Fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks are easier to make than you think thanks to the air fryer! This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms lamb shanks into a mouthwatering main in under an hour with minimal effort.
With just a few pantry staples like garlic, oregano, paprika and olive oil plus a splash of chicken stock, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love.
The best part is how easy these aromatic herb-crusted lamb shanks are to prepare. Soon, you’ll be serving these impressive yet easy air fryer lamb shanks that look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy: The air fryer cooks the meat quickly and evenly, which makes it perfect for busy people who want to make a tasty meal without wasting hours in the kitchen.
Tender And Juicy Lamb Shanks: Lamb shanks can be pretty tough if not cooked properly, but this air fryer lamb shank recipe ensures that the meat turns out perfectly tender and juicy.
The secret is to cook the shanks in chicken stock, which helps keep them moist and flavorful. In addition, you can add baking soda to the seasoning mix to tenderize the meat even more.
Impress Your Guests: If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delicious meal that they won’t forget, this recipe the perfect choice.
The tender and juicy meat, combined with the flavorful seasoning mix and the perfect cooking method, will leave your guests amazed and asking for seconds.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this lamb shanks in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 4 Lamb Shanks
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (crushed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Oregano
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary Leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 230 ml (8 fl oz) Chicken Stock
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make the perfect airfryer lamb shanks! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 380F (190C). Then, rub the shanks in the olive oil, pepper, garlic, paprika, salt, oregano, and rosemary.
Step 2
Place the lamb shanks in the fryer and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 300F (about 150C) and add the chicken stock. Cook for 40-50 minutes until tender. Don’t forget to turn the lamb shanks about halfway through the cooking.
Step 4
That’s it! Enjoy these amazing air fryer lamb shanks! Serve them with your favorite side dish.
💡Tips
1. Using Chicken Stock
As you can see, this air fryer lamb shank recipe includes chicken stock. It helps keep the shanks juicy and makes the dish incredibly flavorful.
When using chicken stock in the air fryer, make sure to use a low-sodium variety. This will help keep the salt content of your dish down and let all those wonderful flavors shine through!
2. Cooking Time
Depending on the size of the shanks, the cooking time can vary. Check out the meat now and then to make sure it is cooked to your desired doneness. Don’t overcook it because the meat will become dry and tough.
3. Seasonings
In this lamb shank air fryer recipe I used my favorite seasonings, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
I like adding smoked paprika to dishes like this air fryer lamb shanks because it adds a smoky depth of flavor that really takes the flavor up a notch. Smoked salt can be used instead of smoked paprika if you don’t have it on hand.
4. Try Different Stock Options
You can try using different types of stock to change up the flavor. Beef stock or lamb stock would be a great option for a more robust flavor, while vegetable stock would give a more subtle taste.
5. Let the Lamb Shanks Rest Before Serving
As with all meat cooked in high heat, air fried lamb shanks need to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into them. Letting them sit allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t spill out immediately upon cutting.
The short rest also completes the cooking process for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Resist digging in right away!
Variations
1. Greek-Style Lamb Shanks: Begin by marinating the shanks overnight in a ziplock bag filled with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, crushed garlic, dried oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper.
The next day, shake off any excess marinade before arranging the shanks in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380F for 15 minutes until browned. Then reduce heat to 300F, add chicken stock mixed with a splash of white wine, and cook for 40 more minutes, until fork tender.
For the last 5 minutes, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top so it gets perfectly golden brown. Plate the fall-off-the-bone tender shanks over lemon risotto and garnish with lemon wedges, olives, and fresh oregano.
2. Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shanks: Experience the exotic spices of Morocco with these tantalizing lamb shanks! The warm flavors of cumin, cinnamon, ginger and coriander lend a vibrant kick, while honey and apricots provide a touch of sweetness.
For an authentic touch, serve over a bed of couscous. The exotic aromas will make you feel like you’re dining in a Marrakech marketplace!
3. Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables: Surround the lamb shanks with a medley of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes for a hearty one-pot meal. As the shanks braise for hours, they impart deep flavor to the veggies.
The sweetness of the carrots and potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich, meaty lamb. Simple, rustic cooking at its best!
4. Indian Spiced Lamb Shanks– Experience a flavor explosion with these Indian spiced lamb shanks! Garam masala, curry powder, cumin and chili powder add exotic aromatic heat.
