Air Fryer Lamb Chops Mediterranean

Serve them alongside saffron rice, tzatziki, tabbouleh, and a greek salad, and enjoy a gourmet meal at home. Lamb is the No.1 choice of meat in my home. I can cook it in any preparation, like kebab, curry, chops, or biryani, and there won’t be any leftovers, guaranteed!

Not so long ago I used to feel that lamb chops are reserved for special occasions and holidays because they have a reputation of being difficult to prepare. Well, let me tell you, you can enjoy lamb chops any night of the week with this air fryer recipe! I adapted my trusted recipe for Grilled Lamb Chops for the air fryer. They’re super easy to prep and take only a few minutes to cook, and dinner is on the table in under 30-minutes. And they’re simply delicious. Juicy, succulent, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors we all know and love. I’m sure your family will love this one too. Air Fryer Facts: You can find a detailed guide on an Air Fryer - how it works, which one to buy, and what all you can cook in it, in this article: How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions

These lamb chops in air fryer take a little help from the butcher and your spice cabinet. Let’s see what we need:

Frenched Lamb Rack: Look for a whole frenched rack of lamb at the meat counter. I like to cut the rack into chops when I get home, but you can ask the butcher behind the counter to do it for you (time saving tip).Greek Yogurt: The yogurt helps tenderize the meat. Don’t skip it!Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Either oil will do. You could also use ghee if you have it on hand.Garlic: Use freshly minced or grated garlic, frozen garlic paste, or if you are short on time, use garlic powder.Spices: We are using a mix of hot and warming spices to really amp up the flavor. These include paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper and cayenne.Lemon Juice and Zest: Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing.

Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.

How to Cook Lamb Chops in Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step instructions, including how long to cook lamb chops in the air fryer based on your taste preference: Prepare Lamb Chops: Lay the rack of lamb flat on a cutting board. Trim off any excess fat. Take a sharp knife and use the bone as a guide to cut 8 chops of even thickness. Pat dry the chops with paper towels. Tip: To save time and effort, ask your butcher to cut the rack of lamb into individual chops. Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine yogurt, oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Marinate Lamb Chops: Place the chops in a large bowl or on a platter. Generously brush the marinade all over the lamb chop, coating all sides. Cover and marinate for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours. Place Lamb Chops in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer and place the lamb chops in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Air Fry to Desired Doneness: Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway, for medium-rare, or 10-12 minutes for medium-well. Keep in mind that the meat continues to cook while resting. Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness. Lamb Chops Temperature: 125°F = rare, >135°F = medium-rare, >145°F = medium well. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve: Transfer the chops to a large serving platter and rest for 5 minutes.

Alternate Cooking Methods: Grilled Lamb Chops or Oven-Broiled Lamb Chops

Serving Suggestion

These lamb chops pair wonderfully with lemon rice or saffron rice, tzatziki, and a greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast. All of these sides come together while the lamb is marinating, which is perfect for weeknights. They would also be delicious with a mix-and-match of veggie and potato sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Air Fryer BroccoliCauliflower Mashed PotatoesAir Fryer CarrotsAir Fryer Green BeansParmesan Roasted PotatoesAir Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Make it for date-night-in: Pair these lamb chops with a glass of Pinot noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s an official “date-night”!

Storing and Reheating

Leftover lamb chops will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in the air fryer at 350F for 2 minutes, or in the oven until heated through.

Recipe Tips & Notes

Lamb: The cut of lamb makes a difference in the level of gaminess. I like to use a whole frenched rack of lamb, cut into individual chops. Lamb leg chops are another great option, but they are more expensive.Seasoning: If using smoked paprika, reduce to 1 teaspoon and feel free to omit the cayenne pepper for mild.Marinating Time: Lamb is tender and since there is lemon juice in the marinade, it shouldn’t be prepped too far in advance as the acidity in the lemon juice will start to break down the muscle fibers. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.Temperature: The lamb chop temperature is all about preferred degree of doneness. My family and I like them at a nice medium-rare.Use an instant-read thermometer: Stick it into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone. This will ensure the most accurate results every time.Don’t overcrowd: I was able to fit all 8 chops in my XL air fryer basket with space between each piece. Air fry the lamb in two batches, if necessary.