5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Leg of Lamb (Bone In!)

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Perfectly succulent and juicy Air Fryer roast Leg of Lamb, bone-in, made in just an hour and a half. No oven required!
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
ยฃ2.57
Makes: 6 People
Main
Greek
Freezable

Hereโ€™s an easy recipe for perfectly succulent, juicy, and flavorful Air Fryer roast Leg of Lamb, bone-in, made in just 40 minutes! The normal cooking time for a 5โ€“7-pound leg of lamb is about 40 minutes per pound, so this version cuts down on cook time by over half!

feature image of air fryer leg of lamb laying on a white plate with a sprig of rosemary and slices of lamb

Why youโ€™ll love this recipe

  • Fast: Did I mention this air fryer leg of lamb, bone-in, is ready in about 40 minutes? It’s a much quicker recipe than slow roasting leg of lamb in the oven.
  • Delicious: Even though this lamb in air fryer recipe cooks quickly, youโ€™re still left with deliciously juicy meat!
  • Budget-friendly: If you order leg of lamb in a restaurant, you can expect crazy high prices! This recipe lets you enjoy this delicious dish for about ยฃ2.57 per serving.

Want to enjoy more easy meals throughout the week? Try these air fryer mains: Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, Air Fryer Chicken Bites, or Easy Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer.

Why cook leg of lamb in the air fryer?

So, can you cook leg of lamb in the air fryer? Yes! There are quite a few reasons why you’d want to cook a lamb recipe with this method (see below).

This Air Fryer roast Leg of Lamb, bone in, recipe is even better than an oven baked version. When you roast lamb in air fryer, youโ€™re cooking it in a small space, so the heat stays in contact with the meat better. That means a leg of lamb air fryer recipe cooks much more quickly than an oven recipe.

An air fryer uses hot air circulation, like a convection oven. Since air frying cooks the lamb more quickly, you save money on appliance energy usage. 

Plus, you end up with lamb cooked to perfection: crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, just like lamb roast should be. You won’t even need to sear the lamb in a skillet first!

How long to cook roast lamb in air fryer?

Another must-know when creating an air fryer leg of lamb, bone-in, is how long to cook lamb in the air fryer. The total air fry cook time will depend on a few things. First, air fryers all cook differently. A Ninja Foodie may cook more quickly than a Cuisinart Air Fryer, or vice versa. 

The size of an air fryer also affects the cook time, as smaller appliances cook food more quickly. If you’re roasting lamb without bone, it will cook more quickly. Even so, you can use the air fryer leg of lamb (bone in time) cooking times below as a guide. But, always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp for doneness. Keep in mind the USDA recommends cooking lamb until it reaches 145โ„‰/63โ„ƒ internally.

Here are some guidelines:

  • For a rare half-leg of lamb, it will take about 40 minutes for the lamb to roast in an air fryer. It will be 125ยฐF/ 52โ„ƒ internally when itโ€™s ready to eat.
  • A medium rare cook (135โ„‰/57โ„ƒ) takes about 45 minutes.
  • Medium will be about a 50-minute cook time to reach 145โ„‰/63โ„ƒ internally, and well done is about a 55-minute cook time (165โ„‰/74โ„ƒ).

Ingredients

Ingredients to make air fryer half leg of lamb laid out on a pale blue background and labeled with arrows.

The main ingredients that make this air fryer leg of lamb recipe fantastic are the following.

Half Leg of Lamb
I recommend making this recipe with the bone in, as it adds flavour to the dish. However, you can make air fryer roast lamb without the bone if youโ€™re in a rush. It will cut down on the cook time and still yield juicy results.

Butter
One of the secrets to moist air fryer leg of lamb, bone-in is butter. As the lamb cooks, the butter soaks into the meat, creating juicy meat. You can use regular or sweet cream butter; both will provide a tasty dish.

Rosemary
A lamb roast joint tastes delicious with rosemary but also works with other herb options and seasoning. Try swapping out rosemary with fresh thyme or tarragon. You can also just use a seasoning rub with dried thyme if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand.

