Air Fryer Lamb Cutlets

Learn how to air fry lamb cutlets for a quick and nutritious family meal that's simply bursting with flavour. Find out how to prepare a simple yet tasty marinade, the perfect cooking temperature and how long to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer.

Jump to:

• How long does it take to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer?
• My top tips
• How to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer
• Frequently asked questions
• Comments

If there was one kitchen appliance I simply couldn't live without, it would have to be my air fryer (see note below). I absolutely love this thing. 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.

EDIT: Since I shared this post I have upgraded to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer and I absolutely love it. It's 11 appliances in one including an air fryer, pressure cooker and slow cooker. Get it here (AU readers) and here (USA and other readers).

Lamb cutlets are a favourite in our household. They're so tender with a crispy little layer of fat. Marinading the lamb in a little lemon, olive, oil, salt and oregano really takes these lamb cutlets to next level delicious.

Lamb is a great source of iron and high-quality protein, and a wonderful source of nourishment for growing bodies. Learn more about the health benefits of lamb.

Lamb cutlets are well suited to air fryer cooking because they're small so you can fit quite a few portions in the frying basket, and don't take long to cook.

While lamb cutlets (otherwise known as rib chops) can be expensive, I love how tender they are. Cooking meat on the bone helps retain moisture and the kids love being able to hold on to their food with their hands.

I always look for when I can get them marked down at my grocery store and buy in bulk to freeze for later. By stockpiling this way, we can afford to eat choice cuts, even on a budget.

How long does it take to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer?

We like our lamb cooked through but still a little pink so I cook lamb cutlets at 190 degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit for 15 - 20 minutes. Simple increase or reduce the cooking time to suit you.

Every air fryer is different, so refer to your manufacturer instructions for specific ingredient weight/cooking time requirements.

My top tips

• Ask your butcher for lamb cutlets that haven't been frenched. Don't be afraid of a little fat... Fat equals flavour and keeps us feeling fuller for longer! Read more about why fat ain't bad.
• If your air fryer is producing a lot of smoke during cooking simply remove the tray and carefully drain off the oil in the bottom before recommencing cooking. Be careful as the oil and air fryer components will be hot!
• If you don't have an air fryer, I would recommend cooking lamb cutlets in a well seasoned cast iron fry pan (skillet) or on the BBQ on medium-high heat.
• This recipe also works brilliantly for lamb chops!

How to cook lamb cutlets in the air fryer

Equipment

• Air fryer, see note below
• Measuring spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Chopping board

EDIT: Since I shared this post I have upgraded to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. Get it here (AU readers) and here (USA and other readers).

Ingredients

• 600 grams lamb cutlets (approximately 6 medium or 8 small)
• juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper

Optional:

Minted yoghurt dipping sauce

• ½ cup natural yogurt
• handful fresh mint leaves, about 20 leaves
• squeeze of lemon juice

Finely chop the mint, and then combine with the yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl.

Note: We use Australian Standard cups and spoons and metric measures.

Method

Step 1: Combine the lamb cutlets, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well.

Step 2: Allow to rest for 5 minutes or so, or longer in the fridge if you have time. Meanwhile preheat the air fryer to 190 Degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit.

If you have an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, it automatically preheats when you press start. Get it here (AU readers) and here (USA and other readers).

Step 3: Place lamb cutlets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit, or according to the manufacturers instructions.

Step 4: Remove the air fryer basket and turn the lamb cutlets.

Tip: If your air fryer is smoking a lot during cooking, pour off any excess oil from the bottom of the air fryer basket at this point.

Step 5: Return the air fryer basket and cook for a further 5 - 10 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.

Step 6: When cooked, remove the lamb cutlets from the air fryer basket and rest for a couple of minutes prior to serving.

This recipe also works for great with lamb chops! Watch the video tutorial:

If you make this recipe and love it, please gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @pineapple.farmhouse with your delicious creation.

Frequently asked questions

What can you serve with air fryer lamb cutlets?

We love to serve lamb cutlets with crispy roasted potatoes and minted yogurt dipping sauce.

Looking for a healthy vegetable side dish? Try our crispy air fryer fried zucchini.

What other lamb cuts can you cook in the air fryer?

Lamb loin chops and smaller roasts such as a rolled boneless shoulder are also great in the air fryer.

Use the same marinade we used for these lamb cutlets, or try another classic flavour combination like rosemary, olive oil and sea salt.

How do you store and reheat lamb cutlets?

Lamb cutlets aren't really suitable as a make-ahead and freeze meal because the lamb tends to become tougher when reheating, however if you do have leftovers simply store them in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave until steaming hot.

Thanks for following along!