These super delicious Air Fryer Lamb Chops are ready to serve in just twenty minutes. They are great for weeknight dinners or date nights!
This air fryer lamb chops recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking for a quick meal and an easy way to prepare lamb.
If you are not used to the taste of lamb, it has a unique and delicious flavor that some might describe as 'gamey.' It is also a bit more tender than beef or goat meat.
This is one easy recipe you need to try!
Equipment needed
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The best way to make lamb chops is to use an air fryer. If you're in the market for one, try this Cuisinart Air Fryer or this Ninja Air Fryer.
What Part of the Lamb Should I Use?
For this recipe, I used the shoulder of the lamb. Lamb's shoulders are tasty and more affordable than other cuts, such as lamb rib chop or loin. But you can always use your preferred cut of meat.
Use smaller lamb chops to ensure they fit in your air fryer for best results. If you like lamb recipes, you should definitely try my instant pot African lamb stew and lamb curry recipe!
Where can I purchase lamb chops?
Most local grocery stores, butchers, and meat markets sell lamb chops. They come in different sizes, so you have a choice of what to select. You can also get quality lamb chops from a meat butcher near you.
Ingredients Used
- Lamb chops: This dish can be prepared with both fresh and frozen lamb chops. If you want to use frozen lamb shoulders, make sure they thaw completely and are at room temperature before cooking.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and salt.
- Olive oil spray or a teaspoon of olive oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Lamb chops are simple to make and require just a few steps:
- Wash and pat the lamb chops dry.
- First, preheat the air fryer to 400F for 2-3 minutes. Then, mix all the spices in a medium-sized bowl.
- Spray the lamb chops with olive oil. Coat every part of the lamb shoulder with the spices, including the sides.
- Arrange the marinated lamb chops in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Air fry them for seven or eight minutes on each side. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
How To Store Lamb Chops
Cooked lamb chops can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to three days. It can also be kept in the freezer for approximately three to four months. I find that these are best stored in a tightly sealed freezer-safe bag or Ziploc bag.
These lamb shoulder chops can be reheated in an air fryer or oven. However, be sure to allow them to reach room temperature, especially if frozen, to ensure the meat will remain tender when cooked.
Tips and Variation
- Pair these delicious lamb chops with grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, for a filling meal.
- If your lamb has excess fat, trim some of it before air frying.
- The cooking time will vary depending on how well you like your lamb chops, so adjust accordingly. If you like them medium-rare, air fry them for 10-12 minutes. If you want them well done, your cook time will be 15-20 minutes.
- You can cut down on the cayenne pepper if you want it less spicy.
How To Make Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb chops taste amazing when grilled and will take your summer barbeques to the next level.
To achieve a similar seared effect in the air fryer, preheat your grill for at least two minutes and grill for 8-10 minutes, depending on how well done you want it. Again, don't forget to flip it halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lamb chops may seem intimidating, but they are pretty simple to make. Seasoning them well is important to balance the intense, slightly gamey flavors of the lamb. The lamb will be tender and ready to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F for medium-well.
Lamb has a unique, prominent flavor that pairs wonderfully with certain spices like cumin, black pepper, oregano, paprika, and rosemary. Oregano is often used when preparing Mediterranean-style lamb. Its earthy flavors are strong enough to compete with that of the meat and provide a hint of freshness. Cayenne also packs just the right amount of heat needed for this tasty meal.
There are a few reasons why your lamb chops might become tough, whether sliced incorrectly or overcooked. Luckily, some of these common mistakes are easily avoidable.
First, allow the lamb to rest for at least fifteen minutes before serving. Then, slice carefully across the grain to avoid producing tough or chewy pieces. Finally, a meat thermometer is used to confirm the temperature before removing the lamb from the air fryer.
Both cuts are high in quality and flavor. Rib chops often referred to as a rack of lamb or lollipops, are a bit thinner and milder in taste than their counterpart. Loin chops are made using the most tender parts of the lamb. They resemble small T-bone steaks and are packed with a strong flavor.
Check out these other delicious air fryer recipes!
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
- Ninja Foodi Turkey Breast (Air Fryer)
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder chops
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Wash and pat the lamb chops dry.2 lbs lamb shoulder chops
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix all the spices in a medium-sized bowl.1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon lemon pepper, 1.5 teaspoon salt
- Spray the lamb chops with olive oil.1 teaspoon olive oil
- Coat every part of the lamb shoulder with the spices, including the sides.
- Arrange the marinated lamb chops in an air fryer basket and in a single layer.
- Air fryer for about seven or eight minutes on each side.
Notes
- If your lamb has excess fat, you can trim some of it off before air frying.
- The cooking time will vary depending on how well cooked you like your lamb chops, so adjust accordingly. If you like it medium-rare, air fry it for 10-12 minutes. If you want it well done, your cook time will be 15-20 minutes.
- You can cut down on the cayenne pepper if you want it less spicy.
Hi Tayo! My mouth is watering as I read the recipe! So excited to try lamb this way. Thank you!! 🙏🥰
You're so welcome, Susan. Enjoy!
Cut ALONG the grain? I've NEVER heard of anyone advising that any cut of meat be cut along the grain, but always AGAINST the grain. Is this really what you meant to say?
Thanks for the pointing this out to me. It was a typo.
When I to i instructions, step 2 only said preheat air fryer. It didn’t give temperature and time…. Why?
Hi Xavier, this has been corrected in the recipe card. Thanks!