Pin it
This luxurious air fryer rack of lamb turns a typically intricate dish into an amazingly simple meal that delivers high-end results right in your home. The speedy cooking approach creates a wonderfully browned exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside.
I tried making this air fryer rack of lamb during a small get-together when my oven suddenly quit working. My friends were so blown away they all wanted to know how I made it, and now it's my favorite method even though my oven works fine again.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds rack of lamb: Trimmed racks with clean bones make a stunning presentation and cook more evenly
- Olive oil: Helps form a gorgeous crust and makes the herbs stick to the meat
- Ground black pepper: Grind it fresh for the boldest taste
- Dried thyme: Adds classic earthy flavors that work perfectly with lamb's natural taste
- Dried basil: Brings a gentle sweetness that cuts the lamb's richness
- Ground coriander: Offers a zesty citrus hint that balances the meaty flavor
- Salt: Boosts all the tastes and helps develop a perfect crust
- Finely chopped pistachios or almonds: Gives surprising crunch and nutty flavor
Pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Your Herbs:
- Stir together salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and coriander in a small bowl until fully combined. This tasty mix works with lamb's rich flavor without taking over. Break down any lumps so it spreads evenly.
- Get the Lamb Ready:
- Coat the whole rack of lamb with olive oil, making sure to cover every part. Sprinkle the herb mix all over, gently pressing it onto the meat. Top with the chopped nuts, lightly pushing them into the herby coating.
- First Cooking Phase:
- Set the lamb in your heated air fryer with bones facing down. Cook at 360°F for just 7 minutes, which will make a lovely crust on the top side of the rack.
- Second Cooking Phase:
- Flip the rack over and keep cooking for about 7 more minutes. The time might change a bit depending on how you like your lamb cooked and how thick your rack is. For medium rare, look for an internal temperature around 125°F to 130°F since it'll keep cooking while resting.
- Let It Rest:
- Take the lamb out and wrap it in foil right away. Let it sit untouched for 10 minutes. This key step lets the temperature rise a bit more while the juices spread back through the meat, making it super tender.
- Cut and Serve:
- Unwrap your lamb and put it on a cutting board. Slice between the bones to make individual chops. Arrange them on a plate with your sides and sauce for a fancy look.
What I love most about this dish is how flexible the herb blend can be. My grandma always told me coriander was her secret trick for lamb that made everyone ask for more. After trying lots of different spices over the years, I've found out she was totally right.
Cooking Temperature Guide
Getting your lamb cooked just right matters a ton with fancy cuts like rack of lamb. For rare, pull it out at 120°F inside. For medium rare, shoot for 125°F to 130°F. Medium should hit 135°F to 140°F. Just know that while it's resting, the temp will climb another 6 to 10 degrees. I think medium rare gives you the best mix of tenderness and flavor for lamb. Grabbing a good quick-read thermometer makes this super easy and saves you from ruining this pricey cut.
Sauce Pairings
This air fryer rack of lamb tastes great by itself, but adding a sauce makes it worthy of special occasions. A basic mint sauce with fresh mint, vinegar and a bit of sugar works like magic. If you want something more modern, try drizzling some reduced balsamic over the lamb on the plate. My go-to is a quick rosemary sauce made by cooking down some lamb stock with rosemary and a splash of red wine. You can make the sauce while the lamb cooks and rests, so you won't waste any time.
Serving Suggestions
Make this fancy main dish into a complete meal with the right sides. Smooth mashed potatoes give a rich base for the juicy lamb. Roasted veggies such as asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts work well with the meaty richness. For something lighter, go with a fresh green salad and simple dressing. When I'm cooking for holidays, I put this lamb with wild mushroom risotto and roasted root veggies for a meal that feels super special but doesn't take hours to make.
Pin it
Once you get good at making this dish, you'll boost your cooking skills and always have a showstopper meal ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the right air fryer temperature for lamb?
Cook your lamb at 360°F (180°C) to get the best results. Adjust cook time based on how done you like it.
- → How long should I let lamb sit after cooking?
Let it rest wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This helps lock in juices and bring out the flavor.
- → How do I check if the lamb is cooked the way I like it?
A digital meat thermometer is your best tool. Remove the rack from the fryer when it's about 6–10 degrees under your target temperature; it’ll keep cooking as it rests.
- → Can I switch out the nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work as tasty alternatives to pistachios or almonds.
- → What sides go well with lamb?
This dish is lovely with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Add a classic sauce like mint or a bold red wine reduction.
- → Can I prep the herb mix ahead?
Yes! Combine all the seasonings beforehand and store in a sealed container to save time later.