Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe
Juicy, herb-crusted lamb chops cooked to tender perfection in an air fryer, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 lamb rib chops (about 700g total)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dijon mustard</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon wedges, for serving</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small mixing bowl</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER
Kitchen Converter
Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.
Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking and juicier results. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a better sear.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and dijon mustard. Mix well to create a fragrant herb paste that will create a beautiful crust on your chops.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb chops, massaging it into the meat. Make sure to coat all sides evenly, including the fatty edges. The oil helps the herbs adhere while the mustard acts as an emulsifier and flavor enhancer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Preheating is essential for achieving that initial sear that locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust on the lamb.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Overcrowding will lead to steaming rather than roasting.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook the lamb chops at 200°C for 6 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for another 4-6 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. For medium-rare (recommended for best flavor and tenderness), the internal temperature should reach 57-60°C. For medium, aim for 60-65°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chop, being careful not to touch bone, which conducts heat differently and will give an inaccurate reading.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once done, immediately transfer the lamb chops to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist, tender chops.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve your beautiful air fryer lamb chops hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the lamb perfectly. Enjoy your restaurant-quality lamb chops made effortlessly in your air fryer!</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
What's the ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked lamb chops?
For the most tender and flavourful lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 57-60°C for medium-rare or 60-65°C for medium. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) for accuracy. Always rest the meat for 5 minutes after cooking.
How can I tell when my air fried lamb is perfectly done without a thermometer?
Without a thermometer, use the touch test: medium-rare lamb feels like the base of your thumb when touching your middle finger to thumb; medium feels like when touching ring finger to thumb. The meat should be springy but not soft, with a caramelised crust and juices running clear with a slight pink tinge.
What side dishes pair well with herb-crusted lamb chops?
Herb-crusted lamb chops pair beautifully with Mediterranean sides like Greek salad, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mint-yoghurt sauce, lemon-roasted asparagus, or couscous with roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, add a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Syrah.
Want to try something else in ...
More recipes you might like
Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.
