Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and perfectly fits my busy lifestyle—just a quick marinade and a few minutes in the air fryer! The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme gives the lamb chops this amazing, savory flavor that’s so satisfying, and squeezing fresh lemon on top just elevates it to another level.

These Air Fryer Lamb Chops are so easy to make and so delicious, with their tender, juicy texture. Marinated in olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, they are packed with flavor.

Paprika, a spice of the Capsicum annuum, adds a subtle warm note, and the fried lemon wedges served with the chops boost flavor to an entirely new level.

Ingredients

Lamb Chops:
Lamb is flavorful, tender, and protein-rich.

When cooked, it becomes juicy and aromatic—perfect for a hearty meal.

Olive Oil:
With healthy fats, olive oil provides a smooth texture and aids in crisping the lamb, which is essential for a delectable bite.

Fresh Rosemary:
This perfumed herb contributes a warm pine scent that complements the lamb and fills it with aromatic, earthy goodness.

Fresh Thyme:
Thyme adds depth and complexity to the dish while enhancing its freshness with its barely detectable lemony flavor.

Garlic:
Garlic, hailed for its health benefits, delivers a sharp and spicy counterpart that beautifully balances and enhances the dish’s flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 lamb chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Dry the lamb chops well, using paper towels to soak up any moisture that may be lingering on the surface.

2. Combine the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl to make a marinade.

3. Massage the marinade into the lamb chops thoroughly, ensuring an even coat all over each chop.

4. Allow the lamb chops to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, or for more flavor, let them sit in the refrigerator and marinate for up to 4 hours.

5. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 5 minutes to preheat.

6. Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching.

7. Lamb chops should be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for a time span of 8-10 minutes. To ensure even cooking, flip the lamb chops halfway through the cooking time. Cooking lamb chops this way yields a tender, juicy chop. However, it is possible to overcook them—so watch the time! 8 minutes yields chops that are about medium-rare (in the picture, that is what you are seeing); 10 minutes gets you more toward medium (though still slightly pink in the center).

8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.

9. After cooking, take the lamb chops from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.

10. Serve the lamb chops alongside lemon wedges. Garnish them with fresh, chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels
2. Small bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Air fryer
7. Tongs
8. Meat thermometer

FAQ

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?Certainly! You can use dried rosemary and thyme in place of fresh, but remember to use about half as much because dried herbs pack more punch.
• How long should I cook lamb chops in the air fryer?Lamb chops should be cooked in an oven set to 400°F (200°C). They will need 8-10 minutes to reach medium-rare, with a flip at the halfway point. For lamb that is more or less done, adjust the time accordingly.
• Can I marinate the lamb chops ahead of time?Sure thing! The lamb chops can be soaked in a flavorful marinade for 24 hours, just like a cut of beef.
• What can I serve as a side dish with lamb chops?Think about pairing it with these sides: roasted vegetables; a fresh salad; or garlic mashed potatoes, which amply complete the lovely flavors of the lamb.
• Do I need to preheat the air fryer?It is a good practice to preheat the air fryer for several minutes, ensuring even cooking, but it is not strictly essential.
• Can I use bone-in or boneless lamb chops?This formulation is compatible with both types, but chops with bones are generally more succulent and savory.
• How do I know when the lamb chops are done?Utilize a meat thermometer; for medium-rare, you want the interior to be about 135°F (57°C).

Substitutions and Variations

You can use avocado oil or melted ghee in place of olive oil.
Dried rosemary, using about 1 teaspoon, can replace fresh rosemary.
Dried thyme can replace fresh thyme, per teaspoon, in any recipe.
If fresh garlic is not available, it can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Smoked paprika can be substituted for paprika to provide a smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Rest the Meat After Cooking Once the lamb chops are out of the air fryer, it’s essential to let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.

2. Room Temperature Before Cooking For more even cooking, take the lamb chops out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. Allowing them to come to room temperature helps achieve a consistent doneness throughout.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer While visual cues and timing are helpful, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your lamb chops reach your desired level of doneness. Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone for a precise reading.

4. Customize Your Marinade Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices in the marinade to your liking. Adding a bit of lemon zest or swapping out thyme for oregano can give an exciting twist to the flavor profile.

5. Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer If necessary, cook the lamb chops in batches. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy edges. Ensure there is enough space between each chop for the hot air to circulate properly.