Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cooking a rack of lamb in the air fryer not only gives you a mouthwatering, tender result but also saves you time and energy. The air fryer ensures that the lamb cooks evenly and gets a crispy crust without needing to roast for hours. The seasoning can be customized to your preference, and the quick cook time allows you to enjoy a high-end meal in just about 30 minutes. Plus, you don’t need to deal with an oven or grill — the air fryer does all the work!
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil mixture generously over the lamb, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- Place the rack of lamb in the air fryer basket, fat side up.
- Cook the lamb at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium, or 145°F for medium-well.
- Once cooked, remove the lamb from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing between the ribs to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Herb Crust: Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as parsley or oregano, for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Glaze: Brush the lamb with a balsamic glaze or honey mustard during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the rack of lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the lamb back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when the rack of lamb is done?
The best way to ensure your lamb is cooked to your liking is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F; for medium, 135°F; and for medium-well, 145°F.
Can I cook a larger rack of lamb in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! However, ensure that the lamb fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for a larger rack.
Should I cook the lamb with the bone side up or down?
You should cook the rack of lamb with the fat side (or bone side) facing up, which helps retain moisture and enhances the crust.
Can I marinate the lamb before cooking it?
Yes! Marinating the lamb for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Can I use frozen lamb for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed lamb for this recipe. If using frozen lamb, be sure to fully thaw it before seasoning and cooking.
Can I cook the rack of lamb on the bone in the air fryer?
Yes, cooking the rack of lamb on the bone in the air fryer works beautifully. Just ensure the bones don’t touch the air fryer walls for even cooking.
Can I cook a boneless rack of lamb in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Boneless racks will cook a bit faster than bone-in ones. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
What temperature should I set the air fryer to for lamb?
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispness on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
How long do I need to rest the lamb before slicing?
Resting the lamb for about 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful.
Can I use a different cooking method for the lamb if I don’t have an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast the rack of lamb in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or grill it over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
Conclusion
The air fryer rack of lamb is a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its perfectly crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, the air fryer makes preparing a restaurant-quality meal easy and hassle-free. Enjoy your succulent rack of lamb with your favorite sides and savor every bite!
PrintAir Fryer Rack of Lamb
This Air Fryer Rack of Lamb recipe delivers a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish with a perfectly crispy crust. Cooked in just 30 minutes, this easy air fryer recipe is ideal for a gourmet dinner without the hassle. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Season the Lamb: Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry: Place the rack of lamb fat-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches:
- 125°F (medium-rare)
- 135°F (medium)
- 145°F (medium-well)
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the lamb for a few hours or overnight.
- For a crispy crust, broil the lamb for a minute after air frying.
- Pair with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
