The Best Air Fryer Rack of Lamb You Will Ever Have

This air fryer rack of lamb recipe is a showstopper and a quick and easy way to cook the entire rack of lamb; tender and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. Cooking a rack of lamb in the air fryer helps to lock in the juices and flavor, while also creating a nice crust. 

This dish is simple to prepare and results in a perfectly cooked piece of meat. It is sure to impress your guests, and they will never guess that it was made in an air fryer!

I enjoy lamb meat for its rich, savory flavor that is unlike any other meat. Lamb ribs are one of my favorite dishes to cook at home. I love the way the meat falls off the bone, and the flavor is always spot on.

There’s no need to sear the meat on all sides before adding it to the air fryer. The entire rack of lamb conveniently fits in the 4 qt. air fryer and cooks in 20 minutes. The machine that I'm using for this recipe is Ninja XL 6-in-1. If the entire rack of lamb ribs (which is 8 ribs attached to each other) does not fit in your air fryer, you can either split it in half and cook it in batches or make Lamb Rib Chops in the Air fryer.

The result is a delicious, stress-free meal that always impresses my guests. Plus, there's nothing better than enjoying a glass of wine and a plate of perfectly cooked lamb after a long day.

The air fryer gives the lamb ribs a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavor. 

Ingredients

A rack of lamb, frenched - Frenched means that all the excess meat, fat, and cartilage is removed from the bones of the lamb rack. A well-trimmed rack of lamb should have a nice layer of fat on top, which will help to keep it moist during cooking. Try to find chops that come from grass-fed lambs, as these tend to be more flavorful. 

Seasoning - All you need is a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I also love to include a combination of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. These will add flavor and aroma to the dish. 

Oil - You will need good-quality oil. Use high smoke point oil, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil This will be used to coat the lamb chops before cooking.

How to Make a Rack of Lamb Ribs in the Air Fryer

• Pat dry - use paper towels to pat the rack of lamb dry.
• Season generously - Rub the rack of lamb with oil and seasoning + herbs. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Air fry - Place the lamb fat side up in the air fryer rack or tray and cook for 12 minutes.
• Flip the rack of lamb to the other side and cook for another 12 minutes.
• Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let rest for 3 to 10 minutes.
• Cut between the bones to cut into individual lamb rib chops and serve.

Rack of Lamb Doneness Temperature Chart

Use this chart to determine a lamb rack doneness when testing it with the instant-read thermometer.

Medium rare - Internal Temperature: 135 degrees Fahrenheit and allow to rest at least 3 minutes. With this method, the lamb will be pink in the middle and slightly browned on the outside. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading.

Medium - USDA recommends a Medium Internal Temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and let rest for at least 3 minutes. With this method, the lamb will be slightly pink in the middle and nicely browned on the outside. 

Well done  - Internal Temperature: 160 degrees Fahrenheit. With this method, the lamb will be cooked through and will have a browned exterior. 

Why Lamb Ribs Are So Delicious?

Lamb's ribs are hard to beat. The succulent meat, rich flavor, and tender texture make them a favorite of meat lovers everywhere. What makes lamb ribs so special is the fat content. Unlike leaner cuts of lamb, the higher fat content of ribs allows them to be cooked longer without drying out. This also helps to create a more flavorful and juicy rib.

The nibbling of the bone is the meat eater's paradise!

Serving

When pairing lamb ribs with other dishes, it is important to consider complementary flavors and textures. 

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help to offset the richness of the lamb, while roasted vegetables like potatoes or carrots add both flavor and substance to the meal. 

For a simple yet elegant meal, serve a rack of lamb with roasted potatoes and a green salad. 

For a heartier meal, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. 

How to Store Leftover Rack of Lamb Meat

Remove any meat from the bones and cut it into small pieces. This will help it to reheat evenly and prevent it from drying out. 

Place the lamb meat in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the fridge for up to three days. 

Reheat in the air fryer at 400F/200C for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Add a little bit of water or stock if needed to keep the meat moist. 

Tips for the Best Air-fried Lamb Ribs

• Meat cut. One of the most important things to consider when cooking lamb is the cut. A rack of lamb typically consists of eight rib chops, which are well-marbled and juicy. For the best flavor, look for grass-fed lamb that has been humanely raised. 
• It's all about the seasoning. To bring out the natural flavors of the meat, rub it with a mix of avocado oil, fresh herbs, and garlic. If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the mixture.
• Marinate. Lamb rack only takes 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, but it can benefit from marinating the meat for at least 1 hour to up to 24 hours.
• Pro Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer. If the lamb is not cooked enough, it will be tough and chewy. However, if it is overcooked, it will be dry and bland. The ideal internal temperature for a rack of lamb is 135 °F for a medium-rare or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium. When checking the internal temperature, be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
• Rest. Let the meat rest for at least five minutes before carving and serving—this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful lamb chops.

More Lamb Recipes

• Air Fryer Lamb Loin Chops
• Lamb Rib Chops with Garlic and Rosemary
• Instant Pot PLOV (Rice Pilaf with meat)