Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Name: Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 6 lamb chops; 1 x 400g tin chickpeas (drained); 2 tsp olive oil; 2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt (to taste); About 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 red onion (finely diced); 1 red pepper (finely diced); ½ aubergine (diced into 2 cm cubes); 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped); 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes; 1 tbsp capers (optional); 1 handful parsley (freshly chopped); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 100 ml Greek yoghurt; Zest of 1 lemon; Rocket (washed and ready-to-eat)

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Did you know that you can cook the most delicious lamb chops in the air fryer? This recipe will teach you how to cook the perfect air fryer lamb chops, every single time. The secret lies in the gorgeous smoked paprika and herb yoghurt marinade. It adds so much flavour and helps create the most tender, juicy lamb chops. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, they cook in just 15 minutes!

Whether you normally oven-roast or pan-fry your lamb chops, once you try these air fry lamb chops, there is no going back! You get the same succulent lamb but in a fraction of the time. Always a win in my book – especially on a busy weeknight. You do need to set aside some time to allow the lamb chops to marinate (ideally).

You can serve these air fryer lamb chops in so many different ways. Here I have gone for a delicious tomato and aubergine stew and some crispy chickpeas for texture. You can switch it up entirely, though, and go for potatoes and seasonal greens. They are fabulous with my herby crispy potatoes with cavolo nero and chimichurri. Alternatively, opt for something Mediterranean like my Greek pasta salad with orzo.

Why you will love this recipe:
How To Cook Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer:
Ingredients:
Substitutions and Variations:
Here’s how to make simple air fryer lamb chops:
Here’s how to make tomato & aubergine stew and crispy chickpeas to serve alongside:
Cooking Tips:
What else to serve with air fryer lamb chops
Frequently Asked Questions
Other recipes you might enjoy:
Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe

Why you will love this recipe:

They are so quick and easy compared to other lamb chop recipes.
They are full of flavour and texture. Think crispy, smoky chickpeas, spiced lamb and rich tomato and aubergine stew. All topped off with a creamy, tangy and zesty lemon yoghurt.
You can prep this recipe ahead of time and marinade the lamb chops the night before.
They are so versatile. You can serve them with lots of different sides.

air fryer lamb chops with tomato aubergine stew and rocket on a white plate.

How To Cook Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer:

The full recipe is below at the bottom of the page but at a glance:

Mix together the yoghurt marinade and brush all over the lamb chops. Place in a dish and leave to marinade for at least 20 minutes – if marinating for longer, cover and chill in the fridge.
Preheat the air fryer to 200C.
Carefully add the marinated lamb chops to the air fryer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, or until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you like them really charred, you may like to give them a little longer.
When the lamb is ready, remove from the air fryer, cover with foil and leave to rest for 3-5 minutes
Serve with any sides you like. We like crispy chickpeas, lemony yoghurt and a tomato & aubergine stew.

Ingredients:

Full recipe can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, just scroll down!

Greek yoghurt – this is used in the marinade to make deliciously tender air fryer lamb chops. I also combine it with lemon for a zesty lemon dip. Opt for full-fat yoghurt for the best results.

Dried herbs and spices – a mixture of smoky paprika, dried oregano, cumin and coriander makes a delicious marinade for the air fryer lamb chops. I also roast the chickpeas in smoked paprika for extra flavour.

Lamb chops – go for the best quality you can find. You want them fairly thick (around 4 cm) with plenty of meat.

Substitutions and Variations:

Beans and pulses: you can swap the chickpeas for all sorts of beans and pulses. Haricot, flageolet or kidney beans all work well too. Just make sure you use the cooked variety and drain them well first. Although I use tinned chickpeas here, I really love the various jarred beans from Bold Bean Co. They have the most incredible texture and flavour.

Chillies: you can add some chilli heat to these air fryer lamb chops by sprinkling with crushed chilli flakes. Alternatively, scatter with a sliced chilli or drizzle with chilli oil just before serving.

Fresh herbs: you can swap the parsley for roughly chopped coriander, if you prefer. A sprinkling of thinly sliced chives or spring onion also works well.

Here’s how to make simple air fryer lamb chops:

Here’s a step by step guide for what you need to do, but you can find the full recipe below for detailed instructions.

ONE: Mix together the yoghurt and spices and brush all over the lamb chops. Place in a dish and leave to marinade for at least 20 minutes – if marinating for longer, cover and chill in the fridge. Preheat the air fryer to 200C.

TWO: Carefully add the marinated lamb chops to the air fryer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning half-way through, or until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you like them really charred, you may like to give them a little longer.

To serve: when the lamb is ready, remove from the air fryer, cover with foil and leave to rest for 3-5 minutes. Then set the lamb chops on a plate. Serve with the tomato and aubergine stew, lemon yoghurt, crispy chickpeas and rocket.

