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Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb (Fast Roast)

When it comes to preparing a hearty and delicious meal, lamb has long held a place at the top of the table in British cuisine. Whether it’s a Sunday roast or a special occasion, lamb brings unmatched flavour and tenderness. But what if you could enjoy this classic dish in less time and with less hassle? Enter the air fryer—a modern kitchen gadget that can transform your cooking experience.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make an incredible Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb, ensuring a succulent roast with a beautifully crisp exterior, all in a fraction of the time it would typically take in a traditional oven.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has taken the culinary world by storm since its introduction. Its ability to cook food by circulating hot air significantly reduces cooking times while still producing crispy and flavourful results. For the half leg of lamb, this means juicy meat with a perfect crust in a matter of 40 minutes or so, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or an impromptu dinner party.

Ingredients

For the Lamb:

• 1.5 kg half leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Seasonal vegetables (e.g., carrots, parsnips, potatoes)
• Mint sauce or gravy (optional)

Preparation

1. Marination: Begin by preparing your marinade. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped mint, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously all over the half leg of lamb, ensuring it penetrates the meat. Ideally, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for better flavour, you can leave it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). This step is essential for achieving that perfect roast and ensuring even cooking.

3. Prepare the Lamb: Once marinated, remove the lamb from the fridge. You can tie it with kitchen twine if it’s a boneless cut, which helps it cook evenly.

4. Cooking: Place the half leg of lamb into the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 25–30 minutes for medium-rare or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 60–65°C (140–150°F). If you prefer your lamb well done, cook until it reaches 70°C (160°F). It is advisable to turn the lamb halfway through for even cooking and browning.

5. Resting: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the lamb from the air fryer and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the half leg of lamb against the grain for the best texture. Serve it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. A dollop of mint sauce or rich gravy can elevate the dish even further. Pair with a robust red wine for a truly delightful meal.

Conclusion

Preparing an Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb is not only quick and easy, but it also results in a mouth-wateringly delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. This method showcases the versatility of the air fryer and redefines the traditional roast. So the next time you’re crunched for time but still want to indulge in a classic British favourite, remember this recipe. Enjoy your fast roast and the compliments that are sure to follow!