Air Fryer Lamb Fillet
Air fryer lamb fillet cooks in about 10 minutes at 200°C, giving you a browned, garlicky crust and a pink, juicy middle. Two fillets of 200g each, rubbed with olive oil, garlic and rosemary, are all you need for a midweek dinner for two, and a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of getting them medium-rare or medium. Rest the meat for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Total
- 48 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 13 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 460kcal
Choosing the ingredients for air fryer lamb fillet
Lamb neck fillet is cheaper, a little fattier and has more flavour, while loin fillet is leaner and cooks about 2 minutes faster. Both work with the timings here, but neck fillets are usually thicker, so check them with the thermometer a little later.
Rosemary and garlic suit lamb well. Thyme or oregano can replace the rosemary, and a teaspoon of ground cumin and coriander makes a good change. Pat the meat dry first, because a dry surface browns better than a damp one.
The method for air fryer lamb fillet
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season the lamb Take the lamb out of the fridge before cooking. Pat it dry with kitchen paper. Mix the olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper into a paste and rub it all over the fillets.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for , so the lamb starts to brown as soon as it goes in.
- Cook the lamb Lay the fillets in the basket in a single layer, with a little space between them. Cook for , turn them with tongs and cook for another . Check the centre of the thickest part with a thermometer: 55°C is medium-rare and 60°C is medium. If it is not there, cook for more and check again.
- Rest and slice Lift the lamb onto a board, cover loosely with foil and rest for . The temperature will rise by a few degrees as it rests. Slice across the grain into 1cm slices and spoon over any juices.
What to serve with it
Creamy mashed potatoes, minted peas and roasted root vegetables all work well alongside, and a spoonful of mint sauce or redcurrant jelly is the traditional finish. For a more generous Sunday-style dinner, try the larger cut in air fryer lamb rump roast.
If you want to cook the lamb in the oven, heat it to 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7 and roast the fillets on a tray for 12–15 minutes, turning once, then rest them as above. For a quick hob method, pan-fried lamb chops uses a similar seasoning.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Lamb Fillet
- The lamb is grey and dry.
- It has cooked past medium. Take it out at 55°C for pink meat, because it keeps cooking as it rests. A thermometer is far more reliable than the clock.
- The outside is brown but the centre is still cold.
- Neck fillets are thicker than loin fillets. Lower the temperature to 180°C and cook for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway, until the centre reaches 55°C.
- The garlic and rosemary taste burnt.
- Loose pieces scorch in the fan. Crush the garlic into the oil and chop the rosemary finely so the paste stays on the meat, and brush off any bits that have blackened before serving.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Lamb Fillet
How long do you cook lamb fillet in an air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 200°C for 200g fillets, plus 3 minutes preheating. That gives medium-rare at 55°C. Cook for 1–2 minutes more for medium at 60°C.
Can lamb fillet be served pink?
Yes. A whole cut like this is safe to eat pink because bacteria stay on the outside, which gets cooked. Minced lamb, burgers and rolled or stuffed joints need cooking all the way through until steaming hot.
Can you cook lamb fillet from frozen?
No. Defrost it fully in the fridge for about 12 hours first. Frozen lamb browns on the outside before the middle has thawed.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool them within 1–2 hours and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Eat them cold in a salad or sandwich, or reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 40 ratings
