Description
This Air Fryer Rack of Lamb recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful dish with a perfectly cooked, tender rack of lamb seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Utilizing the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and succulent interior in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal quick yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rack of Lamb:
- 1 rack of lamb (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), Frenched if desired
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For Serving (Optional):
- Mint sauce or jelly
- Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or asparagus
Instructions
- Trim the rack: If the rack of lamb is not already trimmed, remove any excess fat from the lamb to prevent flare-ups during cooking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to form a flavorful paste.
- Apply the marinade: Rub the marinade all over the rack of lamb so it is evenly coated. For the best flavor, marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then bring back to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Place in air fryer: Position the marinated rack of lamb bone side down inside the air fryer basket ready for cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the lamb rack for 15 to 20 minutes depending on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C), using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Rest the lamb: Remove the rack from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in better flavor and tenderness.
- Slice and serve: Slice the rack between the bones to create individual lamb chops. Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad and optional mint sauce or jelly for a classic pairing.
Notes
- Allowing the lamb to come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Resting the meat after cooking is essential for juicy results.
- If you prefer a more intense herb flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust cooking time according to the size of the rack and your air fryer model for best results.
