Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Air fryer lamb chops take about 10 minutes, brown on the outside and stay juicy inside, which makes them a fast dinner for company. A garlic and rosemary marinade does most of the work, and the air fryer gives the fat a crisp edge without a smoky pan. Here are the times for medium-rare, medium and well done, and how to cook thick or frozen lamb chops in the air fryer.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 53min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 300kcal
Why the air fryer works for lamb chops
Lamb chops are small, with a fat cap and a bone, and they cook in minutes. The air fryer does what a hot skillet does without the oil spatter: the fat renders and crisps, the surface browns, and the center stays pink. The bone also helps, because it heats from inside and keeps the meat near it moist.
The window between medium-rare and overcooked is short, perhaps 2 minutes. This is why time alone is not a good guide, and a thermometer pays off. Lamb has a mild, slightly gamy flavor that goes well with garlic, rosemary and lemon, all of which hold up at 400 °F.
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. Rub it over the chops and let them sit at room temperature for . They cook more evenly when they are not ice cold.
- Wipe lightly Scrape off any chunks of garlic that could burn, but leave a thin coating of oil on the meat.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 400 °F for .
- Cook Place the chops in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Cook for , flipping after . Start checking at .
- Check Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the center of the thickest chop, away from the bone. Many cooks pull lamb at 130–135 °F for medium-rare. The USDA recommends 145 °F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
- Rest Transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for . The temperature rises a few degrees and the juices stay in the meat.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Lamb Chops | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-rare, 1 inchPull at 130–135 °F | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8 min |
| Medium to USDA 145 °F | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10 min |
| Well done, 160 °F | 400 °F (200 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Thick, 1½ inches | 400 °F (200 °C) | 12 min |
| Frozen chopsThaw first if possible | 360 °F (180 °C) | 14–16 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Choose 1-inch chops or thicker. Thin chops of ½ inch overcook before they brown. Loin chops, which look like small T-bone steaks, give the most meat.
- Pull early. The temperature rises 5 degrees during the rest, so take the chops out below your target.
- Rest the meat. Three minutes under a loose tent of foil lets the juices settle back into the chop.
What to serve with lamb chops
Lamb chops go well with roasted mini potatoes or baked potatoes, and green vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. Mint sauce or a spoonful of tzatziki is a classic finish. For a bigger holiday cut, see rack of lamb in the air fryer.
Storing and reheating
Cooked chops keep for 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–5 minutes until they reach 165 °F. They also taste good cold, sliced into a salad or a pita.
Variations
- Mint and yogurt: Replace the rosemary with 1 tbsp chopped mint and serve with a yogurt sauce (not dairy-free).
- Cumin and paprika: Rub the chops with 1 tsp each of ground cumin and smoked paprika instead of rosemary.
- Dijon crust: Brush each chop with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before the herbs.
If it does not turn out right
- The chops are gray and tough
- They went past medium. Thin chops dry out quickly, so use a thermometer and pull them 5 degrees below your target, as the temperature keeps rising while they rest.
- The fat edge is soft
- Pat the chops dry before cooking and sear the fat cap against the hot basket. Cook them in one layer so hot air reaches the fat.
- The garlic tastes bitter
- Minced garlic burns on the surface. Scrape off the loose pieces before cooking, or use garlic powder instead.
Questions and answers
How long do lamb chops take in the air fryer?
8–10 minutes at 400 °F for 1-inch loin chops, flipped halfway. Medium-rare takes about 8 minutes, and well done 12–14. Thick 1½-inch chops need 12 minutes.
What temperature should lamb chops be?
The USDA recommends 145 °F with a 3-minute rest. Many chefs take them off at 130–135 °F for medium-rare, which has a pink center. Well done is 160 °F and up.
Can you cook lamb chops from frozen?
It is best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you must cook from frozen, use 360 °F for 14–16 minutes, flip twice and check the center.
Can I use rib chops or shoulder chops?
Yes. Small rib chops cook in 6–8 minutes. Shoulder chops are tougher and need a marinade, plus 10–12 minutes.
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