Master the Art of Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Juicy, Tender & Flavorful Every Time
Prepare to revolutionize your lamb chop experience! Did you know that your air fryer can cook the most delicious, succulent lamb chops imaginable? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to achieve perfectly cooked air fryer lamb chops, every single time. The secret lies in a beautiful, aromatic smoked paprika and herb yogurt marinade. This special marinade not only infuses the lamb with incredible depth of flavor but also works magic to create the most tender, juicy chops you’ve ever tasted. Plus, thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer, these gourmet-quality lamb chops cook in a mere 15 minutes!
Whether your usual method involves slow oven-roasting or quick pan-frying, a single bite of these air-fried lamb chops will convince you there’s no going back. You’ll achieve the same desirable succulence and rich lamb flavor, but in a fraction of the time. This is always a significant win, especially when juggling a busy weeknight schedule. While the cooking time is fast, remember to set aside some crucial time for the lamb chops to marinate. This step is truly non-negotiable for maximizing tenderness and flavor.
The versatility of these air fryer lamb chops is another reason to love them. They can be served in countless ways to suit any palate or occasion. For a delightful and well-rounded meal, we’ve paired them with a hearty tomato and aubergine stew and some wonderfully crispy chickpeas, adding a fantastic textural contrast. However, feel free to switch up the accompaniments entirely! Imagine them with classic roasted potatoes and vibrant seasonal greens, or elevate the experience with my herby crispy potatoes with cavolo nero and chimichurri. Alternatively, embrace a refreshing Mediterranean theme with my Greek pasta salad with orzo. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a true staple for your culinary repertoire.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe
- Selecting the Best Lamb Chops for Air Frying
- The Secret to Succulent Lamb: Our Signature Yogurt Marinade
- How To Cook Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer: A Quick Overview
- Ingredients for Perfection: What You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations: Customize Your Chops
- Here’s How to Make Simple Air Fryer Lamb Chops (Step-by-Step)
- Here’s How to Make Tomato & Aubergine Stew and Crispy Chickpeas to Serve Alongside
- Expert Cooking Tips for Flawless Lamb Chops
- What Else to Serve with Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Endless Pairings
- Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Lamb Chops
- Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe Card
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe
This recipe for air fryer lamb chops isn’t just another meal idea; it’s a game-changer that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- They are incredibly quick and easy to prepare, significantly cutting down on cooking time compared to traditional lamb chop recipes without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or tenderness.
- These chops are absolutely bursting with flavor and delightful textures. Imagine the satisfying crunch of crispy, smoky chickpeas complementing spiced, perfectly cooked lamb, all balanced by a rich, savory tomato and aubergine stew. To top it all off, a dollop of creamy, tangy, and zesty lemon yogurt adds a bright, refreshing finish.
- Enjoy the convenience of being able to prep this recipe ahead of time. You can effortlessly marinate the lamb chops the night before, making dinner even smoother on busy days.
- Their remarkable versatility means you can serve them with a vast array of different sides, easily adapting the meal to fit any occasion, dietary preference, or what you have on hand in your pantry.
Selecting the Best Lamb Chops for Air Frying
The quality of your lamb chops plays a pivotal role in the final dish. When choosing lamb for your air fryer, opt for fresh, high-quality chops. Look for cuts that are fairly thick, ideally around 1.5 to 2 inches (or approximately 4 cm), ensuring they have a good amount of meat. Thicker chops will remain juicier and provide a better texture contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior. Rib chops and loin chops are both excellent choices for air frying, offering rich flavor and a good meat-to-fat ratio. A little marbling (fat woven through the muscle) is desirable as it contributes to moisture and flavor.
The Secret to Succulent Lamb: Our Signature Yogurt Marinade
The heart of this recipe’s success lies in its incredibly simple yet powerful yogurt marinade. Greek yogurt, particularly full-fat, is an excellent base for marinades. Its natural acidity helps to tenderize the meat by gently breaking down tough muscle fibers without cooking them (like some acidic citrus marinades might). This results in lamb chops that are astonishingly tender and moist after cooking. Beyond its tenderizing properties, the yogurt also acts as a fantastic carrier for our carefully selected blend of spices.
The aromatic combination of smoky paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground coriander creates a deeply flavorful coating. Smoked paprika, in particular, adds a beautiful depth and a subtle smokiness that complements the rich flavor of the lamb perfectly. Oregano brings an earthy, slightly peppery note, while cumin and coriander contribute warmth and a hint of citrusy brightness. Together, these spices form a robust flavor profile that penetrates the lamb during the marinating process, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Don’t be tempted to skip or shorten the marinating time; it’s truly what transforms good lamb chops into extraordinary ones.
