Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Lamb chops are a great dish to cook in an air fryer, as they turn out tender and juicy. The cooking time depends 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 for medium-rare. For this recipe (using 1-inch chops), this took us exactly 7 minutes.

How to prepare the lamb chops

How to Prepare Lamb Chops in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Lamb chops
• Olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (either fresh, jarred or powdered)
• Rosemary (fresh or dried)
• Thyme (dried)
• Red wine vinegar (optional)
• Oregano (fresh or dried)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the lamb chops

Start by patting the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat.

Step 2: Make the marinade

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar (if using). Mix well.

Step 3: Marinate the lamb chops

Add the lamb chops to the bowl and rub the marinade into the meat. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 5 hours.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-204°C). Grease the air fryer basket with oil or butter.

Step 5: Cook the lamb chops

Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 120-140°F. For well-done chops, cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 150-160°F.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Remove the lamb chops from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If you like your lamb chops with a crust, preheating your air fryer will help achieve this.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the lamb chops in batches.
• It is recommended to cook lamb chops to a maximum of medium-rare to avoid a gamey taste.
• Lamb chops are best served with simple sides, such as mashed potatoes and vegetables.

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for 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 lamb chops cooked to medium-rare. This usually takes 7-8 minutes in the air fryer, flipping the chops halfway through.

If you prefer your lamb chops cooked to medium, you should aim for an internal temperature of 150°F. This will take around 8 1/2 to 9 minutes. For medium-well, the internal temperature should be 155-160°F, which will take 10-12 minutes. Well-done lamb chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, which will take around 12 minutes.

It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check that your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to achieve a nice crust on the meat. However, this is not always necessary, and you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes if you choose to preheat your air fryer.

It is important to note that lamb chops should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

What temperature to cook them at

The ideal temperature for cooking lamb chops in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. Lamb chops can be cooked at different temperatures to achieve a range of doneness levels, from rare to well done. Here are some guidelines for cooking temperatures and their corresponding doneness levels:

• Rare: Cook the lamb chops at 400°F (204°C) for about 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
• Medium-Rare: Cook at the same temperature for 7-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).
• Medium: For medium doneness, you can either cook the chops at 380°F (195°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, or at 400°F (204°C) for around 8-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Medium-Well: Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, cook at 400°F (204°C) for around 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (66°C).
• Well Done: Cook at 380°F (195°C) for a total of 14 minutes, flipping halfway, or at 400°F (204°C) for around 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the lamb chops and the desired level of doneness. The best way to ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.

What to serve them with

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer pair well with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, salads, and potatoes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer lamb chops:

Vegetables

• Air fryer vegetables: Brussels sprouts, buffalo cauliflower, carrots, or baked potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables: Cauliflower, asparagus, or broccolini.
• Sautéed beet greens
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Sweet roasted carrots and beets
• Peas

Salads

• Caprese salad
• Broccoli slaw
• 7-layer salad

Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fried potatoes

You can also serve lamb chops with a sauce, such as chimichurri or tzatziki.

How to store leftovers

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze them, place the cooked and cooled chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two or three months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen lamb chops, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to serve, simply sear the chops on a hot pan for a few minutes until they're warmed through.

Reheating can be done in the air fryer, oven, or skillet. However, be careful not to overcook the lamb chops when reheating them.

Frequently asked questions