# Lamb shanks cooking times

How long to cook lamb shanks: **2½–3 hours in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan), 2–2½ hours braised, 7–8 hours in a slow cooker and 40–45 min in a pressure cooker**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/lamb-shanks-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook lamb shanks

Times are for 4 shanks, for 4.

Lamb shanks: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 2½–3 hours | 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3 | Covered, half submerged in liquid; turn halfway. |
| Braise | 2–2½ hours | covered, at a gentle simmer on the hob | – |
| [Slow cooker](https://feastflow.co.uk/slow-cooker-cooking-times) | 7–8 hours | on low | 4–5 hours on high. |
| [Pressure cooker](https://feastflow.co.uk/pressure-cooker-cooking-times) | 40–45 min | on high pressure | Natural release. |

Also see: [Lamb cooking time](https://feastflow.co.uk/lamb-cooking-time) (leg of lamb or slow-roast shoulder).

## Before you start

Brown all over, then braise in stock, wine or a tomato sauce.

## How to tell it’s done

The meat falls off the bone.

## Questions

### How long to cook lamb shanks in the oven?

2½–3 hours at 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3. Covered, half submerged in liquid; turn halfway.

### How long to braise lamb shanks?

2–2½ hours covered, at a gentle simmer on the hob.

### How long to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker?

7–8 hours on low. 4–5 hours on high.

### How long to cook lamb shanks in a pressure cooker?

40–45 min on high pressure. Natural release.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/