Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb: Tender, Sticky Bites (Print Version)
Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb delivers succulent, sweet-savory lamb chops in a flash. My simple recipe makes weeknight dinners flavorful and fuss-free.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Lamb & Marinade Base
01 -
1 lb boneless lamb chops (shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch thick pieces)
02 -
3 tbsp honey
03 -
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 -
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
08 -
1 tsp five-spice powder
→ Sticky Glaze Essentials
09 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
10 -
1 tsp sesame oil
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 green onions, sliced
12 -
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your lamb chops patted super dry with paper towels. This is where I always forget to do it thoroughly, and then the marinade doesn't stick as well, oops! Trim any excess fat if you like, but honestly, a little fat renders beautifully and keeps the lamb juicy. You want them ready to soak up all that amazing flavor.
02 -
Now for the fun part! In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin, minced garlic, grated ginger, Shaoxing wine, and five-spice powder. Give it a good whisk until everything is super combined. This is where the magic really starts to happen, and the aroma, oh my goodness, it just fills the kitchen with promise! Make sure there are no lumps, we want a smooth, flavor-packed coating for our Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb.
03 -
Add your prepped lamb chops to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Honestly, get in there with your hands if you need to! Cover the bowl (or pop it into a ziploc bag – less mess, yay!) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight? That’s where the real flavor party is at. I once only marinated for 30 minutes in a rush, and it was still good, but not *that* good, you know?
04 -
When you’re ready to cook your Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Don't skip this step! A hot air fryer basket means a better sear and prevents sticking. I really learned that the hard way when my first batch stuck like glue.
05 -
Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to cook them in batches, which is totally fine. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them, because air fryers can be quirky! You're looking for that beautiful caramelized, slightly charred exterior and tender, juicy inside.
06 -
For the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the lamb with a little extra marinade (if you saved some, or a fresh batch if not). This helps create that super sticky, glossy finish. Once cooked to your liking (I like mine medium-rare, still a little pink!), remove from the air fryer. Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. The smell at this point is just incredible, honestly. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and digging in!
# Notes:
01 -
Always pat your lamb super dry before marinating; it helps the flavors really cling!
02 -
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, or you'll steam instead of crisp – learned that the hard way.
03 -
Marinate overnight for the absolute best flavor; a quick 2-hour soak is good, but longer is always better.
04 -
A quick brush of honey right at the end of cooking gives it an extra glossy, irresistible finish.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
mixing bowls
03 -
whisk
04 -
tongs
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g