Air Fryer Lamb Chops

The first time I made lamb chops in the air fryer, I honestly expected them to be just okay—maybe a little tough or lacking that restaurant-quality sear. But when that garlic butter hit the hot meat and melted into every crevice, my whole kitchen smelled like something you would only order on a special night out. Now it is my go-to when I want something impressive without spending hours standing over a stove.

Last Valentine's Day, I was running late and completely panicked about dinner. These lamb chops saved the evening—my partner took one bite and actually asked what restaurant I ordered them from. Sometimes the simplest dishes end up being the ones people remember most.

Ingredients

• 8 lamb rib chops (about 1 inch thick): Look for chops with a nice fat cap—that is where all the flavor lives during cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the herbs stick and creates a beautiful seal on the meat
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Fresh herbs make such a difference here, woody herbs stand up perfectly to lamb
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Earthy and fragrant, pairs beautifully with the rosemary
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Do not skip this—lamb needs proper seasoning to really shine
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough heat to balance the rich meat
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter melts perfectly over the hot chops
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—jarred garlic just does not have the same punch
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest: Cuts through all that rich butter and fat with a bright citrus note

Instructions

Prep your lamb:

Pat those chops completely dry with paper towels—any moisture on the surface will steam instead of sear, and nobody wants steamed lamb when they are craving that perfect crust.

Season generously:

Whisk together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub every inch of each chop with the mixture. Do not be shy here—this is your main flavor layer.

Get the air fryer hot:

Preheat to 400°F for a full three minutes while you finish prepping. That hot start is what creates the restaurant-quality exterior.

Cook to perfection:

Arrange the chops in a single layer without crowding—work in batches if you need to. Cook for six minutes, flip with tongs, then go another four to six minutes for that gorgeous medium-rare pink center.

Make the garlic butter:

While the lamb cooks, mash the softened butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest together until completely combined. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted.

The finishing touch:

Let those chops rest for a couple minutes after you top them with the garlic butter—this keeps all those juices inside where they belong instead of running all over your cutting board.

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My friend Sarah came over for dinner recently and confessed she had always been too intimidated to cook lamb at home. After one bite of these chops, she texted me the next day saying she made them for her family and they are now requesting them every Sunday.

Temperature Guide

I use an instant-read thermometer to take the guesswork out of lamb doneness. Medium-rare hits 130-135°F, while medium reaches 140-145°F. Remember that the temperature will rise a few degrees as the meat rests, so pull them a touch early.

Choosing Your Chops

Rib chops are my absolute favorite for the air fryer because they cook evenly and have that perfect meat-to-fat ratio. Look for chops that are about an inch thick—anything thinner will overcook before you get a good sear on the outside.

Serving Ideas

These lamb chops feel fancy enough for a dinner party but are easy enough for a Tuesday night. I love serving them with simple sides that do not compete with the star of the show. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette are perfect companions.

• Let the chops rest for at least five minutes if you can wait that long
• Squeeze fresh lemon over everything right before serving
• Have plenty of crusty bread ready to mop up that garlic butter

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There is something so satisfying about serving a dish that looks and tastes this impressive while knowing it came together in under half an hour. That garlic butter really is the magic that ties everything together.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve medium-rare lamb chops in the air fryer?

Cook the chops at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 4–6 minutes depending on thickness. Adjust time slightly based on desired doneness.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary and thyme at half the quantity of fresh herbs to maintain flavor balance.

→ What is the purpose of the garlic butter topping?

The garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic finish that complements the herb seasoning and enhances the lamb’s natural flavor.

→ Is this method suitable for thicker lamb chops?

For thicker chops, increase cooking time by a few minutes per side and check internal temperature to ensure proper cooking.

→ What side dishes pair well with air-fried lamb chops?

Roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or low-carb sides complement the lamb nicely, balancing richness and freshness.