Air fryer lamb loin chops are rich, tender, and cook quickly. The outside browns nicely while the inside stays juicy. Garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice bring out the flavor of the lamb, and a little butter at the end ties it all together. This is an easy, high-protein dinner you can get on the table in minutes.
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Air fryer lamb loin chops cook in 6 to 8 minutes and come out tender and juicy with a browned crust. Season them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, then air-fry at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Finish with garlic butter and serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki.
A Simple Way to Cook Lamb at Home
While you might associate lamb with a roast leg of lamb for Easter, lamb chops are sold right next to it at the butcher shop and are much easier to cook.
They don't need a long roasting time and can be on the table in minutes, which makes them a great option for a simple dinner.
If you're trying to eat more protein and cut back on processed foods, lamb chops are a good choice. They have a rich flavor and feel like a step up from the usual chicken or beef.
We had these with baked Brussels sprouts and tzatziki on the side. It's a rich, simple dinner that comes together fast. A couple of chops might not look like much, but they're very filling.
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
- Lamb loin chops: Use 4 chops, preferably about 1 inch thick and similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season both sides generously.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of dried herbs. Dried thyme or rosemary also works well.
- Garlic powder: Gives the chops an even layer of garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the lamb.
- Butter: Melted and spooned over the cooked chops for a rich finish.
- Fresh garlic: Mince 1-2 cloves and gently warm them in the butter.
- For serving: Lemon wedges, tzatziki sauce, and fresh rosemary or parsley.
How To Cook Lamb Chops in Your Air Fryer
Use the air fry setting at 400°F (or the closest high-heat setting on your machine).
- Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels, then rub them all over with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the lamb chops in the basket (on the rack if your model has one) in a single layer.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook to 130 to 135°F for medium rare or 140 to 145°F for medium.
- While the chops cook, melt the butter with the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove the lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Spoon the garlic butter over the chops and serve with lemon wedges, tzatziki, and fresh herbs.
Notes
Loin chops are thicker than rib chops, so they take a little longer. If your chops are very thick, add another 1 to 2 minutes. Work in batches if needed. Crowding the basket steams them and they won't brown properly.
Side Dishes For Lamb Chops
We had these chops with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and tzatziki on the side.
Storage and Leftovers
Let the chops cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Don't overcook or they'll dry out.
Leftover lamb is great in salads and wraps or served with eggs the next morning.
More Air Fryer Recipes
These easy air fryer recipes make quick sides and simple dinners.
Takeaway
Air fryer loin lamb chops are one of the fastest ways to get dinner on the table. They cook quickly and come out tender with a good crust.
You can also use shoulder chops or baby lamb chops. Just adjust the time. Thinner chops cook faster, while thicker cuts take a little longer.
Watch the internal temperature and let the chops rest before serving to keep them juicy.
More Lamb Recipes For Dinner
If you're cooking lamb often, it helps to have a few go-to methods. Try Baked Lamb Chops for an easy oven dinner.
Pan Fried Lamb Chops are made like chicken cutlets. I coat them in panko breadcrumbs and fry them in hot oil. They come out crisp and are always good.
You can also make pan seared rib lamb chops, also called baby lamb chops. They cook in 5 minutes and are always welcome on our table.
FAQ
No, loin chops are more tender and cook quickly, making them great for the air fryer. Shoulder chops have more connective tissue and a stronger flavor, so they need a little more time to become tender.
Lamb chops have a rich, slightly earthy flavor. They're stronger than beef but not overpowering. Loin chops are mild, while shoulder chops have a deeper flavor. When cooked right, they're tender and juicy.
Yes, but they cook more evenly if thawed first. If cooking from frozen, add a few extra minutes and check the internal temperature to make sure they're done.
Yes. Flip them halfway through cooking so both sides brown evenly and cook through.
Plan on 2 to 3 lamb chops per person, depending on the cut and size.
Rib chops: Smaller and more tender. Serve 3 per person for a full meal.
Loin chops: Meatier and thicker, like a small T-bone. 2 per person.
Shoulder chops: Larger with more fat and connective tissue. Go with 1 to 2 per person, depending on size.
Air Fryer Lamb Loin Chops
Ingredients
- 4 lamb loin chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- lemon wedges, tzatziki sauce, and fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels, then rub them all over with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the lamb chops in the basket (on the rack if your model has one) in a single layer.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook to 130 to 135°F for medium rare or 140 to 145°F for medium.
- While the chops cook, melt the butter with the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove the lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Spoon the garlic butter over the chops and serve with lemon wedges, tzatziki, and fresh herbs.
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