Air fryer roast lamb
Air fryer roast lamb is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a classic cut in less time. Brushed with herb butter infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, the lamb takes on rich aromas that make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
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1
Lamb rump (about 450 g)
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50 g
Butter
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4
Garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 tsp
Fresh rosemary, chopped
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1 tsp
Fresh thyme, chopped
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Flaky salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Take the lamb out of the fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking and let it sit on a clean plate until it reaches room temperature. It helps the meat cook more evenly and keeps the texture tender. It also encourages the fat to crisp properly, especially once it is brushed with herb butter.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your lamb rump is cooked perfectly in the air fryer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding fat, to check for a core temperature of 62 °C (medium). Aim for around 55 °C or 58–60 °C for medium rare. If you prefer it more cooked through, let it reach 65 °C, or over 70 °C for well done.
Rest the lamb after air frying for optimal juiciness and tenderness. Cover it loosely with foil and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, so every slice stays moist. It also gives the internal temperature time to rise slightly, ensuring the lamb is perfectly cooked without drying out.
Baste the lamb rump with herb butter frequently while it cooks in the air fryer to deepen the flavour. As you brush the lamb with a mixture that includes garlic, rosemary, and thyme, it absorbs these aromatic flavours, forming a savoury crust. Open the air fryer every 6–8 minutes for a quick basting, then close it again, so the heat stays steady. You get a glossy, savoury crust with tender meat beneath.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer roast lamb
Are you curious about how to prepare air fryer roast lamb? These answers to common questions cover the key steps, from prepping the fat to slicing the finished meat. With the right approach, you can achieve restaurant-level flavour and texture right at home.
Should I preheat my air fryer for roast lamb?
Yes, you should preheat your air fryer to 180 °C, because it immediately sears the lamb rump, which creates a flavourful crust and keeps the juices locked in. This step also helps with accurate cooking times, as the initial heat brings the lamb to a core temperature of 62 °C without it drying out. To preheat, run the air fryer empty for about 5 minutes while you prepare the lamb with herb butter.
How do I score the fat on the lamb rump?
Score the fat layer on the lamb rump by making shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern to let the seasoning penetrate deeper and enhance the flavour. Generously brush with the herb-infused butter, making sure it gets into the cuts for maximum taste.
How do I slice the air fryer roast lamb?
You slice the air fryer roast lamb against the grain at a slight angle. Use a sharp knife for clean, evenly thick slices, improving both texture and presentation. By checking the grain direction on the cooked lamb and slicing perpendicular to it, you will boost the overall flavour and tenderness, highlighting the garlic-herb butter.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
959 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 0.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 23.9 | 56.5 gram |
| Fat | 74.4 | 80.7 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 1.7 | 4 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
H2: Make air fryer roast lamb – succulent and tender
Cooking lamb rump in the air fryer gives you beautifully tender meat in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. The fat cap is scored so it renders down into a crisp golden crust while keeping the meat juicy and flavourful.
The air fryer’s even heat circulates and cooks the lamb consistently, leaving you with slices that are superbly succulent and incredibly tasty. If you want the same flavour and texture as a traditional roast, but in significantly less time, our recipe for lamb cooked in the air fryer is your new best friend.
Basted with aromatic herb butter
As the lamb cooks away in the air fryer, it is brushed with melted butter infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Each basting adds another layer of flavour and keeps the meat succulent, while the herbs release their oils into the butter. The result is a glossy surface with a savoury, garlicky aroma that complements the richness of the meat.
The rosemary and thyme provide a fresh, earthy aroma opposite the savoury meat flavours, building anticipation before you even take your first bite.
Turn it into a fully-fledged feast with tasty sides
Air fryer roast lamb is impressive enough on its own, but pairing it with the right sides transforms it into a complete meal. Roast potatoes, whether classic or made in the air fryer, are excellent for soaking up the herby juices. Seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or green beans bring freshness and colour, while a simple salad with citrus notes cuts through the richness of the lamb.
You can serve with creamy gratin or a minted pea purée, both of which highlight the lamb’s savoury qualities. With the meat resting after cooking, you have just enough time to prepare the sides and present everything together for an effortless dinner.
If you enjoy cooking lamb in the air fryer, there are plenty of other recipes worth exploring. Try air fryer roast pork for tender meat with a crisp crackling, or make air fryer duck legs and breast. If you prefer fish, air fryer salmon with soy sauce offers a quick and flavourful seafood option. Each recipe shows how versatile the air fryer is for creating simple yet impressive mains.
Spark your creativity and change the recipe
This recipe for air fryer roast lamb can easily be adapted to your taste. Try swapping rosemary and thyme for parsley and mint if you prefer a fresher, Mediterranean taste. You can also combine them all as we do in our herb butter recipe, or add a hint of spice with paprika or crushed chilli flakes in the butter. If you want to brighten the flavour, stir in a little lemon zest just before brushing the lamb. The air fryer makes experimenting simple, so you can create a version that works for everyday meals or festive occasions alike.
