This Air Fryer Rack of Lamb is juicy, tender, and beautifully crusted with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. Quick to prepare and air-fried to perfection, it’s a gourmet dish made effortlessly right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality lamb with minimal effort. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a flavorful crust. It’s faster than oven roasting, uses less oil, and requires almost no cleanup. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal, it’s elegant yet simple.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 rack of lamb (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), frenched
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
directions

- Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and mustard (if using).
- Rub the herb mixture evenly over the lamb. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place lamb rack in the air fryer basket, meat side up.
- Cook for 15–18 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 125°F–130°F). Flip halfway for even cooking.
- Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 3 to 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 18 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap rosemary with oregano or mint for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use a balsamic glaze instead of mustard for added tanginess.
- Add a spice rub (like cumin and paprika) for a smoky flavor profile.
- Serve with a mint yogurt sauce or red wine reduction for extra flair.
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 325°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and juiciness.
FAQs
What is a frenched rack of lamb?
It’s a rack where the bones are cleaned of meat and fat for a more elegant presentation.
Can I marinate the lamb overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight intensifies the flavors beautifully.
What air fryer temperature is best for lamb?
390°F (200°C) provides a crisp crust while keeping the interior juicy.
How do I know when lamb is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.
Can I cook it from frozen?
No, defrost completely for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption.
Should I preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a proper sear.
What sides go well with lamb?
Roasted potatoes, green beans, couscous, or a fresh herb salad complement it well.
Can I double the recipe?
Only if your air fryer is large enough to hold two racks without overcrowding.
Is rack of lamb fatty?
It has a fat cap for flavor, but trimming excess fat helps control richness.
How do I slice the rack?
After resting, slice between the bones using a sharp carving knife.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Rack of Lamb is the ideal blend of ease and elegance. With bold herbs, a tender center, and a quick cook time, it’s a dish that elevates any dinner without fuss. Try it for your next special meal and enjoy gourmet flavor in a fraction of the time.
PrintAir Fryer Rack of Lamb
A quick and flavorful air fryer rack of lamb, seasoned with herbs and garlic, delivering a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (about 1.5 pounds), frenched
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using).
- Rub the mixture all over the rack of lamb.
- Place the lamb in the air fryer basket, fat side down.
- Cook for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6–8 minutes for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice between the bones and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
- Letting the lamb rest ensures juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate ahead of time for deeper flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 rack
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg