01 -
First things first, pat those lamb chops super dry with paper towels. This is CRITICAL for getting that amazing sear. Then, grab a bowl and toss them with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Really get in there with your hands, massaging that seasoning into every nook and cranny. I honestly love this part; the smell of the rosemary and lamb together is just incredible, signaling something delicious is about to happen.
02 -
Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Don't skip this, I learned that the hard way! Once it's hot, arrange the seasoned lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them, because that just steams them instead of crisping them up. You might need to do this in batches, and that’s perfectly okay; patience is a virtue, even in a hungry household.
03 -
Cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chops and how done you like your lamb. Around the 6-minute mark, open up that basket and give those beautiful chops a flip. You should see a lovely golden-brown crust forming. This step is where you really start to see the magic of the air fryer at work. The kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine, and I always get a little excited, honestly.
04 -
After flipping, continue to cook for another 4-7 minutes. This is for a medium-rare to medium doneness, which is my personal sweet spot for lamb. If you like it more well-done, add a couple more minutes, but keep an eye on it! No one wants dry lamb, trust me, I've been there and it's a sad sight. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.
05 -
This is a step I used to rush, and honestly, it makes a huge difference. Once your lamb chops are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board or plate. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them super tender and juicy. If you cut into them too soon, all those delicious juices will just run out!
06 -
Finally, sprinkle your rested chops with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These finishing touches really elevate the dish, adding a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the lamb. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. The aroma at this point is just intoxicating, and seeing those perfectly cooked chops makes all the little kitchen chaos worth it!