These succulent air fryer lamb chops deliver restaurant-worthy results in just 14 minutes from start to finish. Perfectly seared on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, these chops make an impressive yet effortless main course for any occasion.
With only 238 calories per serving and packed with 28g of protein, they’re a delicious way to enjoy lamb without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Lamb Chops
- Lamb Chops: 1 pound of leg, loin, or rib chops, ensuring 1-inch thickness for optimal cooking
- Olive Oil: 1½ tablespoons, helps to keep the meat juicy and tender
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat
- Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, provides robust flavor
- Fresh Rosemary: ½ tablespoon chopped, adds aromatic herb flavor
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances overall taste
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adds subtle heat and depth
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep the Marinade: Combine olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zipper bag
- Marinate: Coat lamb chops thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor absorption
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it warm up properly
- Air Fry: Place chops in a single layer and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Temperature Guide: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 150-160°F for medium-well to well-done
- Rest and Serve: Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal juiciness
Cooking Techniques
Air frying lamb chops is a fantastic way to get juicy, tender meat with a beautiful crust. The key to success is not overcrowding your air fryer basket – give those chops some breathing room! If you’re new to cooking lamb, a meat thermometer will be your best friend. The magic happens between 135°F and 145°F for most people’s taste, giving you that perfect pink center. Don’t skip the resting time after cooking – these 5 minutes let the juices settle back into the meat, making every bite extra moist.
Serving Suggestions
These tasty lamb chops love to be paired with fresh, bright sides! Try them with a mix of roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes, or keep it light with a crisp Greek salad. A dollop of mint sauce or tzatziki adds a cool, fresh touch. For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve them alongside fluffy couscous or rice pilaf to soak up those wonderful juices. Want to make it extra special? Add some grilled lemon halves on the side – a little squeeze brings out all the flavors!
Storage Tips
Got leftover lamb chops? Pop them in an airtight container and store them in your fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – this helps keep them tender without drying out.
The marinade can also be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring your lamb to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for the best results.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl or Plastic Zipper Bag
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lamb Chops (Leg, Loin, or Rib, 1 inch thick)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic minced
- 1/2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary chopped
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measure each ingredient.
- In a large bowl or plastic zipper bag, combine olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb and toss to coat, rubbing the marinade into the meat. Cover or seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Add lamb chops to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway. 125F is rare, 135F is medium-rare, 145F is medium and 150-160F is medium-well to well-done.
- Repeat with remaining chops, if any. Allow chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
