Air fryer lamb cutlets are quick to prepare, wonderfully tender and juicy, and packed with flavour-making them perfect for an easy family dinner. Marinated in a simple combination of lemon, garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil, these lamb cutlets are ready in under 30 minutes. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss, and are especially handy during the warmer months when you'd rather keep the oven off.
Jump to:
Lamb cutlets, also known as rib chops, are one of our favourite cuts of lamb. They're especially well suited to the air fryer because they're small enough to fit several portions in the basket, the fat renders beautifully as they cook, and they're ready in no time.
Lamb is a great source of high-quality protein and provides important nutrients such as iron, making it a nourishing choice for growing bodies.
While lamb cutlets can be a little more expensive than some other cuts, I love how tender and flavourful they are. Cooking meat on the bone helps keep it juicy, and my kids love being able to pick up the cutlets and eat them with their hands. Keep an eye out for marked-down packs at the grocery store when you find a good deal, buy extra to freeze for later!
The Greek-inspired flavours of lemon, garlic and oregano create a fresh, zingy contrast to the richness of the lamb cutlets, and a short marinade helps infuse the flavours into the lamb before it goes into the air fryer.
This recipe makes approximately 8 lamb cutlets; 2 cutlets per person for a family of four. For larger families or bigger servings, simply double the recipe and cook the cutlets in two batches. To keep the first batch warm while the second batch cooks, place the cooked cutlets on a baking tray, cover loosely with aluminium foil and keep them in a warm oven set to 70°C (160°F).
Looking for more lamb recipes to make? Try my air fryer crumbed lamb cutlets, air fryer lamb chops and Irish lamb pie made with leftover roast lamb.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE LAMB CUTLETS IN THE AIR FRYER
Quick and easy - With just a few simple ingredients and around 15 minutes of cooking time, these lamb cutlets make an easy family dinner when you're short on time.
Tender and full of flavour - A simple marinade of lemon, garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil adds plenty of flavour while the air fryer helps the lamb develop beautifully browned edges.
Less mess and fuss - Air frying means there's no need to stand over a hot frying pan or deal with oil splatters, making clean-up quick and easy.
How to serve air-fried lamb cutlets
Air fryer lamb cutlets are great for lunch or dinner and delicious served alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh Greek salad, crispy potatoes or a creamy mint and yogurt sauce.
TOOLS YOU MAY NEED
Air fryer - I have recently upgraded to the Philips 5000 Series XXL Connected Air Fryer and I absolutely love it. The extra-large cooking basket fits family-sized meals and has a non-toxic ceramic coating.
If there was one kitchen appliance I simply couldn't live without, it would have to be my air fryer. I absolutely love it. Air frying has been a game-changer for me and makes preparing healthy and delicious real food a cinch, so I'm excited to share this recipe with you.
INGREDIENTS
- Lamb cutlets (also known as rib chops) - either regular or frenched lamb cutlets will work. Frenched lamb cutlets have some of the fat trimmed and residual meat removed from the bone so they look fancier, but cost more. Regular lamb cutlets work fine in this recipe. Look for fresh cuts with a good amount of marbling.
- Lemon juice - freshly squeezed from half a lemon
- Dried oregano - dried rosemary or mixed herbs would also work well
- Minced garlic - fresh or bottled
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fine natural salt
- Cracked black pepper
Note: Marinating the lamb is optional. Feel free to use your favourite combination of herbs and spices, or, for a simple option, coat the cutlets with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer
Step 1: Combine the lamb cutlets, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Allow the lamb to marinate for 5-10 minutes, or longer in the fridge if you have time.
Step 2: Place the lamb cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and air fry for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Turn the lamb cutlets over and cook for a further 5 minutes at 190°C (375°F).
Step 4: Turn the lamb cutlets on their sides so fat caps are facing upwards. Position them side by side so they don't fall over. Cook for a further 3-5 minutes at 190°C (375°F), or until the lamb is cooked to your liking.
Note: Air fryers vary in power and performance, so cooking times may differ between models. Use the cooking times provided as a guide only, and adjust as needed based on your air fryer, the thickness of your lamb cutlets, and your preferred level of doneness.
Step 5: Remove the lamb cutlets from the air fryer basket and rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
STORAGE
Store leftover lamb cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
TIPS
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Arrange the lamb cutlets in a single layer with a little space between them so the hot air can circulate and brown the meat evenly. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the cutlets in batches.