Variations/ Adaptations

Once you know how to cook lamb in air fryer, you can adjust the flavours and ingredients to your liking. Try these variations on this air fryer leg of lamb, bone-in recipe. For a more filling meal, toss veggies like carrots and potatoes into the air fryer underneath the lamb.

To switch up the flavour, make this recipe with or without marinade (depending on your preference). Feel free to experiment with both options. You can also change the seasonings for this recipe. Mint, basil, cumin, and coriander all work well with roasted lamb. I usually recommend cooking this lamb joint in air fryer recipe with the skin on to help keep the meat moist. However, you can also cook lamb without skin to cut down the fat in the dish.

How to make Air Fryer Leg of Lamb

  1. Allow the half leg of lamb to come up to room temperature and then pat it dry using a paper towel (Image 1).
  2. Season the leg of lamb generously with salt and pepper (Image 2).
Two step by step photos with the first showing paper towel covering a half leg of lamb and a hand patting it dry and the second showing the dried leg of lamb seasoned with salt and pepper on a plate.

3. Next, add the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and olive oil to the leg of lamb (Image 3).

4. Rub the seasonings and oil into the lamb leg and place it into the air fryer. cook for 25 minutes (Image 4).

Two step by step photos with the first showing the half leg of lamb seasoned and coated with olive oil on a plate and the second showing the seasoned and oiled leg of lamb in the air fryer

5. After cooking 25 minutes, coat the exterior of the lamb with butter (Image 5).

6. Cook the lamb an additional 10-15 minutes, then let rest 10 minutes (Image 6).

Two step by step photos with the first showing a partially cooked leg of lamb in the air fryer being coated with butter by a knife and the second showing the finished browned leg of lamb in the air fryer.

Here are a few more air fryer entrees to try: Air Fryer Ribeye Steak In Just 10 Minutes!, Amazing Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, or Soy Garlic Chicken Breast.

Tips for the best result

  • Use a meat thermometer for best results. As mentioned, there are many factors that affect how long a roast lamb air fryer recipe needs to cook. So, the best way of making sure the leg of lamb is done is by using an internal thermometer.
  • Do not flip the meat midway through cooking. Some air fryer leg of lamb, bone-in, recipes recommend flipping lamb halfway through cooking. I prefer leaving it and simply adding a butter coating partway through cooking. This way, you donโ€™t have to worry about damaging the meat when you flip it. I also think that it leads to the best browning this way.
  • Be sure to preheat. Preheating the air fryer helps the meat cook more evenly. It also helps keep the cook time to a minimum, since the appliance doesnโ€™t have to heat up.
  • Let the meat rest. Letting leg of lamb rest means youโ€™ll end up with a juicier piece of meat since the juices get a chance to redistribute after cooking. Lamb also cooks for a few minutes after it comes off the heat, so letting it rest lets you get a more accurate temperature read. Be sure to cook the lamb to about 10โ„‰ below the desired internal temperature, as the temperature will rise as it rests.
Close up image of air fryer leg of lamb seasoned and browned to perfection on a white plate with a sprig of rosemary.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you know how to cook leg of lamb in an air fryer without foil, itโ€™s time to plan your sides/sauces. Here are a few ideas! This air fryer leg of lamb, bone in recipe is delicious with mint sauce or jelly.

You can usually find one or both at the local market, so you wonโ€™t need to make it from scratch. This classic pairing perfectly complements one another.

Lamb is also delicious with veg โ€“ roasted, steamed, or pan-fried. If you want to lighten up the lamb, try it with steamed broccoli with salt and pepper. Most veggies will pair well with this recipe. For a more comforting meal, you can go for mashed potatoes or another starchy side.

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Fridge
If you have leftover leg of lamb, let it cool fully. Then, store the extra pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days.

Freezer
You can also store extra pieces of air fryer leg of lamb (bone-in) in the freezer. Let it cool, then package it in portions in airtight baggies or containers. Keep leftover lamb in the freezer for a maximum of two months. Before reheating, allow the portion(s) to defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheat
To reheat your lamb leftovers, microwave portions on a plate until heated through. Be sure to add a sprinkle of broth to help keep the meat from drying out.

