Rack of Lamb in Air Fryer

This Rack of Lamb in Air Fryer is made with fresh rosemary, thyme, olive oil and garlic that is brushed onto a rack of lamb and air fried.

This is such an easy recipe if you have a rack of lamb chops and are ready to get your air fryer on. You can make lamb chops on the grill, cast iron skillet, or even an air fryer. Once you try these lamb chops you will never make them any other way. Save money and make them at home. The best part? It takes less than 20 minutes to make.

If you love this recipe, try this LAMB SIRLOIN ROAST.

Jump to:

• What is Rack of Lamb?
• Why you will love Air Fryer Rack of Lamb
• Can you eat lamb medium rare?
• Air Fryer Lamb Rack Ingredients
• How to cook a Rack of Lamb in the Air Fryer
• Do I Need To Sear A Rack Of Lamb Before Cooking In The Air Fryer?
• Substitutions
• Air Fryer Rack of Lamb Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Air Fried Rack of Lamb
• Air Fryer Rack of Lamb Recipe Top tips
• Air Fryer Rack of Lamb Recipe
• Food safety

What is Rack of Lamb?

Rack of lamb is a cut of meat that comes from the ribcage of a lamb. It is also known as a "rack of lamb" or "lamb rib roast". The meat is tender and flavorful, and it's considered a premium cut of lamb. A rack of lamb typically contains 8 to 10 ribs, with a layer of fat on top of the meat that helps to keep it moist during cooking. It's often roasted or grilled, and it can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces.

Why you will love Air Fryer Rack of Lamb

Air fryer rack of lamb is great for several reasons:

• Quick and easy: Cooking rack of lamb in an air fryer is quick and easy, taking only about 15-20 minutes to cook. This is much faster than cooking it in the oven.
• Healthy: Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying because it uses less oil. This means that your rack of lamb will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without being greasy.
• Even cooking: The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures that the rack of lamb cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly cooked and juicy piece of meat.
• Versatile: You can season the rack of lamb with a variety of herbs and spices to create a unique and flavorful dish. You can also pair it with a variety of sides and sauces to create a complete meal.
• Restaurant-quality results: Air frying your rack of lamb gives it a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior, just like you would get in a high-end restaurant.

Can you eat lamb medium rare?

Yes, lamb can be eaten medium rare, but it's important to make sure that it is cooked to a safe internal temperature to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. The USDA recommends cooking lamb to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

If you prefer your lamb to be cooked medium rare, it should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) to 140°F (60°C). This will result in a pink center with some redness, and the meat should be juicy and tender.

Air Fryer Lamb Rack Ingredients

• Rack of lamb
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to cook a Rack of Lamb in the Air Fryer

In a blender or a food processor, add the rosemary, thyme, olive oil, garlic and salt and pulsed until blended.

Season the rack of lamb with salt and pepper.

With a brush, brush the olive oil mixture on each side of the rack of lamb.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.

Add the rack of lamb, fat side up, into your air fryer. Air fry the lamb chops for 15-20 minutes for medium done lamb.

Check the internal temperature of the lamb. Cook an additional 2-3 minute intervals if you prefer more well done. Keep checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Remove the lamb from the air fryer and cover with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.  

Do I Need To Sear A Rack Of Lamb Before Cooking In The Air Fryer?

While it's not strictly necessary to sear a rack of lamb (my recipe doesn't call for it) before cooking it in the air fryer, it can help to enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. Searing the lamb before air frying it will create a nice browned crust on the outside of the meat, which can add flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

To sear a rack of lamb before air frying, heat a skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the rack of lamb in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Then, transfer the lamb to the air fryer basket and continue cooking to your desired level of doneness.

Substitutions

Lamb: Make sure that your butcher frenches the rack of lamb. I love air frying the rack of lamb whole instead of in separate chops because it comes out juicier.

Herbs: You can use a combination of rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, or oregano.

Olive oil: I think olive oil is essential for this dressing, although you could use sunflower oil instead.

Garlic: There is no option to using garlic in a jar, you should get the freshest garlic heads the grocery store has got.

Air Fryer Rack of Lamb Recipe Variations

Here are some variations on an air fryer rack of lamb recipe:

• Rosemary Garlic Rack of Lamb: Rub the lamb with a mixture of chopped rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying for a delicious and aromatic flavor.
• Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb: Coat the lamb with a mixture of dijon mustard, honey, and breadcrumbs before air frying for a crispy and flavorful crust.
• Lemon Herb Rack of Lamb: Rub the lamb with a mixture of lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper before air frying for a bright and tangy flavor.
• Spicy Rack of Lamb: Rub the lamb with a mixture of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before air frying for a flavorful and slightly spicy dish.
• Balsamic Glazed Rack of Lamb: Brush the lamb with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic before air frying for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Check out this Thai Lamb Larb for a delicious recipe.

Equipment

To make Air Fryer Rack of Lamb, you will need the following equipment:

• Air Fryer: An air fryer is the primary equipment needed to cook rack of lamb in the air fryer. Choose an air fryer with a basket large enough to hold the rack of lamb comfortably.
• Kitchen Tongs: Tongs will come in handy when flipping the lamb while air frying.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential to ensure that the rack of lamb is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
• Cutting Board: After cooking the lamb, you will need a cutting board to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Knife: A sharp knife is needed to carve the lamb into individual chops before serving.

How to store Air Fried Rack of Lamb

To store leftover Air Fried Rack of Lamb, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store the wrapped lamb in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep the lamb for longer, you can also freeze it. Wrap the cooled lamb in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat the stored Air Fried Rack of Lamb, preheat the oven to 350°F. Unwrap the lamb and place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Check the internal temperature of the lamb with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F before serving.

Air Fryer Rack of Lamb Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips for making Air Fryer Rack of Lamb:

• Bring the lamb to room temperature: Allow the lamb to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly.
• Season the lamb well: Rub the lamb with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all great choices.
• Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook the lamb until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F. For medium, cook it to 145-150°F.
• Let the lamb rest: After cooking, let the lamb rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help keep the lamb moist and tender.
• Flip the lamb halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip the lamb halfway through the cooking time.
• Sear the lamb before air frying (optional): Searing the lamb in a skillet or frying pan before air frying can help create a crispy exterior.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure there is enough space between the lamb and the sides of the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Use kitchen tongs to handle the lamb: Tongs are the best tool for handling the lamb when flipping it or taking it out of the air fryer.
• Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts: If you have a thicker cut of lamb, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.