Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer
Lamb chops are quick, but they go from pink to tough in about two minutes. Lamb chops in an air fryer cook in 8–10 minutes at 200 °C, with a browned, crisp fat edge and a juicy middle. This recipe uses loin chops with garlic and rosemary, and the times for thicker cutlets, well done and from frozen.
- Temperature
- 200°C
- Total time
- 20min
- Prep
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 60°C
- Per serving
- 320kcal
Why the air fryer works for lamb chops
Lamb chops in air fryer baskets cook faster and cleaner than under the grill. The hot air browns the meat on all sides, the fat drains into the drawer rather than spitting across the hob, and the whole job takes about 10 minutes. The edge of fat turns golden and slightly crisp, which is the best part of a lamb chop. Lamb cutlets, the small trimmed chops from the rack, cook in the same way in 5–7 minutes.
Air fryer lamb chops are also easy to repeat. A chop of 2.5 cm takes about the same time every day, so you can plan the sides around it. The only skill needed is to take the chops out on time, because lamb goes from pink to dry quickly.
How to make lamb chops in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Marinate Mix the oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub it over the chops and leave them for at room temperature, or up to in the fridge.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200 °C for .
- Cook Put the chops in the basket in a single layer, working in two batches if needed. Cook for , turning them over after . Allow for pink and for well done.
- Check Push a meat thermometer into the thickest part, away from the bone. Take the chops out at 60 °C for pink or 70 °C for well done. These are common kitchen figures, not FSA rules.
- Rest Cover the chops loosely with foil and rest them for before serving.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Lamb Chops | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb loin chops, 2.5 cm, pinkTurn halfway | 200 °C | 8–10 min |
| Thin lamb chops, 1.5 cm | 200 °C | 5–6 min |
| Lamb cutletsSmall trimmed chops from the rack | 200 °C | 5–7 min |
| Thick lamb chops, 3 cm | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Lamb chops, well doneCore 70 °C | 200 °C | 12 min |
| Lamb chops from frozenSeason after 5 min | 180 °C | 14–16 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 60 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Pick chops of equal thickness. Mixed sizes finish at different times. Put thicker ones in the middle of the basket.
- Do not crowd the basket. Eight chops need two batches in most machines. Keep the first batch warm under foil.
- Use a thermometer. A probe near the bone tells you more than the clock.
Serving
Serve the chops with mini potatoes, minted peas and mint sauce, or with roasted carrots and couscous. For a bigger roast, see leg of lamb. Cooked in the basket, lamb chops in air fryer batches pair well with asparagus in spring.
Storing and reheating
Cooked chops keep for up to 2 days in a covered container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 160 °C for 3–4 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Cold chops are good in a salad with feta and olives.
Variations
- Mint and yoghurt: Marinate in 3 tbsp Greek yoghurt, chopped mint, garlic and lemon for 1 hour. This version is not dairy-free.
- Spiced: Rub with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika and ½ tsp cinnamon instead of rosemary.
- Honey and mustard glaze: Brush with 1 tsp honey mixed with 1 tsp Dijon mustard in the last 2 minutes.
Troubleshooting
- The lamb chops are tough
- They were cooked past medium. Lamb chops are thin, so check at 7 minutes and take them out at 60 °C. Rest them for 5 minutes.
- The fat is soft and pale
- Stand the chops on their fat edge with tongs for the last 1–2 minutes so it renders and crisps.
- The marinade burns in the basket
- Wipe off most of the garlic and herb pieces before cooking, or add the garlic only after cooking.
Frequently asked questions
How long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer?
Loin chops 2.5 cm thick take 8–10 minutes at 200 °C, turned halfway. Thin 1.5 cm chops need 5–6 minutes, and thick cutlets 10–12 minutes.
What temperature should lamb chops be cooked to?
Common kitchen temperatures are 60 °C for pink and 70 °C for well done. The FSA gives no figure for whole cuts of lamb, only that the outside should be properly cooked.
Can you cook lamb chops from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 180 °C for 14–16 minutes, turning twice. Season after the first 5 minutes and check the temperature before serving.
Do lamb chops need oil in the air fryer?
A little. A teaspoon of oil rubbed on the meat helps the herbs stick and browns the surface, but the chops have plenty of fat of their own.
Can you use foil or baking paper?
Yes, but a perforated liner or no liner is best, as a solid sheet stops the fat draining away and softens the crust.
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