Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Rack of Lamb is a luxurious yet hassle-free dish that turns out perfectly cooked meat with a crispy, herb-infused crust. The air fryer locks in juices while delivering a golden-brown exterior, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home without the fuss of traditional roasting.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
rack of lambolive oilgarlicrosemarythymeparsleysaltblack pepperDijon mustardlemon zest
directions
Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat.
Combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest to form a marinade.
Rub the marinade all over the rack of lamb and let it marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Place the rack of lamb bone-side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 18-22 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium).
Remove from the air fryer, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 15-30 minutesCooking time: 18-22 minutesResting time: 5-10 minutesTotal time: 55-75 minutes
Variations

Add a crust of crushed pistachios or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Swap fresh herbs for dried if needed (use half the amount).
Try a balsamic glaze drizzle before serving for added flavor.
Use mint jelly or a yogurt sauce as a classic accompaniment.
storage/reheating
Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.Freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen rack of lamb?
Thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even seasoning and proper cooking.
Do I need to French the bones?
It’s optional but makes for a more elegant presentation.
What temperature should lamb be cooked to?
125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium, 145°F for medium-well.
Can I cook the lamb in pieces?
Yes, slicing it into chops before cooking reduces the time and works well too.
Should I flip the lamb while cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning and cooking.
What should I serve with it?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.
Can I make it without mustard?
Yes, but mustard enhances the herb crust and adds tang.
Can I marinate it overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight in the fridge deepens the flavor.
Is rack of lamb tender?
Yes, it’s one of the most tender cuts and cooks quickly.
How do I prevent it from overcooking?
Use a meat thermometer and rest the meat after cooking to maintain juiciness.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Rack of Lamb brings together convenience and sophistication, giving you juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a special family meal, this recipe ensures gourmet results right from your air fryer. Once you try it, it might just become your new go-to for impressive yet easy home dining.
PrintAir Fryer Rack of Lamb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A succulent rack of lamb seasoned and cooked in the air fryer for a crispy crust and juicy, tender interior, perfect for an elegant yet easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Trim any excess fat from the rack of lamb and pat it dry.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make a paste.
- Rub the paste evenly over the lamb.
- Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, bone-side down.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and cook for another 8–12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare.
- Remove and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing between the bones into individual chops.
- Serve with your choice of sides or sauces.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- Resting the meat ensures juices redistribute evenly.
- Serve with mint sauce or chimichurri for added flavor.
- You can marinate the lamb overnight for deeper flavor.