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

Lamb chops cooked in an air fryer are juicy, flavourful, and ready in less than 15 minutes. This cooking method is healthier than frying or baking, as it requires less oil to keep the meat juicy. The air fryer also guarantees tender and evenly cooked chops, so you never have to worry about chewy or tough meat.

Choosing the right cut of lamb

Lamb chops are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, and air frying. When choosing the right cut of lamb for your lamb chops, there are several factors to consider, such as the desired cooking method, tenderness, flavour, and price. Here are some tips to help you select the best cut of lamb for your air fryer lamb chops:

Lamb Loin Chops

Lamb loin chops are an excellent choice for air fryer lamb chops due to their tenderness and flavour. The loin is located between the ribs and sirloin of the lamb, and the chops are often cut into mini T-bone steaks. These chops are best suited for grilling or pan-frying, but can also be cooked in the air fryer. When air frying, keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to other cuts.

Lamb Rib Chops

Lamb rib chops are another option for air fryer lamb chops. They are derived from the rack of lamb and offer a mild flavour with juicy meat. This cut is quite versatile and can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, air frying, pan-searing, or roasting. Lamb rib chops tend to be more expensive due to their source and the French trimming process they often undergo.

Lamb Shoulder Chops

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider lamb shoulder chops. The shoulder is a thick, tough, and slightly fatty cut of meat, but the fat can be easily trimmed. Lamb shoulder chops are typically slower-cooked as a stew or roasted in the oven. While they may be cheaper, they pack a stronger flavour that is accentuated when cooked on an outdoor charcoal grill or frying pan.

Lamb Leg Chops

Lamb leg chops are ideal for those who prefer a leaner option. The leg of lamb produces juicy and tender meat, especially when cooked using dry heat methods like roasting. Leaving the bone in can enhance the presentation, making it perfect for special occasions. However, keep in mind that lamb leg chops are usually more expensive.

Lamb Rack

The lamb rack is one of the most sought-after and expensive cuts, consisting of the lamb's rib section. It yields approximately eight rib chops and is often French trimmed, contributing to its higher price tag. While the rack of lamb is typically cooked in the oven, individual rib chops can be air-fried, grilled, or pan-seared.

When selecting lamb chops for the air fryer, consider the thickness of the cuts and whether you prefer bone-in or boneless chops. Thicker cuts with the bone intact may require a slightly longer cooking time. Additionally, bone-in chops add flavour and moisture to the meat. Remember to pat the chops dry and remove any excess fat before seasoning and cooking.

Marinating the lamb chops

Place the lamb chops in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chops, turning them to ensure they are completely coated. Leave the lamb chops to marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

If you are using lemon juice in your marinade, do not exceed a marinating time of 5 hours as the acid can start to break down the fibres in the meat, resulting in tough lamb chops.

Once the lamb chops have finished marinating, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Preheating the air fryer

To preheat the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F or 370°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. If you are using an oven model air fryer, you may want to rotate the trays halfway through the preheating process.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the lamb chops inside and follow the remaining steps in the recipe.

Cooking the lamb chops

Firstly, you'll want to prepare the lamb chops by patting them dry with a paper towel and removing any excess fat.

Next, it's time to season the meat. Place the lamb chops in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, avocado oil, or a combination of olive oil and butter. Add your chosen herbs and spices and rub the mixture over each lamb chop, coating the meat evenly. You can also add lemon juice to the mixture to help tenderize the meat. If you do this, leave the lamb chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Now you're ready to cook the lamb chops! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. If your air fryer is too small, cook the chops in two batches. Set the air fryer to 190°C/370°F or 400°F, and cook for 6-9 minutes, turning the chops halfway through. The cooking time will depend on how well done you like your lamb. For a rare chop, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F; for medium-rare, 130-140°F; for medium, 145°F; for medium-well, 155-160°F; and for well done, 165°F.

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.

Resting the lamb chops

During the resting period, the internal temperature of the lamb chops will continue to rise. This is known as carryover cooking. It's important to consider this when deciding how long to cook the lamb chops in the air fryer. If you prefer your lamb chops on the rarer side, remove them from the air fryer just before they reach the desired internal temperature, as they will continue to cook while resting.

While the lamb chops are resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with them. Lamb chops go well with a variety of sides, including roasted or air-fried vegetables, mashed potatoes, salads, and soups. You can also serve them with a refreshing sauce, such as tzatziki, or a homemade chimichurri sauce.

Once the lamb chops have rested, you can plate them and garnish with fresh herbs or coarse salt. The resting period ensures that the juices are sealed in, resulting in juicy and flavourful lamb chops that are ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently asked questions