Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb

Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb is a show-stopping yet surprisingly easy dish that delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy golden potatoes, all cooked in one appliance. Infused with garlic, rosemary, and Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is perfect for a special family dinner, Sunday roast, or holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete main dish and side cooked together in the air fryer.
• Minimal prep with a fragrant garlic-herb marinade.
• Perfectly tender lamb with a golden crust.
• Juicy, flavorful potatoes seasoned with lemon and oregano.
• Faster than oven roasting but just as delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) half leg of lamb, bone in

For the marinade:

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves, fresh
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 beef stock cube (or 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder)

For potatoes:

• 8 potatoes, skin on, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Blend garlic, rosemary, olive oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic granules, salt, and stock cube in a mini chopper to create a marinade.
2. Place lamb on two large sheets of foil, pour the marinade over it, and coat both sides. Wrap tightly in foil.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Cook the foil-wrapped lamb for 40 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Remove lamb and set aside. Add cubed potatoes to the air fryer basket, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, then shake to coat.
5. Unwrap lamb and return it to the basket, nestling it among the potatoes. Roast for 30–40 minutes, or until lamb reaches 70–75°C (157–167°F) for medium doneness.
6. Transfer lamb to a cutting board, cover with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Check potatoes for doneness and air fry 5–10 more minutes if needed.
7. Slice lamb, drizzle with resting juices, and serve alongside the crispy potatoes and a Greek salad.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap rosemary for thyme or fresh mint for a different herb profile.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a sweeter side.
• Add carrots or parsnips to roast alongside the potatoes.
• Spice it up with a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes in the marinade.
• For a more Mediterranean twist, add olives and cherry tomatoes to the potato mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat lamb slices gently in the oven or air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
• Potatoes can be reheated in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freeze cooked lamb slices for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with boneless lamb?

Yes, boneless leg of lamb works well and may cook slightly faster.

What size air fryer do I need for this recipe?

A larger-capacity air fryer (at least 6 quarts/5.5 liters) is best to fit the lamb and potatoes.

Can I marinate the lamb overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even more.

How do I know the lamb is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer at the thickest part, avoiding the bone. Aim for 70–75°C (157–167°F) for medium doneness.

Can I cook the potatoes separately?

Yes, you can cook them before or after the lamb if your air fryer basket is small.

Do I need to flip the lamb during cooking?

Flip once during the initial 40-minute foil wrap cook to ensure even roasting.

Can I use lamb shoulder instead of leg?

Yes, but lamb shoulder is fattier and may require longer cooking for tenderness.

What can I serve with this dish?

Greek salad, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, or flatbread pair perfectly.

Can I make gravy from the juices?

Yes, collect the resting juices and air fryer drippings to create a simple pan sauce or gravy.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Of course—add more garlic, lemon, or herbs to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Half Leg of Lamb is the perfect balance of ease and elegance. With tender, flavorful meat and crispy golden potatoes, this recipe is ideal for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you want to impress without hours of work. Simple ingredients, Mediterranean flair, and air fryer convenience make this lamb a must-try.

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