Easy masala lamb chops

Better than takeaways with your air fryer

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Serves

4

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

If you want a speedy dinner that packs a flavour punch, these masala lamb loin chops cooked in the air fryer are your new best friend. Marinated in a zingy tikka masala yogurt mix, the lamb turns out tender, juicy and full of bold Indian flavours. Serve it up with a colourful air fryer roast carrot salad, fragrant turmeric rice and a cool cucumber raita for the perfect balance. This meal is vibrant, balanced and on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy Kiwi families who want something special without the fuss. Trust us, everyone will be asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

For the lamb:
  • 8 Quality Mark lamb loin chopsi

  • 3 Tbsp store-bought tikka masala paste

    mild
  • ⅓ cup plain unsweetened yoghurt

  • 1 lemon

    juiced
  • olive oil spray

  • salt and pepper

    to taste
For the roast carrot salad:
  • 6 large carrots

    peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • salt and pepper

    to taste
  • 1 handful fresh coriander

    chopped
For the cucumber raita:
  • 1 cup plain unsweetened yoghurt

  • ½ cucumber

    grated or finely diced
  • 1 handful fresh mint

    chopped
For the turmeric rice:
  • 1 cup Basmati rice

  • ½ tsp ground turmeric

  • ½ cup peas frozen

Method

1

In a bowl, mix tikka masala paste, natural yogurt, and one tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth. Pat lamb chops dry and coat evenly with the marinade. Marinate for 10–30 minutes minimum, overnight is best.

2

Preheat air fryer to 200°C. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange lamb chops in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4–5 minutes until cooked to your liking. Rest, covered for 5 minutes or so.

3

Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry at 200°C for 15 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelised. Toss with the rest of the lemon juice and chopped coriander or parsley.

4

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook rice according to packet instructions. Once cooked, stir through turmeric and frozen peas. Keep covered to stay warm.

5

Combine yoghurt, grated cucumber, salt, and chopped mint or coriander in a bowl. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Chill until serving.

6

Serve the chops with a generous scoop of turmeric rice, a heap of roast carrot salad, and a dollop of cooling cucumber raita. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if you like.

Tips for success:

  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model and lamb chop thickness. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Aim to buy lamb chops that are all the same size, they’ll cook at an even rate
  • Marinating lamb for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavour and tenderness.
  • The air fryer crisps the lamb and caramelises the carrots quickly with minimal oil, making this a healthy and speedy meal.

Nutrition Information per Serving (618g)

This nutrition analysis is based on 4 serves.

Energy2673kJ (639 kcal)
Protein31.6g
Total Fat24.5g
Saturated Fat7.3g
Carbohydrate66.7g
Dietary Fibre12.5g
Sodium1220mg
Iron4.7mg
Zinc4.7mg
Vitamin B122.1µg