If you want lamb with a crisp, flavorful exterior and tender, juicy meat, you’ll love air fryer lamb chops. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the chops quickly and evenly, producing a nice crust while keeping the interior succulent with minimal effort.
Lamb chops tend to be milder in flavor than some other lamb cuts, especially when cooked to medium or medium-rare. A simple seasoning mix brightens the meat without overpowering it, and you can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste. Cooking lamb chops in the air fryer is straightforward and makes a welcome change from everyday beef, chicken, or pork.
Serve these chops with classic sides such as mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, or try air fryer baby potatoes for a complete, restaurant-style meal that’s perfect for a special night in. If you enjoy lamb, consider trying other preparations like grilled lamb kabobs, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or a hearty Moroccan-style lamb stew.
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple – A handful of pantry spices, olive oil, and a few minutes in the air fryer are all it takes.
- Fast – Depending on thickness and preferred doneness, the chops are ready in about 10–15 minutes of cook time.
Ingredient Notes
- Lamb Chops – Choose chops that are similar in thickness for consistent cooking. They typically include the bone.
- Olive Oil – Use a light, neutral-flavored olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning.
- Dry Seasonings – Onion salt, garlic powder, ground coriander, and dried oregano provide warm, earthy aromatics. Swap in garlic salt or onion powder if preferred.
- Lemon Zest – Optional but recommended for brightness; use fresh zest when possible.
Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and follow the steps below.
How To Cook Lamb Chops in Air Fryer
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and serving sizes.
- Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Mix onion salt, garlic powder, ground coriander, dried oregano, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the chops.
- Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes, flip the chops, then cook 7–8 more minutes or until they reach your desired internal temperature.
Lamb Chop Doneness Guide
Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature. Cooking time varies with chop thickness and air fryer model. Aim for these internal temperatures:
- Rare – 120°F / 49°C
- Medium Rare – 125°F / 52°C
- Medium – 130°F / 54°C
- Well Done – 145°F / 63°C
Because lamb can develop a stronger, gamier flavor at higher temperatures, cooking past medium is generally not recommended.
Expert Tips
- Do not rinse the meat; simply pat it dry to promote a good sear.
- Use a silicone brush to apply oil for an even coating.
- After seasoning, cover and rest the chops for 30 minutes if time allows to let flavors meld.
- Preheat the air fryer to help form a crisp crust on the outside of the chops.
- Cook in a single layer; if necessary, do multiple batches so the air can circulate freely.
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer and allow cooked chops to rest a few minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Marinated Chops – Turn the seasoning into a marinade by increasing the oil to 1/4 cup, mixing with the spices, and marinating the chops 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight in the fridge).
- Add Acidity – Replace up to 2 tablespoons of oil with balsamic, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice for tang.
- Fresh Garlic – Substitute two cloves of minced fresh garlic for the garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
- Swap the Herbs – Use dried or fresh rosemary or thyme instead of oregano, or try an Italian herb blend.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Seasoned chops can be covered and refrigerated for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze cooked lamb for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Reheat gently in the air fryer until warmed through to avoid overcooking and toughening the meat.
FAQs
Cooking time varies with air fryer model, chop thickness, and desired doneness. Expect about 20–25 minutes total for average-sized chops using the 7 + 7–8 minute method, and verify with a digital meat thermometer.
For a quick rest, season and leave at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. For more flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Bring chops back to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
Lamb loin chops come from the ribs or loin and are often called rib chops; shoulder chops come from the shoulder. Both work well in this air fryer method—choose based on your preference and availability.
More Recipes You May Like
- Smoky air fryer ribs.
- Air fryer pork chops.
- Air fryer whole chicken.
- Lamb tacos.
Serving Suggestions
- Air fryer green beans.
- Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts.
- Air fryer baby potatoes.
- Smothered potatoes.
Weight Watchers Points
One serving equals 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints.
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Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 24 ounces (600 g) lamb chops — about 6 average-sized chops
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh lemon zest, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the lamb chops dry and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Combine the dry seasonings and lemon zest, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chops.
- Place the chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes, flip, then cook 7–8 more minutes or until desired internal temperature is reached.
Notes
- Pat chops dry; do not rinse.
- Brush oil on with a silicone brush for even coverage.
- Optional: let seasoned chops rest, covered, 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer for a better sear.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Use a thermometer and rest meat a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.