Air Fryer Stuffed Breast of Lamb Made Simple
Are you looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s both impressive and easy to make?
Look no further than air fryer stuffed breast of lamb!
This delicious recipe combines the tender, juicy goodness of lamb with a tasty stuffing, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this stunning meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
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Why Choose Air Fryer Stuffed Breast of Lamb?
Let’s explore why this dish is a fantastic choice for your next meal:
- Healthier cooking method: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, resulting in a healthier meal without sacrificing flavour.
- Time-saving: The air fryer cooks food faster than a conventional oven, making this an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Tender and juicy: The air fryer helps seal in the lamb’s natural juices, resulting in a succulent and tasty result.
- Versatile: You can easily customise the stuffing to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Impressive presentation: Stuffed breast of lamb looks elegant on the plate, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
Ingredients
For the lamb:
- 1 breast of lamb (approximately 900g to 1kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the stuffing:
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 50g butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 large egg, beaten
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional herbs and spices for variation:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How To Cook Breast of Lamb In The Air Fryer
Prepare the lamb
Remove the breast of lamb from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat. Next, carefully remove any excess fat from the lamb, but leave a thin layer for flavour and moisture.
Make the stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs, melted butter, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Then, add the beaten egg and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the stuffing holds together when squeezed.
Stuff the lamb
Lay the breast of lamb flat on a clean work surface, fat side down. Spread the stuffing evenly over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the lamb tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Secure the roll with kitchen twine, tying it at regular intervals to keep the stuffing in place.
Season the lamb
Brush the outside of the lamb roll with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help create a delicious, crispy exterior.
Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 180C/360F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
How long does it take to cook a stuffed breast of lamb?
Carefully place the stuffed lamb breast in the air fryer basket, seam side down. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning the lamb halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb. For medium-rare, the temperature should reach 60°C (140°F). If you prefer your lamb more well-done, continue cooking until it reaches your desired temperature.
This instant-read thermometer features a foldable long probe that makes it easy to check the internal temperature of meats without getting too close to the heat. The backlight display ensures you can read temperatures clearly, even in low light. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or air frying, this digital meat thermometer is a must-have tool for any cook.
RARE Reading 46C/115F – 49 C/120 F
MEDIUM RARE Reading 49C/120F – 52C/125F
MEDIUM Reading 54C/130F – 57C/135F
MEDIUM TO WELL DONE Reading 60C/ 140F – 63C/145F
WELL DONE Reading 65C/150F – 68C/155F
Rest and serve
Once cooked to your liking, remove the stuffed lamb breast from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. After resting, carefully remove the kitchen twine and slice the lamb into rounds.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Breast of Lamb
To ensure your air fryer stuffed breast of lamb turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Don’t overstuff: Be careful not to overfill the lamb breast, making it difficult to roll and secure.
- Secure tightly: Make sure to tie the rolled lamb securely with kitchen twine to prevent the stuffing from falling out during cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding: If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the lamb in batches or cut it into smaller portions.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to determine when your lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Experiment with flavours: Feel free to add different herbs or spices to the stuffing to create your unique flavour combinations.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered an air fryer stuffed breast of lamb, let’s explore some delicious side dishes to complement your main course:
Roasted vegetables: Air fry seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for a colourful and nutritious side dish.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to lamb and go beautifully with the rich flavours of this dish.
Green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the lamb.
Mint sauce: A traditional mint sauce or jelly is a classic pairing with lamb and adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
Couscous: For a Mediterranean twist, serve your stuffed lamb breast with fluffy couscous and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
Stuffing Variations
One of the best things about this air fryer stuffed breast of lamb recipe is its versatility.
Some stuffing ideas:
Mediterranean-Inspired
Add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped olives to the stuffing for a Mediterranean flair.
Moroccan Spices
Add ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon to the stuffing for a Moroccan-inspired flavour.
Nutty Crunch
Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to the stuffing for extra texture and flavour.
Fruity Twist
Include dried cranberries or chopped apricots in the stuffing for a touch of sweetness that complements the lamb beautifully.
Gluten-free Option
Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or use cooked quinoa for gluten-free stuffing.
Is Lamb Breast Healthy?
While enjoying your delicious air fryer stuffed breast of lamb, it’s worth noting some of the health benefits this meat offers:
- High-quality protein: Lamb is an excellent source of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Lamb is particularly high in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and energy levels.
- Healthy fats: While lamb does contain fat, a significant portion of it is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): Lamb is one of the best natural sources of CLA, which has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced body fat and improved immune function.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover air fryer stuffed breast of lamb, don’t worry!
Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Storing: Allow the lamb to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 160C/320F. Place the leftover lamb in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Splash some water over the lamb before reheating. This helps to retain the moisture.
Happy air frying, and enjoy your mouthwatering air fryer stuffed breast of lamb!
