This easy air fryer lamb shanks recipe brings the elegant taste of slow cooked lamb to your dinner table in a fraction of the time.
If you’ve always wanted to cook lamb shanks but felt intimidated, this recipe is perfect for you.
Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, and garlic combine to create a classic flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich taste of lamb.
The addition of smoked paprika adds an extra layer of depth, while the chicken stock keeps everything moist and succulent during cooking.
This combination of seasonings transforms simple lamb shanks into a restaurant worthy meal.
The two-stage cooking process ensures that the meat stays juicy on the inside while developing a beautiful brown crust on the outside.
These lamb shanks make an impressive main course for both special occasions and regular weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Time Saver: Using an air fryer cuts down the cooking time for lamb shanks dramatically.
This means you can enjoy this luxurious dish even on busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Fall Off The Bone Tender: The air fryer’s unique cooking method, combined with the chicken stock, creates incredibly tender meat that literally falls off the bone.
The two stage cooking process ensures the meat stays moist and becomes tender without turning mushy or dry – it’s perfectly cooked every time.
Restaurant Quality Results: These lamb shanks look and taste like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.
The combination of herbs and the cooking method creates an amazing looking and tasting dish that will impress anyone you serve it to.
Ingredients
- 4 Lamb Shanks
- 230 ml (8 fl oz) Chicken Stock
- 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
How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 390F (200C). 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. Flipping The Meat
When it’s time to turn the lamb shanks halfway through cooking, use tongs and be gentle. The meat will be starting to get tender, and you don’t want to accidentally tear it.
Also, turn them carefully to avoid splashing the hot stock. I recommend lifting each shank slightly above the liquid before turning it.
2. Rest Before Serving
Once the lamb shanks are done, let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
During this time, the meat will continue cooking slightly from residual heat, and the juices will redistribute throughout the meat.
If you cut into them immediately, all those flavorful juices will run out onto the plate instead of staying in the meat.
You can loosely cover them with foil while they rest to keep them warm.
3. Season Generously
Don’t be shy with the seasonings in this recipe. Lamb shanks are fairly large pieces of meat, and you want the flavors to really get into them.
When you’re rubbing in the seasonings, press them firmly into the meat. Make sure to cover all sides, including the ends.
If you notice any spots where the olive oil hasn’t helped the seasonings stick, add a tiny bit more oil to that area.
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FAQ
1. Can I skip the chicken stock?
The chicken stock is really important in this recipe – don’t skip it. It creates steam that helps make the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.
If you don’t have chicken stock, you can use vegetable stock or even water with a bouillon cube dissolved in it. The liquid is key to getting that fall off the bone texture.
2. Why did my lamb come out tough?
If your lamb is tough, it probably needs more cooking time. Keep cooking them at the lower temperature with the stock until the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Every air fryer is slightly different, so you might need an extra 15-20 minutes. Sometimes – even a bit longer.
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 390F (200C). 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!
Absolutely wonderful.It’s with no work at all.Thank you very much