Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Quickly make juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops for a weeknight dinner. Tender, flavorful, and so simple, these chops are a family favorite with minimal fuss.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1-inch thick)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

03 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
04 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving, optional but recommended)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your lamb chops out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook. This helps them cook more evenly; nobody wants a cold center and burnt edges! Pat them super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that beautiful sear. I always forget this step and then wonder why my meat isn't browning properly. Don't be like me!
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Now, rub this glorious mixture all over your lamb chops. Really get in there, massaging the seasoning into every nook and cranny. I often get my hands messy with this part, but it's part of the fun, right? Make sure they're coated evenly for maximum flavor in every bite of these Air Fryer Lamb Chops.
03 - Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is a game-changer for getting that immediate sizzle and crisp exterior. Skipping preheating is a common mistake I used to make, resulting in less-than-stellar results. A hot air fryer is a happy air fryer, and it makes all the difference for tender Air Fryer Lamb Chops.
04 - Arrange the seasoned lamb chops in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Seriously, do not overcrowd it! If you pile them up, they'll steam instead of crisp, and we're going for juicy and browned here. You might need to cook them in batches, and that's totally okay. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides of your Air Fryer Lamb Chops.
05 - The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chops and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, it's 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer, please! It takes all the guesswork out. I used to just poke them and hope for the best, leading to some very well-done (read: dry) lamb chops, oops!
06 - Once cooked, transfer the Air Fryer Lamb Chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This is non-negotiable! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy lamb. Slice them up, squeeze a little fresh lemon over them, and watch them disappear. The aroma at this stage is absolutely intoxicating, honestly, it's the best!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; airflow is key for that gorgeous sear.
02 - These Air Fryer Lamb Chops are fantastic reheated gently in the air fryer for a few minutes.
03 - No fresh rosemary? Dried works, but use about a third of the amount for these Air Fryer Lamb Chops.
04 - A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end just brightens everything up so much.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - small bowl
03 - tongs
04 - meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 2g
Protein: 30g

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