Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Speedy Garlic Herb Dinner (Print Version)

Quick Air Fryer Lamb Chops recipe! Juicy, tender lamb infused with garlic and herbs, ready in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - Lamb Loin Chops (4-6, about 1-inch thick)

→ Flavor Boosters

02 - Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
03 - Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
04 - Fresh Rosemary (1 tbsp, chopped)
05 - Fresh Thyme (1 tbsp, chopped)
06 - Lemon Zest (1/2 tsp)

→ Essential Seasonings

07 - Salt (1 tsp)
08 - Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those lamb chops ready. Pat them really, really dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that gorgeous sear later. I once skipped this, thinking "how much difference can it make?" A lot, friends. A lot. They ended up steaming a bit, and we don't want that. Place them in a shallow dish, ready for their flavor bath.
02 - In a small bowl, let's get our flavor boosters going. Whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. The aroma alone starts making my mouth water at this point! I always give it a good sniff. Make sure everything is well combined; you want every chop to get a fair share of that deliciousness.
03 - Pour that fragrant marinade all over your patted-dry lamb chops. Use your hands – yes, get a little messy! – to really rub the seasoning into every nook and cranny. Make sure they're completely coated. Then, cover the dish and let them sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, an hour in the fridge is even better. I've left them overnight before, and oh my goodness, the flavor was incredible!
04 - Time to get the air fryer humming! Preheat it to 380°F (195°C) for about 5 minutes. Don't skip this step; a preheated air fryer helps achieve that crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. I learned this the hard way when my first batch was a little less "crispy" and more "meh." A warm air fryer is a happy air fryer, and happy air fryers make delicious <b>Air Fryer Lamb Chops</b>!
05 - Now for the main event! Arrange the marinated lamb chops in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Seriously, don't overcrowd it. If they're too close, they won't crisp up properly. You might need to cook them in batches, and that's totally fine. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then carefully flip them with tongs. Keep going for another 6-8 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
06 - Once your <b>Air Fryer Lamb Chops</b> are beautifully browned and cooked through (I usually aim for medium-rare, around 130-135°F internal temperature), remove them from the air fryer. Transfer them to a plate, loosely tent with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and juicy. The waiting is the hardest part, I know!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket, seriously. I tried to cram too many in once, and they just steamed instead of getting that lovely sear. Learn from my mistakes!
02 - You can totally prep the marinade ahead! Whisk it up in the morning, toss the lamb chops in, and let them hang out in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Makes dinner even faster.
03 - No fresh rosemary? Dried works too! Just use about a third of the amount, since dried herbs are more potent. I've done it in a pinch, and it still tasted pretty great.
04 - Serve these with a bright lemon wedge! A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end just brightens everything up and cuts through the richness. Trust me on this one.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - mixing bowl
03 - tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Protein: 30g

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