Air-Fried Lamb: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Air fryers are an excellent way to cook a juicy and tender leg of lamb. The cooking time depends on the size of the lamb joint, the type of air fryer used, and the desired level of doneness. For example, a 3-pound boneless leg of lamb will take around 60 minutes to cook to medium-rare, while a 1.1 kg half leg of lamb will take around 45 minutes to cook to medium. It is important to note that cooking times may vary, and it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to roast lamb in an air fryer

Roasting lamb in an air fryer is an easy and tasty way to cook a lamb roast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients and Tools:

Firstly, gather your ingredients and tools. You will need:

• Lamb roast (boneless or bone-in)
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Aluminium foil (optional)
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. potatoes, carrots)

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb:

• If your lamb has a netting or kitchen twine, keep it on during the cooking process to hold the lamb together.
• Mix your chosen spices and herbs in a small bowl.
• Rub the lamb with olive oil or cooking spray and then coat it with the spice mixture.
• For extra flavour, cut small slits into the lamb and insert thin garlic slivers.
• Wrap the lamb in plastic wrap or place it in a large baggie and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavour.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Take the lamb out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 400°F for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Lamb:

• Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, fat side up. Make sure it is not too close to the heating element and has room for hot air to circulate.
• For a crispy crust, start cooking at a higher temperature (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325°F-360°F and continue cooking for 30-45 minutes.
• The total cooking time will depend on the size of the lamb, the type of air fryer, and your desired doneness.
• If desired, add vegetables to the air fryer about 30 minutes before the lamb is done. Drizzle them with olive oil and season as desired.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb. The recommended internal temperature for lamb varies, but generally:
• Rare: 125°F
• Medium-Rare: 130°F to 135°F
• Medium: 140°F to 145°F
• Well-Done: 155°F to 165°F

Step 4: Rest and Serve:

• Once the lamb reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
• Collect any juices released during resting and drizzle them over the lamb before serving.
• Carve the lamb against the grain and serve with your choice of side dishes.

Tips:

• Always refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed.
• When in doubt, use a meat thermometer to ensure your lamb is cooked to your liking.
• If your lamb is too big for your air fryer, you can cut it into smaller pieces, but this will reduce the cooking time.
• If your lamb has netting or twine, remove it before serving.

Cooking times and temperatures for air fryer lamb

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer lamb will depend on several factors, including the weight of the lamb, the cut of meat, and your desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines to help you cook your lamb to perfection:

Temperature Settings:

It is recommended to cook lamb in the air fryer at temperatures between 180°C (350°F) and 200°C (400°F). You can start at a higher temperature to form a nice crust and then lower the heat to finish cooking.

Cooking Time:

For a boneless leg of lamb, it will take approximately 60 minutes to cook to medium-rare. A good rule of thumb is to allow 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness.

Internal Temperature for Doneness:

• 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)
• Shreddable: 180-200°F (82-93°C)

Tips for Best Results:

• Let the lamb come to room temperature before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and determine the doneness of the lamb.
• Rest the lamb for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure tender meat.
• When cooking a bone-in lamb leg, it's best to cook it to at least medium doneness to allow the fats and connective tissues to break down properly.
• Consider using a rack or elevating the lamb slightly to prevent the bottom from burning or drying out.

How to get a crispy exterior

To get a crispy exterior on your roast lamb, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that you pat the lamb dry with paper towels or kitchen paper before cooking. This helps to remove any excess moisture, which will ensure a crispy exterior.

Secondly, when seasoning the lamb, create a mixture of olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper, and rub this all over the lamb joint. You can also cut small slits into the lamb and push garlic into the slits. This will add flavour and moisture to the lamb, but be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid tearing the meat.

Thirdly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is not too close to the heating element, as this can cause the lamb to cook too quickly on the outside.

Finally, cook the lamb for approximately 10 minutes at a high temperature to develop a nice crust. Then, lower the temperature and continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your desired internal temperature.

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb and ensure it is cooked to your liking.
• For a crispy exterior and juicy interior, cook lamb shoulder at 360°F (180°C).
• For a leg of lamb with a crispy exterior, cook at a higher temperature of 380°F (190°C).
• If desired, add some extra sprigs of rosemary or bashed garlic cloves to the air fryer basket during cooking.
• Let the lamb rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender result.

How to rest the meat

Resting your meat is an essential step in the cooking process. It allows the meat to retain its juices and prevents it from drying out. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly rest your meat:

Firstly, remove the meat from the oven or air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board, warm plate, or serving platter. It is important to use a rack to rest your meat, as resting it on a flat surface can cause the heat to rebound and cook the meat further. Tent the meat loosely with aluminium foil to retain some heat.

The resting time will depend on the size and thickness of your cut of meat. As a general rule, thinner cuts of meat should rest for a minimum of 5-7 minutes, while thicker cuts should rest for 10-20 minutes. For lamb, it is recommended to rest the meat for about 10 minutes. You can also use the following guidelines: rest the meat for 5 minutes per inch of thickness, 10 minutes per pound, or 1 minute for every 100 grams. For larger roasts, you can rest the meat for half the time it took to cook, while for thinner cuts, you can rest for the entire cooking time.

While the meat is resting, its internal temperature will continue to rise, a phenomenon known as carryover cooking. This is due to the heat travelling through the meat even after it has been removed from the heat source. The amount of temperature rise will depend on the density of the meat, with smaller cuts rising by about 3-6 degrees Fahrenheit and larger roasts rising by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, it is important to note that rested meat should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can enter the temperature danger zone and risk bacterial growth. If you are not ready to eat the meat after it has rested, you can keep it warm in a low oven for about 15-20 minutes without overcooking it.

What to serve with air fryer lamb

So, you're thinking of making a delicious air fryer lamb dish and want to know what to serve with it? Here are some ideas to make your meal even more mouth-watering!

First, let's talk about the lamb itself. When cooking lamb in an air fryer, you have options like a leg of lamb, lamb chops, or a lamb shoulder. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the cut of lamb and your desired doneness. For example, lamb chops will take around 7-10 minutes in the air fryer, while a leg of lamb could take up to an hour for medium-rare.

Now, let's move on to the sides! Here are some options to complement your air fryer lamb:

• Potatoes: Roast some potatoes in the air fryer alongside your lamb, or make mashed potatoes or potato wedges as a side dish.
• Vegetables: Sautéed beet greens, asparagus, brussels sprouts, carrots, or peas would all make great vegetable sides.
• Rice: Try something like an almond rice pilaf with cherries or cauliflower rice.
• Salads: A fresh and tangy salad can complement the richness of the lamb.
• Gravy: Don't forget to make use of those delicious lamb juices! Make a gravy to drizzle over your lamb and sides.

When it comes to flavour profiles, you can go in a few different directions. A mint sauce or jelly is a traditional pairing with lamb. You could also do a Greek-inspired meal with oregano, garlic, and olive oil. Or, try a Moroccan or Middle Eastern-inspired dish with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions