Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Lamb chops are a delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The air fryer helps to create a juicy and tender cut of meat with a nice crust, without the need for lots of oil. Lamb chops can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper, and served with a range of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.

How to season lamb chops for the air fryer

Seasoning lamb chops for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your taste preferences. 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. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote even cooking. Remove any excess fat or sinew from the chops, as it can become tough and chewy when cooked.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

For a classic lamb chop seasoning, you can use a combination of olive oil, butter, and spices such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add some minced garlic to enhance the flavour. Play around with the spices and herbs to find your preferred combination.

Step 3: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, butter, and spices until well combined. You can also add other ingredients to this mixture to create a marinade. For example, lemon juice or red wine vinegar can help to tenderize the meat, but the lamb chops should be marinated for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours if using these ingredients.

Step 4: Apply the Seasoning to the Lamb Chops

Add the lamb chops to a large mixing bowl and pour the seasoning mixture over them. Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasoning mixture into the meat, ensuring that each chop is well coated. You can also sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the lamb chops and then use your hands to rub it in. Make sure to season both sides of the lamb chops.

Step 5: Assemble in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each chop to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is small and cannot accommodate all the chops in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Lamb Chops

Follow the cooking instructions for your air fryer, cooking the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach the desired level of doneness. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness, ranging from medium-rare to well done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb chops to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the lamb chops are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite. Serve the lamb chops with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing tzatziki sauce for dipping.

How long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer

The cooking time for lamb chops in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. As a guide, rare lamb chops will have an internal temperature of 120°F, medium-rare 130°F, medium 140°F, medium-well 150-160°F, and well-done 165°F.

Most recipes recommend cooking lamb chops in an air fryer for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your lamb chops and your desired level of doneness. For example, one source recommends cooking 1-inch lamb chops for 7-8 minutes for medium-rare, 8 1/2-9 minutes for medium, 10-12 minutes for medium-well, and 12 minutes for well-done.

To ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.

How to store leftover lamb chops

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are a quick and easy meal, but you might still have some leftover. Here's how to store them:

Firstly, it's important to cool your leftover lamb chops as quickly as possible, ideally within two hours. Then, divide them into portions in a sealed container and place them in the refrigerator or freezer. It's best to keep cooked meat separate from raw meat.

If you're planning on eating your leftover lamb chops within the next few days, store them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within two to four days and be sure to reheat them until they reach a temperature of 70°C.

If you're not going to eat your leftover lamb chops within a few days, it's best to freeze them. Lamb can be kept in the freezer for up to six to nine months, and frozen lamb should be consumed within three months. When freezing, it's a good idea to label the container with the date, so you know how long it has been stored.

What to serve with lamb chops

Lamb chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your air-fried lamb chops and make a delicious meal:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option to serve with lamb chops. You can keep it simple with some air-fried vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or a baked potato. Or, if you want something more elaborate, try a lemony pea salad, spinach pomegranate salad, or caramelised Brussels sprouts with pistachios. Other options include roasted broccoli, sautéed beet greens, or a simple side of peas with a mint sauce.

Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with lamb chops and can be made more indulgent with the addition of cheese or spring onions. Alternatively, roasted new red potatoes are a great way to soak up any gravy from your lamb chops. For a Mediterranean twist, try Greek lemon and garlic potatoes, or a potato and parsnip purée.

Salads and Couscous

A simple, authentic Greek salad with tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta, and a vinaigrette is a great way to complement lamb chops without overpowering them. Alternatively, a wheat berry salad with peas, radishes, and dill, or a pearl couscous salad with zucchini, bell peppers, and fresh herbs, are great choices to accompany lamb.

Sauces and Dips

Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill, is a classic Greek sauce that goes perfectly with lamb. You could also try a mint sauce, or a homemade chimichurri sauce.

Other Sides

If you want to try something different, halloumi cheese is a great pairing with lamb chops. You could serve it as part of a three-bean salad with a pomegranate-harissa vinaigrette, or grilled with a Greek seasoning. Alternatively, roasted shallots, or glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower are all in season and delicious choices.

How to prepare the air fryer for cooking

Preparing your air fryer for cooking is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure perfect results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your air fryer for cooking lamb chops:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. If there are any leftover crumbs or residue from previous cooking sessions, give the air fryer basket and tray a thorough wipe down with a damp cloth. It is important to start with a clean slate to prevent any unwanted flavours from transferring to your lamb chops.

Next, gather your ingredients and prepare the lamb chops. Pat the chops dry with a paper towel and trim away any excess fat or sinew. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the meat and promotes even cooking. Place the lamb chops in a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the marinade.

In a separate small bowl, combine your chosen oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or garlic olive oil), butter (if using), and spices/herbs. Common choices include rosemary, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix these ingredients well to form a flavourful marinade. You can also add an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to the marinade, but this requires marinating the lamb chops for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours.

Now it's time to coat the lamb chops. Pour the marinade over the lamb chops in the large mixing bowl and use your hands or a brush to ensure each chop is well coated. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies.

Once the lamb chops are nicely coated, it's a good idea to let them sit and absorb the flavours. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour. This step is optional, but it helps to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat.

Finally, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius). Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the lamb chops, while others suggest letting the lamb come to room temperature while the air fryer preheats.

By following these steps, your air fryer will be ready to go, and you'll be well on your way to cooking juicy and flavourful lamb chops!

Frequently asked questions