How To Cook Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer: A Quick Overview
For the full, detailed recipe, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this page. But for a quick glance, here’s the straightforward process:
- First, prepare your flavorful yogurt marinade. Thoroughly mix the Greek yogurt with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Brush this fragrant marinade generously over all sides of your lamb chops. Place the coated chops in a dish and allow them to marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor and maximum tenderness, cover the dish and chill it in the fridge to marinate for several hours, or ideally, overnight.
- Once marinated, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 400°F). Proper preheating ensures an even cook and a desirable crispy exterior.
- Carefully arrange the marinated lamb chops in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to flip the chops halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and develop a consistent crispness. Continue cooking until the exterior is beautifully crisp and browned, and the interior is tender and cooked to your preferred doneness. If you enjoy a more pronounced char on your lamb chops, you might wish to extend the cooking time by a minute or two.
- When your lamb is cooked to perfection, promptly remove it from the air fryer. Transfer the chops to a plate, cover them loosely with foil, and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even juicier and more flavorful chop.
- Finally, serve your magnificent air fryer lamb chops with any sides you desire. Our personal favorites include crispy chickpeas, a bright and zesty lemon yogurt, and a rich tomato & aubergine stew, creating a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients for Perfection: What You’ll Need
The full ingredient list with precise measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post – simply scroll down!
Greek Yogurt: This is a star ingredient in our marinade, playing a dual role in making your air fryer lamb chops incredibly tender and juicy. We also combine it with fresh lemon zest to create a vibrant, tangy dip that perfectly complements the rich lamb. For the best creamy texture and flavor, always opt for full-fat Greek yogurt.
Dried Herbs and Spices: A meticulously chosen blend of smoky paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground coriander forms the backbone of our delicious marinade for the air fryer lamb chops. This combination delivers a complex, aromatic flavor profile. Additionally, smoked paprika is used again to roast the chickpeas, imparting an extra layer of irresistible smokiness and warmth.
Lamb Chops: As mentioned, the quality of your lamb is key. Aim for the best quality you can source. Look for chops that are fairly thick, ideally around 4 cm (1.5-2 inches), with a generous amount of lean meat and perhaps a thin layer of fat, which will render beautifully and add to the flavor during air frying.
Substitutions and Variations: Customize Your Chops
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to match your taste or what you have available:
Beans and Pulses: The crispy chickpeas are a fantastic textural element, but you can easily swap them for other beans and pulses. Varieties like haricot, flageolet, or kidney beans all work wonderfully. Just ensure you use the cooked, canned, or jarred variety and drain them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. If you’re looking for superior texture and flavor, I highly recommend exploring the jarred beans from Bold Bean Co – their quality is truly exceptional.
Chillies for Heat: If you enjoy a touch of spice, it’s easy to add some chilli heat to these air fryer lamb chops. A sprinkle of crushed chilli flakes, either mixed into the marinade or dusted over the chops before cooking, will provide a pleasant kick. Alternatively, for a fresher, more vibrant heat, scatter some thinly sliced fresh chilli or drizzle a little chilli oil over the finished dish just before serving.
Fresh Herbs: The recipe calls for fresh parsley, but don’t hesitate to change it up. Roughly chopped fresh coriander can offer a different aromatic dimension if you prefer its distinctive flavor. A light sprinkling of thinly sliced chives or spring onion greens also makes a lovely garnish, adding a mild oniony zest and a pop of color to your finished plate.
Here’s How to Make Simple Air Fryer Lamb Chops (Step-by-Step)
This is a visual, step-by-step guide. You can find the complete, detailed recipe with all measurements below in the recipe card.
ONE: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the Greek yogurt and your chosen blend of spices (smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, coriander). Generously brush this aromatic marinade all over each lamb chop, ensuring they are well coated. Place the marinated chops in a shallow dish. Allow them to marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors. If you plan to marinate for a longer period (e.g., several hours or overnight), cover the dish tightly and chill it in the fridge. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s ready for immediate use.