Image of perfectly seasoned and browned air fryer leg of lamb on a white plate next to tender slices of lamb and laying on a sprig of rosemary

Recipe FAQs

Does leg of lamb take longer with bone in?

Yes. Just like chicken takes longer to cook with the bones in, air fryer leg of lamb, bone in takes longer to cook than without the bone.

What temperature is bone in lamb leg done?

The internal temperature will vary depending on how you want your leg of lamb in air fryer cooked. See the section above for more details.

Can you eat pink lamb? Can lamb be eaten rare?

Technically, you can eat rare/pink leg of lamb. However, the USDA recommends you eat leg of lamb (especially if it has a bone) when it is cooked to medium or above.

Can you overcook a leg of lamb?

Yes, overcooking leg of lamb. Cooking lamb for too long can make it dry/tough to eat.

Should I debone a leg of lamb before cooking?

No, you donโ€™t have to debone lamb unless you prefer it. If you do debone the lamb, it will cut down on the cook time.

How can I adjust the recipe for a butterflied leg of lamb?

Follow the same steps in the recipe below. The main difference will be the time it takes to cook butterflied lamb. It should take around 15 minutes (total) to cook, depending on the doneness you want.

Why is my lamb joint dry and crusty?

Overcooking a lamb joint can make it dry and crusty. Be sure to always use a meat thermometer to check lamb doneness to avoid overcooking.

Make this recipe even more cosy with a tasty dessert like: The BEST Lemon Drizzle Cake, Chocolate Tiffin, or Overnight Weetabix Cheesecake Nutella.

air fryer half leg of lamb browned and seasoned next to tender lamb slices and a sprig of rosemary on a white plate and green-blue background.

If you tried this Air Fryer Leg of Lamb, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys ๐Ÿ’› Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x

Air Fryer Leg of Lamb (Bone In!)

Print
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
ยฃ2.57
Main
Greek
Freezable
Servings: 6
Perfectly succulent and juicy Air Fryer roast Leg of Lamb, bone-in, made in just an hour and a half. No oven required!

Ingredients

  • 1.1 kg half leg of lamb ยฃ14.48
  • 50 g butter ยฃ1.89/5= ยฃ0.38
  • Fresh rosemary ยฃ0.60

Cupboard Essentials:

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Method

  • Remove the lamb from the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
  • Pat the lamb dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Generously season with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the lamb, then rub it with onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Ensure the lamb is evenly coated with the seasoning
  • Place fresh rosemary sprigs in the bottom of the air fryer basket, then place the lamb on top.Set the air fryer to 180ยฐC (356ยฐF) and cook the lamb for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, coat the exterior of the lamb with butter and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  • Remove the lamb from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Utilizing a meat thermometer is essential for accurately determining when the leg of lamb is cooked, as various factors can influence cooking time.
  • Do Not Flip the Meat: Instead of flipping the lamb midway, itโ€™s better to leave it undisturbed and add a butter coating during cooking. This method prevents damage to the meat and promotes better browning.
  • Be Sure to Preheat: Preheating the air fryer ensures more even cooking and reduces overall cooking time since the appliance is already hot.
  • Let the Meat Rest: Allowing the lamb to rest after cooking results in juicier meat as juices redistribute. It’s important to cook it to about 10ยฐF below the desired temperature, as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Nutrition

Servings: 6 servings
Fat: 48.5g
Calories: 565kcal
Protein: 46g
5 from 3 votes

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Thank you so much for trying my recipe! I hope you loved it. Iโ€™d be so grateful if you could leave a comment/rating - it makes my day hearing your feedback!

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Comments

  1. Emma Patterson | 3 months ago

    New way to cook Sunday roast! Loved the Air Fryer lamb.5 stars

  2. Audrey Forsyth | 3 months ago

    Delicious !!Easy to follow recipe!!5 stars

  3. John Grant | 3 months ago

    We tried this air fryer lamb and after 45 minutes, it was cooked to perfection. Time saver and air fryer did all the work.5 stars

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