- Rest the cutlets for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps keep the lamb tender and juicy.
- Preheating is generally not required for modern air fryers but may be better for some older models. Refer to your manufacturer's recommendations.
- Use a meat thermometer to help achieve your preferred level of doneness. Insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove the lamb from the air fryer, so remove it when it is approximately 3-6°C below your target temperature.
| Level of doneness | Temperature |
| Rare | 60°C (140°F) |
| Medium-rare | 60–65°C (140–149°F) |
| Medium | 65–70°C (149–158°F) |
| Medium-well | 70–75°C (158–167°F) |
| Well done | 75°C (167°F) |
Source: Australianlamb.com
Note: The minimum safe internal temperature for whole lamb cuts is 63°C (145°F).
Frequently asked questions
I recommend cooking lamb cutlets medium-well (internal temperature 70-75°C (158-167°F)) which gives you tender, juicy lamb with beautifully rendered, crisp edges. The minimum safe internal temperature for whole lamb cuts is 63°C (145°F).
For lamb cutlets, 190°C (375°F) is a good temperature for air frying. At this temperature, the cutlets cook quickly while developing nicely browned, caramelised edges without drying out too quickly.
Cook lamb cutlets for approximately 15 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Every air fryer is different, so refer to your manufacturer instructions for specific requirements. The thickness of your lamb cutlets and your preferred level of doneness will also affect the cooking time.
Lamb loin chops (also known as lamb T-bone chops) and smaller roasts such as a rolled boneless shoulder are also great in the air fryer. Use the same marinade as these lamb cutlets, or try another classic flavour combination like rosemary, olive oil and sea salt.
For lamb cutlets and chops, I'd choose the air fryer over the oven and pan frying. The air fryer is well suited to small cuts of lamb because the circulating hot air cooks them quickly while helping the outside brown and crisp. The fat on the cutlets also renders nicely, giving you deliciously browned edges without needing much additional oil. It also keeps the mess contained in the air fryer basket, making clean-up easier, and keeps the kitchen cooler. I also like how you can simply set the time and temperature on the air fryer and get on with other jobs in the kitchen without having to stand over the stove.
The main downside with air frying is that you're limited by the size of the air fryer basket. For larger families or bigger servings, I recommend doubling the recipe and cooking the cutlets in two batches.
If you try this recipe and love it, please give it five stars in the recipe card below and leave a review. Your support means so much and helps me continue sharing my recipes for free. Tag me on Instagram @pineapple.farmhouse, I'd love to see what you make!
Recipe
AIR FRYER LAMB CUTLETS
Ingredients
- 600 g Lamb cutlets (rib chops) approximately 8
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice approximately half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the lamb cutlets, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Allow the lamb to marinate for 5-10 minutes, or longer in the fridge if you have time.
- Place the lamb cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and air fry for 5 minutes.
- Turn the lamb cutlets over and cook for a further 5 minutes at 190°C (375°F).
- Turn the lamb cutlets on their sides so fat caps are facing upwards. Position them side by side so they don't fall over. Cook for a further 3-5 minutes at 190°C (375°F), or until the lamb is cooked to your liking.
- Remove the lamb cutlets from the air fryer basket and rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Arrange the lamb cutlets in a single layer with a little space between them so the hot air can circulate and brown the meat evenly. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the cutlets in batches.
- Rest the cutlets for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps keep the lamb tender and juicy.
- Preheating is generally not required for modern air fryers but may be better for some older models. Refer to your manufacturer's recommendations.
- Use a meat thermometer to help achieve your preferred level of doneness. Insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove the lamb from the air fryer, so remove it when it is approximately 3-6°C below your target temperature.
| Level of doneness | Temperature |
| Rare | 60°C (140°F) |
| Medium-rare | 60–65°C (140–149°F) |
| Medium | 65–70°C (149–158°F) |
| Medium-well | 70–75°C (158–167°F) |
| Well done | 75°C (167°F) |
Nutrition
If you're looking for more quick and easy air fryer recipes try my chicken drumsticks or whole roast chicken recipes.
Related recipes
Hi, I'm Emily!
I'm a mum of 2 who is passionate about making real food from scratch, homesteading and creating a cozy handmade home. Here on my blog you'll find recipes, DIY projects and inspiration for simple living.
Comments
No Comments