TWO: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully arrange the marinated lamb chops in its basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can impede air circulation and prevent even cooking and crisping. Cook the lamb chops for approximately 12-15 minutes. Remember to turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides brown beautifully and cook uniformly. Continue cooking until the exterior is deliciously crisp and golden, and the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness (e.g., medium-rare, medium). If you prefer a more pronounced char on your chops, you can extend the cooking time by a minute or two, keeping a close eye on them.
To serve: Once the lamb chops are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Transfer them to a clean plate, loosely cover them with aluminum foil, and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes. This vital step helps the meat retain its juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Then, arrange the rested lamb chops elegantly on serving plates. Serve them alongside the vibrant tomato and aubergine stew, a dollop of zesty lemon yogurt, a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas, and a scattering of fresh rocket for a complete and visually appealing meal.
Here’s How to Make Tomato & Aubergine Stew and Crispy Chickpeas to Serve Alongside
THREE: While your lamb chops are marinating or cooking, prepare the crispy chickpeas. In a medium bowl, combine the thoroughly drained chickpeas with the olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
FOUR: Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket. Air fry them for approximately 20 minutes, making sure to toss or shake the basket every now and then to ensure even crisping. Continue cooking until they are beautifully golden and crunchy. Depending on your air fryer model, you might be able to cook the chickpeas alongside the lamb chops by sliding them to one side of the basket, or you may need to cook them on a separate shelf or in a batch after the lamb, if your air fryer has multiple compartments or a smaller capacity.
FIVE: Now, for the delectable tomato and aubergine stew: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until it begins to soften and become translucent. Next, add the diced red peppers, cubed aubergine, and finely chopped garlic to the pan. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and slightly softened.
Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, along with the capers (if you choose to use them), and the freshly chopped parsley. Mix everything well to combine, then bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Season the stew to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be mindful when adding salt, especially if you’re using capers, as they are naturally quite salty.
SIX: While the stew is simmering and the lamb chops are resting, quickly prepare the zesty lemon yogurt. In a small bowl, simply combine the remaining Greek yogurt with the finely grated zest of one lemon. Stir until well combined. This creates a refreshing, tangy topping that beautifully cuts through the richness of the lamb and stew.
To serve: Once the lamb is ready, remove it from the air fryer, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Then, artfully arrange the lamb chops on individual plates. Spoon a generous portion of the warm tomato and aubergine stew alongside. Sprinkle a handful of the crispy chickpeas over the stew and chops for added texture. Finally, add a dollop of the refreshing lemon yogurt and a few fresh rocket leaves to complete your beautifully plated, delicious meal.
Expert Cooking Tips for Flawless Lamb Chops
Achieving perfect air fryer lamb chops is simple with a few expert insights:
Embrace the Yogurt Marinade: This is arguably the most critical step for tender and juicy results. Don’t be tempted to skip or significantly shorten the marinating time. The enzymes in the yogurt, combined with the herbs and spices, work wonders to break down muscle fibers and infuse flavor. Even if you can only manage 30 minutes, it will make a noticeable difference in the final tenderness of your lamb chops.
Perfecting Crispy Chickpeas: If your air fryer doesn’t have enough space to cook the chickpeas simultaneously with the lamb, or if you prefer using your oven, you can easily roast them. Simply spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C Fan / 400°F) for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to shake the tray a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping, and keep a close watch to prevent them from burning.
Seasoning with Capers: Capers are wonderfully briny and add a fantastic salty, umami kick to the tomato and aubergine stew. However, they can be very high in sodium. If you choose to include them, remember to go easy on any additional salt when seasoning the stew. Always taste as you go along to ensure a perfect balance of flavors, adjusting salt only after the capers have been added and simmered.
The Golden Rule: Rest Your Meat: This step is often overlooked but is crucial for juicy lamb chops. Once your lamb chops are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for approximately 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the internal juices, which have migrated to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute evenly throughout the chop, resulting in a significantly more succulent and flavorful experience.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results – meaning evenly cooked, beautifully crisp lamb chops – it’s vital not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, this circulation is hampered, leading to steamed rather than crispy results. Cook the lamb chops in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space around each chop for the hot air to do its job effectively.
Monitor Internal Temperature: While cooking times are provided as a guide, the most accurate way to ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your preference (and safely) is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone, to check the internal temperature. This precision will guarantee perfect results every time.
