🐑 Ingredients for Air Fryer Lamb Shoulder Chops

To prepare these succulent air fryer lamb shoulder chops, you will need the following:

• 2 lamb shoulder chops, bone-in (approximately 1 lb or 454g; ¾-1 inch thick or 1.9-2.54 cm)
• ¾ cup red wine (choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (freshly chopped rosemary can also be used, or substitute with dried oregano or thyme for a different aromatic profile)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, adjust seasoning based on personal preference)

A printable recipe card with full details is available below!

Selecting Your Lamb Chops for Air Frying

The type and cut of lamb chops you choose significantly influence the cooking process and final result. Factors like thickness, weight, and specific cut will determine your optimal cooking time. While this recipe focuses on lamb shoulder chops, other cuts like lamb loin chops are also excellent in the air fryer.

You can often find quality lamb at specialty butchers, larger grocery stores like Costco, or even online. Lamb loin chops are generally more tender and leaner than shoulder chops. If you opt for lamb loin chops, don’t worry—we’ve included specific guidance for air frying them later in this article.

For a fancier presentation, consider cutting “lollipop” lamb chops from a rack of lamb. This involves slicing between the bones for a unique, elegant shape. (For cooking times and temperatures specific to air fryer rack of lamb, refer to our dedicated guide.)

This recipe is adaptable to various air fryer brands, including Ninja Foodi, Philips, Nuwave, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Breville, and more. However, keep in mind that air fryer models can vary in their cooking power and efficiency. To prevent overcooking, always check your food a few minutes early when trying a new air fryer recipe or using a different appliance for the first time.

🔪 How to Make Lamb Chops in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple instructions to prepare delicious lamb shoulder chops in your air fryer:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: red wine, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, ground coriander, dried rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Place the lamb chops into the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.

2. Marinate the Lamb Chops: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the lamb chops to marinate for 4-8 hours. For even flavoring and tenderization, flip the chops occasionally to ensure all surfaces are in contact with the marinade.

3. Preheat and Load the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the lamb chops from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them in the hot air fryer basket in a single layer. If using an air fryer oven, position them on the top rack for best results.

⏲️ Air Fryer Lamb Chops Cooking Time & Temperature

4. Air Fry the Lamb Chops: How long to cook lamb shoulder chops in air fryer? What is the air fryer lamb chops temperature? Air fry lamb chops for a total of 6-10 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). Flip the lamb chops over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the marinated lamb chops, ensuring they reach the desired doneness. More details on safe temperatures in the next section.

❓ What Internal Temperature Should Lamb Shoulder Chops Be Cooked To?

Knowing when lamb is perfectly cooked is key to an enjoyable meal. The most reliable way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA guidelines, raw lamb chops should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before being removed from the heat source. After cooking, the lamb should rest for at least 3 minutes prior to slicing and serving.

Note that ground lamb has a different minimum safe temperature; it should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

🌡️ Reheating Lamb Chops in Air Fryer

For the best experience, lamb chops are ideal when enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat lamb chops in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 3-6 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat leftovers in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.

Cooked lamb chops also freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible before freezing. This helps maintain their quality and flavor.

😋 What to Serve with Lamb Chops?

Searching for the perfect accompaniments for your air-fried lamb chops? Lamb and potatoes are a classic combination that never disappoints! Here are some other delightful sauces and side dishes to pair with your flavorful lamb chops:

• Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant, herbaceous sauce that adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these are a quick and easy side.
• Frozen Green Beans (Air Fryer Recipe): A simple, healthy green vegetable that cooks perfectly in the air fryer.
• Roasted Baby Carrots in Air Fryer: Sweet and tender roasted carrots offer a wonderful contrast to the savory lamb.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting classic that soaks up all the delicious lamb juices.
• Asparagus with Lemon Butter: A light and elegant green vegetable.
• Greek Salad: The fresh, tangy flavors of a Greek salad complement lamb beautifully.

Watch How to Make It!

For a visual guide on making these delicious lamb chops, watch the video below:

Air Fryer Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

By Summer Yule

Learn how to cook lamb shoulder chops in air fryer! This air fryer lamb shoulder chops recipe is juicy, flavorful, and delicious without being gamey.

Cook Time 8 mins

Total Time 8 mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 553 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lamb shoulder chops (454 grams; 2 bone-in lamb shoulder chops, ¾-1-inches thick)

For the lamb chop marinade:

• ⅓ cup red wine
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients for the lamb shoulder chops marinade together: wine, vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, coriander, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the lamb chops in a bowl and pour the marinade over the top.
2. Cover the bowl and allow the lamb chops to marinate in the fridge for 4-8 hours. Flip the lamb chops occasionally to ensure all sides of the meat have contact with the marinade.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lift the lamb chops out of the marinade and carefully place them in the hot air fryer basket. If you have an air fryer oven, they should go on the top rack.
4. Air fry lamb shoulder chops for a total of 6-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip the lamb chops over halfway through cooking time.
5. Lamb chops should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can cover it with foil to keep it warm.

