F
• Well-done: 160°F-165°F

Step 9: Remove the lamb chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and coarse salt, if desired.

Tips:

• For the best results, bring the lamb chops to room temperature before marinating and cooking.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavour.
• Avoid overcooking the lamb chops, as this can make the meat tough and gamey.
• If you like your lamb chops with a crust, preheat the air fryer before adding the meat.
• Always check the internal temperature of the lamb chops with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer

Air fryer lamb chops are a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your lamb chops and your desired level of doneness.

Preparation

Before cooking, you should prepare the lamb chops by patting them dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat. You can also trim any bigger pieces of fat if you prefer your lamb lean. It is also recommended to bring the lamb to room temperature before cooking.

Marinade

Some recipes suggest marinating the lamb chops before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs (such as rosemary, tarragon, thyme, or oregano). Coat the lamb chops in the marinade and leave for 20-30 minutes or up to an hour.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Cook for around 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your lamb chops and your desired level of doneness.

Doneness

The best way to check that your lamb chops are cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare lamb chops, the internal temperature should be 130°F. For medium, the temperature should be 140°F, and for medium-well, the temperature should be 145°F.

Resting

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.

Serving

Air fryer lamb chops can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. They are also delicious dipped in tzatziki sauce.

What temperature to cook lamb chops in the air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking lamb chops in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. The American Lamb Board recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare lamb chops. This takes around 7-8 minutes in the air fryer.

For a rare cook, you should aim for an internal temperature of 120°F, while 130°F is considered medium, and 155-160°F is medium-well. Well-done lamb chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, which will take around 12 minutes.

It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Pre-Cooking Preparation

Before cooking, you should prepare the lamb chops by patting them dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat. You can then season the lamb chops with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, butter, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Instructions

When cooking, place the lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the lamb chops in batches.

For best results, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the desired internal temperature is reached.

Once cooked, let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

What to serve with lamb chops

Lamb chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to accompany your juicy air fryer lamb chops:

Veggie Sides

If you're looking for a healthy option to balance out the richness of the lamb, roasted or air-fried vegetables are a great choice. Some suggestions include:

• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Beet greens
• Green beans
• Spinach

Starchy Sides

For a heartier meal, consider pairing your lamb chops with a starchy side. Potatoes are a classic choice and can be prepared in a variety of ways:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted new red potatoes
• Greek lemon and garlic potatoes
• Baked potato
• French fries

Salads

A fresh salad can also help to round out your meal. Try a traditional Greek salad with feta, spinach, and pomegranate, or a wheat berry salad with peas, radishes, and dill.

Sauces

To add even more flavour to your dish, consider serving your lamb chops with a sauce on the side. Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill, is a popular choice that pairs well with lamb. Chimichurri sauce is another option that will add a refreshing twist to your meal.

How to store leftover lamb chops

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer will be ready in under 15 minutes. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge or freezer.

• Place leftover lamb chops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
• To freeze, place the cooked and cooled chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two to three months.
• Always label the lamb packages with the date. This way, you will know how long they have been stored.
• When storing lamb in the refrigerator, it is a good idea to keep it on a plate rather than directly on a shelf. This prevents any juices that may leak from the packaging from contaminating other foods in the fridge.
• Lamb can be frozen in its original packaging, but if it will be in the freezer for several months, it is best to rewrap the meat in foil or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently asked questions