An easy recipe that produces tender, juicy lamb chops in the air fryer.
For meat lovers, lamb chops are often among the tastiest and juiciest cuts. There’s something about lamb chops that feels both fancy and gourmet, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make. I used to think that this was the kind of dish reserved for special occasions or best enjoyed at a nice restaurant, but that changed the first time I tried my hand at making lamb chops in the air fryer. There was no complicated technical know-how required: just fast, flavorful lamb that dresses up the dinner table in an instant.
The air fryer gives the outside of the chops a nice crisp edge while keeping the inside juicy and tender. You don’t need a marinade or a complicated sauce—just a few dried herbs, some garlic powder, and a bit of olive oil. The lamb does the heavy lifting on flavor. Rosemary and thyme bring out that earthy, savory richness that lamb naturally has, and a pinch of salt and pepper balances everything without overpowering it.
This is one of those recipes that lives in my regular rotation now because it’s easy, it works every time, and it tastes like five-star fare.
Are Air-Fryer Lamb Chops Healthy?
Lamb chops are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, but like all varieties of red meat, they’re best enjoyed in moderation. That said, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and it works well for people following a Paleo or keto diet or anyone who prefers whole, minimally processed ingredients. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and since the air fryer uses less oil overall, it’s generally a much lighter way to cook.
Give The Seasoning Some Time
The seasoning mixture for the lamb chops can be added to the meat right before placing them in the air fryer. However, if you have time, consider letting it infuse the lamb chops with flavor for at least an hour, possibly more. This will also help tenderize the meat. Feel free to tweak the seasonings if you’d like. For example, I sometimes like to include basil or oregano in the mixture. Adding a small amount of lemon juice can also add brightness to the mix.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lamb chops should be allowed to cool and can be stored in an airtight container. In the fridge, they should stay good for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. You can use the air fryer or the oven to reheat them. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge first before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetables are always a good side dish to pair with lamb chops. Personally, I enjoy carrots, including these Cumin-Roasted Carrots and Honey-Glazed Carrots. Shaved Brussels Sprouts can be another good option. You can also consider salad or coleslaw as a side dish with lamb chops. I find both a simple Caprese Salad and a Vegan Broccoli Salad to be wonderful side dishes. I would also consider making an Easy Broccoli Slaw or perhaps a more traditional Apple Coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 lamb chops about 1 inch thick
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the lamb chops evenly with this mixture.
- Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
- Place the cooked lamb chops on a plate and loosely cover with tented foil. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. After resting, the final internal temperature for medium-rare doneness should read around 145°F.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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