Air Fryer Lamb Chops: How Long To Fry?

Lamb chops are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and they cook surprisingly quickly. Depending on the thickness of the chops and how well-done you like your meat, cooking times will vary, but generally, they will be done in under 15 minutes.

How to season lamb chops for the air fryer

Air fryer lamb chops are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in less than 15 minutes. They are juicy, flavorful, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season lamb chops for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Chops

Start by patting the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat or sinew. You want to make sure the lamb chops are dry before adding any seasonings or marinade.

Step 2: Create the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your chosen oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral heat-safe oil), butter (if using), and spices/herbs. For spices, you can use a combination of dried rosemary, dried thyme, sea salt or kosher salt, and black pepper. Freshly minced or jarred garlic can also be added, or garlic powder if you prefer. You can also add other dried herbs such as oregano or basil, or a simple Italian seasoning blend. Whisk or mix the ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Lamb Chops

Place the lamb chops in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the lamb chops in the marinade, ensuring that each chop is well coated. You can also rub the marinade into the meat with your hands to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Chill the Lamb Chops (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to cover the bowl and chill the lamb chops in the refrigerator for up to 5 hours. Chilling is not required, but it can help the lamb absorb the flavours of the marinade. However, if you are using a marinade with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar, do not chill for longer than 5 hours, as the acid can break down the meat fibres and make the lamb tough.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to create a nice crust on the lamb chops. If you choose to preheat, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius.

Step 6: Assemble and Air Fry

Once the lamb chops are seasoned and the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the lamb chops from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures juicy, tender meat.

And that's it! You now have delicious, seasoned air fryer lamb chops ready to be enjoyed.

How long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer

Air fryer lamb chops are a quick and easy way to cook juicy and tender lamb chops. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the lamb chops and your desired level of doneness.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended to marinate the lamb chops for at least 20 minutes to an hour. This will impart flavour into the meat and ensure it is tender. The chops should be brought to room temperature before marinating to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking time

As a guide, thinner lamb chops will take around 5-6 minutes to cook, while thicker chops will take around 7-9 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the lamb chops have reached the desired internal temperature.

For medium-rare lamb chops, the internal temperature should be 135°F. For medium, aim for 145°F, and for well-done, the internal temperature should be 165°F.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the lamb chops will continue to rise by about 5°F after they have been removed from the air fryer. Therefore, it is best to remove the chops from the heat just before they reach the desired temperature.

Tips for cooking

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking.
• Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between them.
• Brush the lamb chops with olive oil before cooking, rather than greasing the air fryer basket.
• Flip the lamb chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Allow the lamb chops to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
• Check the seasoning before serving and adjust if necessary.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb chops while cooking.

Marinating lamb chops before air frying

Ingredients

You will need:

• Lamb chops (rib chops or lamb loin chops)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Red wine vinegar (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Garlic (freshly minced or jarred)
• Spices: dried rosemary, dried thyme, sea salt or kosher salt, and black pepper

Marinade Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the lamb chops with the olive oil, red wine vinegar (if using), lemon juice (if using), garlic, and spices. Rub the marinade into the meat thoroughly, ensuring each chop is well coated. Cover the bowl and chill the marinated lamb chops for at least 30 minutes or up to 5 hours. The acid in the vinegar or lemon juice will help to tenderise the meat, but be careful not to marinate for too long, as it can start to break down the fibres and make the lamb tough.

Air Frying

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each chop. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chops and your desired level of doneness.

Serving

For a simple weeknight meal or a fancier dinner for guests, serve your air-fried lamb chops with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, sautéed beet greens, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Storage

Leftover lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen in a ziplock bag for up to two months. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or skillet, being careful not to overcook.

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 can be achieved in around 7 minutes in an air fryer set to 190°C/370°F or 375°F.

For a rare cook, the internal temperature of the lamb chops should be 120°F. For a medium cook, the internal temperature should be 130°F. For medium-well, the internal temperature should be 155-160°F, and for well-done, the internal temperature should be 165°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the lamb chops and the desired level of doneness. As such, it is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to help develop a nice crust on the meat. However, this step is not always necessary.

How to store leftover lamb chops

Lamb chops are a delicious treat, but sometimes you might have some leftover. Here is a detailed guide on how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty.

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked lamb should be stored within two hours of serving or preparation. Leftover lamb chops should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Aim to store them in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the bottom shelf, and ensure the temperature is below 40°F. Storing them this way will keep them fresh for up to four days.

If you want to keep your leftover lamb chops for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the chops tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date, and they will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover lamb chops again, simply remove them from the fridge or freezer and reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or skillet.

A few other important tips to keep in mind: always use separate utensils and containers for raw and cooked lamb to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, never allow raw lamb to be exposed to heat before cooking, and do not leave it at room temperature.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your leftover lamb chops remain tasty and safe to eat!

Frequently asked questions