What Else to Serve with Air Fryer Lamb Chops: Endless Pairings
These air fryer lamb chops are remarkably versatile, making them a perfect canvas for a wide array of side dishes. While the tomato and aubergine stew, crispy roasted chickpeas, and zesty lemon yogurt are a highly recommended combination, there are countless other delicious ways to serve them. Get inspired with these ideas:
Potato Perfection: Lamb chops and potatoes are a classic pairing for a reason. These air-fried wonders are delicious with all sorts of potato dishes. In the spring or summer, I love serving them with my elegant hasselback potatoes with salsa verde and labneh. Alternatively, you can try my air fryer version of hasselback potatoes, served with a creamy sour cream and chive dip. If you, like me, find it hard to resist the allure of cheesy potatoes, then my cheesy smashed potatoes are an absolute must-try – they are incredibly good! For a more refined option, creamy dauphinoise potatoes or rich, buttery mashed potatoes are also divine accompaniments for air fryer lamb chops.
Pasta and Grains with Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Flair: Infuse your meal with a delightful Mediterranean, Moroccan, or Lebanese twist. These lamb chops are fabulous with my refreshing Greek pasta salad with orzo or the roasted tomato giant couscous salad featured in this recipe. I also love pairing them with my light and flavorful feta and herby couscous, which offers a wonderful aromatic complement to the spiced lamb.
Seasonal Greens and Fresh Salads: To balance the richness of the lamb, consider serving them with a vibrant green side. Some gently wilted spinach, sautéed seasonal green vegetables (like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli rabe), or a fresh, crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette are all excellent choices. The fresh, slightly bitter notes of rocket (arugula) also provide a lovely contrast, as featured in our serving suggestion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Lamb Chops
For air fryer lamb chops, the ideal temperature is 200°C (approximately 400°F). If you’re cooking them in a traditional oven, you would typically set it to 220°C (200°C Fan / 425°F).
The most accurate and reliable way to determine if lamb chops are cooked to your desired doneness is by using a digital meat thermometer. These are incredibly handy tools for all sorts of cooking and are quite affordable. You can find basic models readily available online or in kitchen stores.
For lamb chops, use the following internal temperature guide (measured in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone):
- 50–60° C (125-140°F) – Rare: Deep pink and very juicy.
- 60–65° C (140-145°F) – Medium-rare: Warm pink, incredibly juicy, tender, and full of flavor – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
- 65–70° C (145-150°F) – Medium: Pale pink, moist, with fat fully rendered – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
- 70–75° C (150-160°F) – Medium well: Barely pink, turning to grey, moist but verging on dry.
- 75° C (160°F) and over – Well done: Grey throughout and typically dry.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, it’s always safer to err on the side of slightly less cooked, as the lamb will continue to cook a little during the resting period. You can always make a small cut into one of the chops to visually check the color if you’re unsure.
Our air fryer lamb chops typically take around 12-15 minutes to cook to a beautiful medium-rare or medium. However, the exact cooking time can vary based on several factors: the specific size, shape, and thickness of your lamb chops, and your personal preference for doneness. Smaller, thinner chops will naturally cook quicker, while thicker ones will require a longer cooking duration. Remember to always turn them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and a consistent crisp on both sides. If you enjoy a deep, appetizing char on the exterior of your lamb chops, you might wish to extend the cooking time by a minute or two.
Portions of this recipe can certainly be prepared ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. You can marinate the air fryer lamb chops up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them tightly and chill them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. However, once cooked, lamb chops are best enjoyed immediately for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
The crispy chickpeas are also great for meal prep. Cook them as directed, then let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight jar for up to 5 days. While they might lose a little of their initial crispness, they will still be incredibly delicious.
The tomato and aubergine stew can be made entirely in advance. Allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the hob over low heat until piping hot, or warm it in the microwave for a few minutes. This stew also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; just defrost it in the fridge before reheating. Lastly, the lemon yogurt can be mixed ahead of time and stored covered and chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, you absolutely can! Once your lamb chops are cooked, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, defrost the lamb chops in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for around 7-8 minutes, or until they are heated through completely. This method helps maintain some of their texture and prevents them from drying out.
Absolutely! While the air fryer is fantastic for speed and crispness, you can still achieve delicious results in a conventional oven. After marinating, preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C Fan / 425°F). Place the lamb chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast them for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they reach your desired internal temperature and are nicely browned. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chops and your oven, so always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting these delicious air fryer lamb chops, we encourage you to explore more of our flavorful recipes. For other fantastic lamb dishes, be sure to try my crispy lamb mince bowl with couscous and salady bits or my comforting lamb mince meatballs with buttery rice and tzatziki. And don’t miss out on my incredibly tasty lamb burgers with tzatziki and pesto.
