Air fryer lamb steaks are easy to prepare and wonderful to serve as an elegant meal for any occasion. They're made with a handful of simple ingredients in only 10 minutes, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner!

roasted garlic on top of cooked meat with thyme

This air fryer lamb steaks recipe uses one of the easiest cooking methods to make a deliciously impressive dish!

We love how the air fryer cooks food like a powerful oven, but is way more efficient and produces significantly less heat. And it leaves the oven open for other dishes!

The precision of the device makes cooking meat to the right temperature nearly foolproof. Which, when preparing a delicate red meat like lamb, is essential to enjoy perfect medium-rare to medium steaks.

Here we really let the flavor of the lamb shine by seasoning the steaks with a simple combination of olive oil and few select aromatics. The meat is coated with this blend of garlic and fresh herbs, and there is no need to marinate.

Then place in the air fryer and step away while the countertop appliance works its magic! In less than 10 minutes you have beautifully pink, tender, and moist lamb steaks that are worthy of any celebration.

Recipe ingredients

Lamb steaks. Look for cuts that are 1 - ½ inch thick with a nice marbling of fat.

Olive oil. High heat oil perfect for air frying.

Fresh thyme. Bright and earthy, this herb is classic to pair with red meat.

Garlic. The strong flavor of minced garlic is great to bring out the savory and gamey taste of the meat.

Salt and pepper. A bit of each to elevate the dish's flavors.

How to make air fryer lamb steaks

What i love most about this delicious recipe is that its so easy to make! We will be using my favorite lamb seasonings like garlic and thyme, that goes so well with lamb chops or steaks.

First, if your lamb is frozen you will need to defrost it. Leave on a kitchen counter for a few hours and it will thaw beautifully. For best results let lamb slowly thaw in the fridge overnight.

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Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes. In a large bowl combine all the seasonings with oil and add raw lamb steaks to it. I used minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, salt, some freshly ground black pepper and olive oil.

Stir lamb steaks around to coat with the seasoning mixture. Cook lamb steaks in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Let cooked lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Use other cuts of lamb, like chops or loin.
Substitute olive oil with another high heat oil that is neutral tasting like vegetable oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil.
We love the taste of thyme. However, this air fryer lamb steaks recipe can also be made with other fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or mint.
Or instead of fresh herbs, use your choice of spices or seasoning blends! Try Herbs de Province, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or just a simple sprinkle of cayenne for some heat.
No air fryer? No problem! You can quickly sear the lamb steaks in a skillet on the stovetop.

roasted lamb steaks in air fryer with garlic and thyme

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between lamb chops and lamb steaks?

Lamb chops are cuts of ribs (also known as a rack). Each individual chop has a rib bone through it. Steaks on the other hand are cut pieces of meat that have no bone. Typically they are from the top part of the lamb's leg, so there is a great balance of tender and lean meat.

Does lamb taste like beef?

Lamb is a red meat similar to beef. It has a deep, gamey flavor that is more savory and "earthy" tasting than beef. Like beef steaks, we air fry lamb steaks so they are medium rare with a lovely pink center.

Is lamb healthier than beef?

Lamb and beef are comparable in calories (lamb has a bit more depending on the cut) and both contain a great number of nutrients, like iron and protein. However lamb does have more healthy omega fatty acids so you might consider it to be a better option.

Can you cook frozen lamb steaks in air fryer?

Like most meat, you technically can air fry lamb from frozen. But for the most even cook with crisp brown outside and tender inside I definitely recommend thawing the steaks first.

How do you know when lamb is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to test the steaks for doneness. Medium rare is 125 degrees, medium is 130 degrees, and well done is 140 degrees.

How do I keep my air fryer basket from getting dirty?

Cut back on clean up by lining the basket with a piece of parchment paper. But note that you should add the paper after preheating the device.

Side dishes

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts complement the rich flavor of lamb and add some color to the plate.

Rice Pilaf: A side of rice pilaf adds a nutty, flavorful element to the meal and pairs well with lamb.

Minted Peas: Peas are a classic accompaniment to lamb, and a touch of mint adds a fresh and light flavor that balances the richness of the meat.

Creamy Polenta: Creamy polenta is a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the bold flavor of lamb.

Leftovers

Refrigeration: The best way to store leftover air fryer lamb steaks is in the refrigerator. Place the lamb in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the lamb from drying out and will keep it fresh.
Timing: If you plan to eat the leftover lamb within the next two to three days, it's safe to store it in the refrigerator. If you don't plan to eat it within that timeframe, you can freeze it for longer storage.
Freezing: To freeze leftover lamb steaks, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. Frozen leftover lamb can be thawed in the refrigerator or by placing it in cold water.
Reheating: To reheat leftover lamb steaks, it's best to do so in the oven, air fryer or on the stovetop. Avoid using the microwave, as this can cause the lamb to become tough and chewy.
Safety: It's important to follow proper food safety guidelines when storing leftover lamb. Always refrigerate or freeze leftover lamb within two hours of cooking, and make sure that it's heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F before eating.

Air fryer lamb steaks

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients

2 lamb steaks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or sage, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl combine all the seasonings with oil and add raw lamb steaks to it. Stir them around to coat with the seasoning mixture.
Cook lamb steaks in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
Let cooked lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Refrigeration: The best way to store leftover air fryer lamb steals is in the refrigerator. Place the lamb in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the lamb from drying out and will keep it fresh.

Timing: If you plan to eat the leftover lamb within the next two to three days, it's safe to store it in the refrigerator. If you don't plan to eat it within that timeframe, you can freeze it for longer storage.

Freezing: To freeze leftover lamb steaks, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. Frozen leftover lamb can be thawed in the refrigerator or by placing it in cold water.

Reheating: To reheat leftover lamb steaks, it's best to do so in the oven, air fryer or on the stovetop. Avoid using the microwave, as this can cause the lamb to become tough and chewy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 323mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 22g