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Whisk
• Kitchen Thermometer

Notes

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 3 recipe, suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. While lamb shoulder can be a fattier cut (contributing to its calorie content), this fat is essential for keeping the meat moist and flavorful during air frying. Here are some nutritional benefits and compelling reasons to try this air fryer lamb shoulder chops recipe:

• Protein: Lamb is a high-quality red meat, providing a rich source of essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth. While lamb shoulder has more fat, leaner cuts like lamb loin are also excellent sources of protein, and any excess fat on shoulder chops can be trimmed.
• Vitamins and minerals: Lamb is a powerhouse of vital nutrients including zinc, selenium, iron, and phosphorus (as per Cronometer). It’s also packed with B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and particularly vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production. The iron and zinc in lamb are heme iron and bioavailable zinc, meaning they are more readily absorbed by the body compared to plant-based sources.
• Diet-friendly: This air fryer lamb chops recipe naturally aligns with several popular dietary patterns, including keto, low carb, gluten-free, Paleo, dairy-free, soy-free, and sugar-free. It’s a versatile dish that accommodates various health-conscious eating plans.

Lamb tends to be more widely consumed in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa than in the United States. We hope to see its popularity grow, as it offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to more common proteins like chicken, pork, and beef.

Is lamb healthier than beef?

The “healthier” choice between lamb and beef often depends on individual nutritional needs and preferences. Both are red meats that provide high-quality protein, a range of B vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals. While some cuts of lamb can be leaner than certain cuts of beef, this isn’t universally true. Both can be part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition information provided is for one lamb shoulder chop. Only half of the marinade is calculated in the nutrition information, as the rest is largely discarded.

Nutrition Facts

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FAQs: Your Questions About Air Fryer Lamb Chops Answered

How to cook lamb loin chops in air fryer?

Air frying marinated lamb loin chops is just as delicious as shoulder chops, though the cooking time may vary due to differences in thickness and leanness. As a general guide, air fry lamb loin chops for approximately 16-20 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 390°F (200°C). Remember to flip the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and a consistent internal temperature.

How to make frozen lamb chops in air fryer?

While it’s possible to cook frozen lamb chops in an air fryer, for optimal taste and texture, fresh lamb is always recommended. If cooking from frozen, you will need to add an additional 5-6 minutes to the total cooking time to allow for proper defrosting and thorough cooking. Always verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

How to make lamb chops in oven?

If you prefer oven-roasted lamb chops, a popular method involves marinating the chops, searing them in a hot skillet on the stovetop to create a beautiful crust, and then transferring them to the oven to finish roasting. For a delicious herb-roasted version, check out this recipe for lamb chops in the oven from Bon Appetit.

Can you eat lamb chops pink?

Yes, you can safely eat lamb chops that are pink inside, provided they have reached the minimum safe internal temperature. The color of the meat is not the primary indicator of doneness; rather, the internal temperature is. For lamb, the minimum safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C), regardless of any remaining pinkness. Always use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.

Does lamb get more tender the longer you cook it?

Certain cuts of lamb, particularly tougher ones, can become more tender with longer, slower cooking methods at a lower temperature. However, it’s a delicate balance; overcooking, especially with quick-cooking methods like air frying, can paradoxically make the lamb dry and tough. For chops, aiming for the correct internal temperature for your desired doneness is key to tenderness and juiciness.

What is the difference between lamb chops and lamb shoulder chops?

The distinction lies in their cut and characteristics. “Lamb chops” is a general term that often refers to cuts from the rib or loin, which are typically very tender and quick-cooking. Lamb shoulder chops, on the other hand, are cut from the shoulder area. This part of the lamb is more muscular and contains more connective tissue, making it a flavorful but inherently tougher cut. Shoulder chops often benefit from longer marination to tenderize, or methods like slow cooking. However, as this recipe demonstrates, they can also be made wonderfully tender and juicy when marinated and air-fried correctly.

👨🏾‍🍳 Other Delicious Air Fryer Meat Recipes

If you’re looking to expand your air fryer repertoire, explore these other fantastic meat recipes:

• Roast Lamb in the Air Fryer: Perfect for a larger cut of lamb.
• Air Fryer Pork Roast: Achieve a perfectly tender and crackling pork roast.
• Polish Sausage in the Air Fryer: Quick and easy for a hearty meal.
• Air Fryer Ground Beef: Versatile for tacos, pasta, and more.

Don’t forget to check out our entire collection of Air Fryer Recipes while you’re here for more culinary inspiration!