For those looking to expand their air fryer repertoire, here are some other top-rated air fryer recipes that deliver amazing results:
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Christmas Recipes
Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Easy Dinner Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly with Crackling
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Parsnips
If you tried this recipe for Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops or any other recipe on the site, please do leave a comment below and let us know how it went! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover delicious meals.
Juicy Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Margie Nomura
10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
2 servings
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the lamb:
- 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 6 lamb chops (about 4cm thick)
For the crispy chickpeas:
- 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
For the tomato and aubergine stew:
- About 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- ½ aubergine, diced into 2 cm cubes
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp capers, optional
- 1 handful parsley, freshly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the lemon yogurt:
- 100 ml Greek yoghurt
- Zest of 1 lemon
To serve:
- Rocket, washed and ready-to-eat
Instructions
To make the air fryer lamb chops:
- Mix together the Greek yogurt and spices (smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander) in a bowl. Brush this marinade all over the lamb chops. Place them in a dish and leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For longer marination (up to 24 hours), cover and chill in the fridge.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Carefully add the marinated lamb chops to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, or until crisped on the outside and tender on the inside, reaching your desired doneness. If you like them really charred, you may leave them a little longer.
- To serve: When the lamb is ready, remove it from the air fryer, cover loosely with foil, and leave to rest for 3-5 minutes. Then, arrange the lamb chops on a plate. Serve with any sides you like; we highly recommend the tomato and aubergine stew, lemon yogurt, crispy chickpeas, and rocket.
To make the Crispy Chickpeas and Tomato & Aubergine Stew:
- Meanwhile, prepare the crispy chickpeas. In a bowl, mix together the drained chickpeas with the olive oil, paprika, and salt until evenly coated. Air fry for 20 minutes, turning every now and then, until crispy. You can often cook these alongside the lamb chops by shifting the lamb to one side, or cook them in a separate batch.
- For the tomato and aubergine stew: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until starting to soften. Add the red peppers, diced aubergine, and finely chopped garlic, then continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, capers (if using), and freshly chopped parsley. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using capers, go easy on the salt as they are already quite salty.
- Meanwhile, mix together the remaining 100ml Greek yogurt and the zest of a lemon in a small bowl to make the zesty lemon yogurt.
- Serve the rested lamb chops on plates, spooning a generous amount of stew alongside. Sprinkle with the crispy chickpeas and add a dollop of the lemony yogurt. Garnish with fresh rocket.
Notes
Scroll up for a step-by-step guide with images to help you make this easy lamb recipe.
To Store: Any leftover lamb chops, stew, or chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: To avoid overcooking the lamb chops, I often enjoy them cold (I like to remove them from the fridge 20-30 mins before eating for them to lose their fridge chill). They are delicious sliced in a salad. However, if you prefer to reheat, I recommend using the microwave for around 2 minutes, flipping halfway, ensuring they are hot all the way through. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer for approximately 7-8 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until thoroughly hot.
To Freeze:
- Lamb Chops: Cooked lamb chops can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge when ready to eat, and reheat in the air fryer for around 7-8 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until hot all the way through.
- Tomato and Aubergine Stew: Spoon the stew into a freezer-safe container, allow it to cool completely before covering, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.
Make Ahead: You can marinate the air fryer lamb chops up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and chill them in the fridge. Once cooked, they are best eaten straight away. The crispy chickpeas can be cooked, left to cool completely, then stored in a jar for up to 5 days. They might not stay quite as crispy, but they will still be delicious. The tomato and aubergine stew can also be made in advance; let it cool completely before covering and chilling for up to 3 days. Reheat on the hob over a gentle heat until piping hot, or for a few minutes in the microwave. The lemon yogurt can be mixed in advance and kept covered and chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Capers: These add a salty, savory umami flavor to the tomato and aubergine stew. If you’re not a fan, you can easily leave them out without compromising the dish.
Serving Suggestions: The tomato and aubergine stew, roasted chickpeas, and zesty yogurt are a (highly recommended) serving suggestion. However, there are lots of different ways to enjoy these air fryer lamb chops. Imagine anything from spiced Moroccan-style couscous to creamy pommes dauphinoise and seasonal greens. Check out the dedicated section in the post for more inspiration.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 lamb chops, Calories: 877kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 127g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 387mg, Sodium: 309mg, Potassium: 1673mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 531IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 111mg, Iron: 13mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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