In this blog we're answering the question: Can you air fry lamb chops? Learn how to cook delicious marinated lamb chops in the air fryer so they're juicy on the inside while being amazingly crispy on the outside. Find out how to prepare a simple yet tasty marinade, the perfect cooking temperature and how long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer.
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I'm so excited to share this recipe for you because I'm sure it will become a regular dinner staple in your household, like it is in ours! Once you start cooking your lamb chops in the air fryer, I'm sure you'll never go back.
Since getting my air fryer (see note below) a couple of years ago I have loved how simple it is to prepare healthy family meals with such little time and effort. Now, through my blog, I'm so happy to be able to share my favourite recipes with you so you too can nourish your family with real whole foods in a way that's quick and easy.
EDIT: Since I shared his 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 is a healthy, unprocessed real food and 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 chops are well suited to air fryer cooking. I recommend choosing loin chops or cutlets (rib chops) because they're small so you can fit more portions in the fryer basket and they don't take long to cook.
Lamb cutlets (otherwise known as rib chops) can be expensive, but 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 lamb chops marked down at my grocery store and freeze them for later. By stockpiling this way, we can afford to eat choice cuts, even on a budget.
Lamb chops have a delicious layer of fat which becomes really nice and crispy when cooked. Don't be afraid of fat... Fat equals flavour and keeps us feeling fuller for longer! Read more about why fat ain't bad.
The recipe I'm sharing with you in this blog is really simple yet so tasty. The combination of lemon, olive oil and oregano in the marinade is a classic one, inspired by my travels to Greece. It's literally like a party in your mouth! Paired with a zingy mint yogurt sauce, it's a match made in heaven.
If you have fussy eaters, you can always leave the marinade out and simply season lamb chops with good old salt and pepper.
How long does it take to air fry lamb chops?
Cooking lamb chops in the air fryer is really fast so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with very little hands on time.
We like to eat lamb that's cooked through but still a little pink so I cook lamb cutlets at 190 degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit for 15 - 20 minutes. Simply increase or reduce your cooking times to suit your preference; well done, medium or rare.
If you have a meat thermometer you can use the following chart to check how well cooked the lamb is.
| 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 |
Hint: Every air fryer is different, so refer to your manufacturer instructions for specific ingredient weight/cooking time requirements.
What temperature should lamb chops be cooked at?
I like to cook lamb chops at 190 degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit to help render the fat for a crispy result.
How to cook lamb chops in the air fryer
Method
Step 1: Prepare the lamb chops for cooking. See the recipe card below for a simple but tasty marinade, or simply coat the chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Meanwhile preheat the air fryer to 190 Degrees Celsius/375 Fahrenheit.
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 flip the lamb chops.
Step 5: Pour off any fat collected in the bottom of the basket. This will help stop the air fryer producing smoke.
Step 6: Return the air fryer basket and cook for a further 5 - 10 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
Step 7: When cooked, remove the lamb chops from the air fryer basket and rest for a couple of minutes prior to serving.
My top tips
- If you find your airfryer is producing a lot of smoke during cooking, remove the tray, release the basket, and carefully drain off the fat/oil in the bottom of the tray 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 chops in a well seasoned cast iron fry pan (skillet) or on the BBQ on medium-high heat.
Recipe
Marinated air fryer lamb chops with minted yogurt sauce
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 2 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 Juicer
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 500 gram lamb chops approx. 4
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 1 handful fresh mint
Instructions
- Combine the lamb chops, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the air fryer basket and flip the lamb chops.
- Remove the lower basket and pour off any fat collected in the bottom of the basket. This will help stop the air fryer producing smoke.
- Return the air fryer basket and cook for a further 5 - 10 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- When cooked, remove the lamb chops from the air fryer basket and rest for a couple of minutes prior to serving.
- To make the sauce, finely chop the mint and combine with yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
Nutrition
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Watch the video tutorial
Want to know what else you can cook in the air fryer? Try these amazing, healthy zucchini fries and lamb cutlets.
Thanks so much for following along!
Frequently asked questions
What can you serve with air fryer lamb chops?
We love to serve lamb cutlets with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables and crispy roasted potatoes.
Looking for a wholesome homemade dessert to pair with this dish? Try our easy apple crumble.
What other lamb cuts can you cook in the air fryer?
Lamb cutlets 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 chops, or try another classic flavour combination like rosemary, olive oil and sea salt.
How do you store and reheat lamb chops?
Lamb chops 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.
Thin slices of left over lamb make a great pizza topping!
Emily
The marinade is so tasty and the lamb chops are so crispy
Emily
I love how I can pop the lamb chops in the air fryer and they come out perfectly every time!