Looking for more air fryer dinners? Try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer salmon, air fryer pork tenderloin, and air fryer steak next. I love lamb and it’s probably one of my family’s favorite meats ever. Lamb chops, in particular, used to be reserved for our summertime grilling, but that changed since I started using my air fryer religiously. You get the juicy and tender meat that grilling provides, but in a fraction of the time. What used to be a seasonal dinner for us has now become a weeknight dinner staple.
Why I love this recipe
Quick and easy. With less than two minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking time, these lamb chops redefine a fast dinner. Healthier. I find that frying or baking lamb chops requires tons of oil to keep the meat juicy, but not the air fryer. And we don’t sacrifice any flavor! Minimal ingredients. Besides some basics like butter and rosemary, this recipe needs just a handful of ingredients. Perfect every time. Seriously, though. I love how tender and juicy the chops turn out to be. Cooking them in the air fryer guarantees a perfect result, so you never have to fear chewy or tough meat.
Ingredients needed
Lamb chops. Choose thicker cuts of lamb with the bone intact. Lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder chops, or rib chops will also work, but you will need to increase the cooking time by two minutes. I tested this recipe with a rack of lamb, too, but found it was a little more time-consuming to cook properly. Olive oil and butter. A combination of oil and butter keeps the chops juicy in the middle and tender on the outside. Opt for unsalted butter, as we’ll already be adding salt. Garlic. Freshly minced is always preferred, but jarred garlic also works. Rosemary. A must for any recipe that calls for lamb. You can also use oregano or other fresh herbs. Salt and pepper. To taste.
How to make air fryer lamb chops
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Arman’s recipe tips
Cook the lamb in a single layer every time. This ensures the lamb cooks evenly and completely. If needed, cook in batches. Pat dry the meat before seasoning them to yield the juiciest chops every time. Change up the seasonings, soak the lamb in a lamb chop marinade, or douse it in a flavorful sauce before air frying.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftover lamb chops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The ideal temperature and cooking time for these chops depend on the level of doneness you want. As per the American Lamb Board, the minimum temperature necessary to enjoy lamb chops is 145°F for medium-rare. For this recipe (using 1-inch chops), this took us exactly 7 minutes. As always, use a meat thermometer to double-check.
Medium-Rare: 145°F and 7-8 minutes. Medium: 150°F and 8 1/2- 9 minutes. Medium-Well: 155-160°F and 10-12 minutes Well Done: 165°F and 12 minutes.
We love to keep the sides simple when serving chops because it allows them to stand out. Here are some air fryer vegetables to try:
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower Air fryer asparagus Air fryer brussels sprouts Air fryer zucchini Air fryer baked potato
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled chops in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer, oven or skillet.
Frequently asked questions
More easy lamb dinners
Lamb lollipops Lamb burgers Lamb kabobs Lamb ribs Or any of my lamb recipes