Lamb shanks need long, gentle cooking to turn fall-apart tender, and the air fryer can do it — seared first for colour, then braised in a covered dish with a little stock. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you cook lamb shanks in an air fryer?
A: Yes — sear at 200°C, then braise in a covered dish with stock at 160°C (320°F) for about 60–75 minutes, until tender.
Q: Why cover them?
A: Covering traps moisture so they braise tender rather than drying in the air fryer's heat.
Sear then braise
Brown the shanks at high heat for colour and flavour, then sit them in an oven-safe dish with stock, garlic and rosemary, cover tightly with foil, and cook low at 160°C until the meat pulls easily from the bone. Check the dish fits your basket first.
The recipe
Air Fryer Lamb Shanks
Ingredients
- 2 lamb shanks
- 200ml stock, 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 garlic cloves, rosemary
- 1 tsp oil, salt & pepper
Method
- Sear the shanks at 200°C for 8 minutes.
- Sit in a dish with stock, purée and herbs.
- Cover with foil; braise at 160°C for 60–75 min.
- Rest, then serve with the sauce.
Tips
- Sear first for colour and flavour.
- Cover tightly so they braise, not dry out.
- Cook to tender — they're ready when the meat pulls from the bone.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook lamb shanks in an air fryer?
Yes — sear them at 200°C, then braise in a covered dish with stock at 160°C for about 60–75 minutes, until the meat pulls from the bone.
Why cover lamb shanks in the air fryer?
Covering with foil traps steam so they braise tender in their own liquid, rather than drying out in the dry heat.
How do you know lamb shanks are done?
They're ready when the meat is fall-apart tender and pulls easily from the bone — give them longer if still firm.