Cooling yogurt and bright ginger balance out the spices. Served over basmati rice, the complex flavors and fall-off-the-bone meat transport you straight to the bustling markets of New Delhi!
Storage
These air fryer lamb shanks taste delicious when freshly made. For best taste, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen lamb shanks to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
Frozen Lamb Shanks
I don’t recommend using frozen lamb shanks for this air fryer recipe, and here’s why:
Frozen lamb takes significantly longer to cook than fresh lamb. The dense, frozen center of the meat will lower the temperature of the air fryer and prevent the outside of the meat from crisping up properly. No matter how long you cook them, frozen lamb shanks won’t achieve the results we want.
Cooking frozen lamb in the air fryer also runs the risk of ending up with a raw center by the time the outside finally crisps. Partially frozen lamb throws off the cooking timing and can leave raw spots that you definitely don’t want in your finished dish.
And finally, frozen meat never truly compares to fresh in tenderness and flavor once cooked. Freezing causes cell damage and moisture loss within the meat. So once thawed and cooked, previously-frozen lamb shanks turn out chewier and less succulent.
Side Dishes Ideas
1. Air Fryer Mini Potatoes – Crispy little potatoes are the ultimate accompaniment to juicy, tender lamb shanks. The mini potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, offering a nice textural contrast to the fall-off-the-bone meat.
2. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries – For a lighter, healthier side, these green bean fries are just the thing. The crunch of the crispy battered green beans plays nicely against the unctuous lamb shanks.
3. Air Fryer Greek Potatoes – Infused with Mediterranean flavor from lemon, garlic, and oregano, these Greek-style potatoes are a nobrainer with lamb. The zesty, herby potatoes brighten up the rich meatiness of the shanks.
4. Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes – Cheesy, garlicky Parmesan potatoes straight from the air fryer offer comfort galore alongside the succulent lamb shanks. The crispy spuds seasoned generously with salty Parmesan cheese make a craveable counterpart to the meat.
5. Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries – For an unexpected twist, serve lamb shanks with these sweet and salty butternut squash fries. The natural sweetness of the squash balances the savory shanks flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I tell when my air fryer lamb shanks are done?
Check for an internal temperature of at least 195°F with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb shank. The lamb should be very tender and falling off the bone when pierced with a fork.
2. Can I make a gravy with the juices from the air fryer lamb shanks?
Definitely! The juices from the lamb shanks are full of rich flavor. After removing the cooked lamb shanks, carefully pour the juices from the air fryer drawer into a saucepan. Make a simple gravy by adding flour and extra stock or wine and letting it simmer until thickened.
3. What sides go well with air fryer lamb shanks?
Some delicious sides to serve with air fryer lamb shanks include mashed potatoes, roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts, creamy polenta, rice pilaf, pasta, or a fresh garden salad.
4. How long will leftover lamb shanks last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored leftovers of air fryer lamb shanks will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Seal them in an airtight container and store in the coldest part of the fridge. Reheat gently before serving again. The lamb flavor develops even more over time!
I hope you liked my lamb shank recipe for air fryer! I really like this dish- the shanks always turn out juicy and flavorful. The air fryer really cooks them to perfection with minimal effort.
If you have any questions about cooking lamb shanks in air fryer, please let me know! Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website. New recipes are posted every week!
Air Fryer Lamb Shanks
- 4 Lamb Shanks
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (crushed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Oregano
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary Leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 8 fl oz Chicken Stock (230ml)
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 380F (190C). Then, rub the shanks in the olive oil, pepper, garlic, paprika, salt, oregano, and rosemary.
- Place the lamb shanks in the fryer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 300F (about 150C) and add the chicken stock. Cook for 40-50 minutes until tender.Don’t forget to turn the lamb shanks about halfway through the cooking.
- That’s it! Enjoy these amazing air fryer lamb shanks! Youcan serve them with your favorite side dish.
Great recipe, easy to follow for excellent results
Hi Tim am so happy to try your lovely recipe the first on the top. going to serve it with mashed potato and carrots I let u know Thanks for making me experience the air frier Regards Odelia
This was my first time cooking lamb shanks, and thanks to your recipe, it won’t be the last. The meat was perfectly tender. I might try adding a bit of red wine to the chicken stock next time for an extra depth of flavor.
The flavor was fantastic, but my lamb shanks were a bit dry. I think I’ll try cooking them at a lower temperature next time. Otherwise, a solid recipe!