Here’s how to make tomato & aubergine stew and crispy chickpeas to serve alongside:

chickpeas in the air fryer before roasting.

THREE: Meanwhile, mix together the drained chickpeas with the olive oil, paprika and salt.

FOUR: Air fry for 20 minutes, turning every now and then, until crispy (either slide the lamb chops to one side or cook on a separate shelf).

making tomato and aubergine stew to go with air fryer lamb chops.

FIVE: For the tomato and aubergine stew: heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until starting to soften. Add the peppers, aubergine and garlic, then continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.

Add the chopped tomatoes, capers (if using) and parsley. Stir well and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper – if using capers, go easy on the salt as they are already quite salty.

SIX: Meanwhile, mix together the remaining Greek yoghurt and zest of a lemon.

Cooking Tips:

Yoghurt marinade: don’t be tempted to skip the yoghurt marinade. It helps make these air fryer lamb chops beautifully tender. Even if you can only marinade for 30 minutes, it’s better than nothing.

Crispy chickpeas: if you don’t have room in your air fryer, you can roast them in the oven at 200C/180C Fan for about 25-30 minutes. Shake the tray a few times and watch closely to make sure they don’t burn.

Capers: these can be very salty so, if using, bear that in mind when seasoning the dish. Keep tasting as you go along to ensure the perfect balance of flavours.

Rest: allow your lamb chops to rest, covered with foil, for around 3-5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more juicy and flavourful.

What else to serve with air fryer lamb chops

These air fryer lamb chops are so versatile. Although I love them with this tomato and aubergine stew, crispy roasted chickpeas and zesty lemon yoghurt, there are SO many other ways to serve them.

Potatoes – air fryer lamb chops are delicious with all sorts of potatoes. In spring/summer, I love them with my hasselback potatoes with salsa verde and labneh. Or you can try my air fryer version with a yummy sour cream and chive dip. Alternatively, if, like me, you find it hard to resist a cheesy potato, try my cheesy smashed potatoes. They are so good. Creamy dauphinoise or buttery mash are also divine with air fryer lamb chops.

Pasta and grains – feel free to put a Mediterranean/Moroccan/Lebanese twist on these air fryer lamb chops. They are delicious with this Greek pasta salad with orzo or the roasted tomato giant couscous salad in this recipe. I also love them with my feta and herby couscous.

Seasonal greens – some gently wilted spinach or sautéed seasonal green veggies are delicious with these air fryer lamb chops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should lamb chops be cooked at?

These air fryer lamb chops are cooked at 200C. If you are making them in a regular oven, you would do 220C/200C Fan.

How can I tell if my lamb chops are cooked?

The most reliable way to tell if a lamb chop is cooked is to use a meat probe. They are super handy for all sorts of recipes and aren’t expensive. You can get a fairly basic one here.

For lamb chops, use the below as a guide (I recommend medium or medium-rare):
50–60° C – Rare: deep pink and juicy
60–65° C – Medium rare: warm pink, juicy, tender, and flavourful – RECOMMENDED
65–70° C – Medium: pale pink, moist, and the fat is completely rendered – RECOMMENDED
70–75° C – Medium well: barely pink turning to grey, moist, and verging on dry
75° C and over – Well done: grey throughout and dry.
If you don’t have a meat probe, I always would err on the side of a little less cooked as it can continue to cook when resting. You can always cut into one to see if you aren’t sure.

How long does it take to air fry a lamb chop?

My air fryer lamb chops take around 12-15 minutes. However, the exact time will depend on the size, shape and thickness of your lamb chops and how you like them cooked. Smaller lamb chops will cook quicker, whereas thicker ones will take longer. Remember to turn them half-way through to ensure even cooking. If you like a deep char on the outside, you can always leave them a little longer.

Can I make these air fryer lamb chops in advance?

Sort of. You can marinate the air fryer lamb chops up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and chill in the fridge. Once cooked, they are best eaten straight away.
The crispy chickpeas can be cooked, left to cool completely then popped in a jar for up to 5 days. They might not stay quite as crispy, but they will still be delicious.

You can also make the tomato and aubergine stew in advance. Leave to cool completely before covering and chilling for up to 3 days. Reheat on the hob over a gentle heat until piping hot, or for a few minutes in the microwave. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating on the hob or in the microwave. You can mix up the lemon yoghurt in advance and keep it covered and chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze air fryer lamb chops?

Yes, cook them and cool. Place in a freezer bag or a Tupperware and store inthe freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost when ready to eat, and reheat in the air fryer for around 7-8 minutes at 180c until hot all the way through.