How to air fry lamb chops: recipe + video

Learn how to air fry delicious marinated lamb chops with this quick and easy recipe that's simply bursting with flavour. These lamb chops are so 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.

Jump to:

• How long does it take to cook lamb chops in the air fryer?
• My top tips
• How to cook lamb chops in the air fryer
• Printable
• Watch the video tutorial
• Frequently asked questions
• Comments

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!

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 for you.

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 off and simple season your chops with good old salt and pepper.

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

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.

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

My top tips

• You don't need to leave this marinade on the lamb overnight to achieve knock-out flavour, just a few minutes prior to cooking will do.
• If you find your airfryer is producing a lot of smoke during cooking, remove the tray, release the basket, and carefully drain off the 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.

How to cook lamb chops in the air fryer

Equipment

• Air fryer, see note below
• Measuring spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Chopping board
• NutriBullet Blender/food processor (for sauce, optional)

EDIT: Since I share 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

• 500 grams lamb chops (approx. 4)
• juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper

Optional:

Serve with

• Finely chopped parsley
• Pomegranate seeds
• Sea salt flakes
• Organic mixed green salad leaves

Minted yoghurt dipping sauce

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

In a blender combine the yogurt, mint and lemon juice and process until smooth.

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

Method

Step 1: Combine the lamb chops, 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.

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.

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

Want to know what else you can cook in the air fryer? Try these amazing, healthy zucchini fries.

Thanks so much for following along.

Watch the video tutorial

Frequently asked questions

What can you serve with air fryer lamb chops?

We love to serve lamb cutlets with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, crispy roasted potatoes and minted yogurt dipping sauce.

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!