Air Fryer Lamb Chops Garlic

The air fryer changed everything about how I cook lamb at home. No more standing over a hot stove or dealing with splattering grease. These chops come out with this gorgeous crust while staying impossibly tender inside.

I made these for my parents last Sunday dinner. My dad, who usually claims he does not like lamb, went back for seconds. The air fryer gave them this perfect edge without turning my kitchen into a sauna.

Ingredients

• 8 lamb rib chops: Look for chops about 1 inch thick with nice fat caps, this is where all the flavor lives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the herbs cling to the meat and promotes even browning
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Piney and aromatic, fresh herbs make such a difference here
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Earthy and subtle, pairs beautifully with lamb
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and helping form that exterior crust
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to balance the rich meat
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The base for our finishing sauce, let it come to room temperature first
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Mellowed by the butter but still punchy and aromatic
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings brightness and color to cut through all that richness
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest: A tiny burst of acid that wakes up the whole dish
• Lemon wedges: For serving, a squeeze right before eating makes everything pop
• Extra chopped parsley: Because pretty food tastes better

Instructions

Prep the lamb:

Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam.

Season generously:

Mix the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub it all over both sides of each chop.

Heat things up:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a full 3 minutes while the lamb sits with its seasoning.

Cook to perfection:

Arrange chops in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 to 6 minutes for that gorgeous medium rare.

Make the magic:

While lamb cooks, mash the softened butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest into a smooth compound butter.

The finishing touch:

Rest the chops for 2 to 3 minutes after topping with butter so all those juices redistribute back into the meat.

Pin it

Something about a table of people quietly eating because the food is just that good. That happened with these chops, nobody spoke until every last bite was gone.

Getting The Right Doneness

Lamb is best served medium rare, with that pink center and warm red juices. If anyone prefers their meat more cooked, just add 1 to 2 minutes per side. I have found that 10 minutes total in the air fryer hits that sweet spot perfectly for most palates.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in fresh mint for a more Greek vibe. Other times I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rub for extra depth. The garlic butter base stays the same, but play with those herbs based on what you have or what sounds good tonight.

Serving Suggestions

These lamb chops feel fancy but come together so quickly. I like to keep the sides simple but thoughtful.

• Roasted baby potatoes with a little rosemary echo the flavors in the lamb
• A crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil cuts through the richness
• Grilled asparagus or zucchini rounds out the plate without much extra effort

Pin it

Good food does not need to be complicated. These lamb chops prove that sometimes the simplest approach is the most memorable one.

Recipe FAQs

→ What herbs complement the lamb chops?

Fresh rosemary and thyme are used to season the lamb, bringing out aromatic and earthy notes that enhance the meat's flavor.

→ How do I know when the lamb chops are done?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is ideal after 10–12 minutes in the air fryer; adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I substitute the air fryer with another method?

Yes, lamb chops can also be cooked under a broiler or grilled, but air frying ensures even cooking and crispy edges with less oil.

→ What does the garlic butter contribute to the dish?

The garlic butter adds rich, savory depth and a bright finish thanks to parsley and lemon zest, elevating the lamb's flavor.

→ Are there any allergen considerations?

Butter contains dairy, so ensure no dairy allergies before serving. Other ingredients are naturally gluten-free and low carb.