Lentils In The Air Fryer: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook food, and for good reason—they can make dishes that are usually deep-fried with less oil, resulting in a healthier snack. One such snack that can be made in an air fryer is crunchy, crispy lentils. They are a great, gluten-free alternative to croutons or nuts in meatless main dishes, and they can be seasoned with anything from chipotle to honey and chili powder to oregano and garlic powder. They can be used as a salad topper, a soup garnish, or a side dish.

Cooking Lentils in an Air Fryer

Air-fried lentils as a snack

Air fryers have been a game-changer for making snacks, and crunchy air-fried lentils are a fantastic snack option. They are not only crunchy and satisfying but also healthy. They are rich in protein and can be customised with your favourite flavours.

To make air-fried lentils, you can use cooked lentils from scratch, use leftovers, or use canned lentils. If using canned lentils, be sure to drain and rinse them. The best lentils for roasting are firm, whole lentils like brown, French green, or black lentils because they hold their shape. Red, orange, and split lentils don't work as well.

To season the lentils, toss the cooked lentils with oil and your choice of seasonings until they are coated. You can use any oil like olive oil, canola, vegetable, avocado, or even cooking spray. For seasonings, you can use chipotle paste, adobo sauce, or dried chipotle powder, or any spices and herbs of your choice.

Preheat your air fryer to 400° F. Spread the seasoned lentils in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking or stirring the lentils a couple of times for even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size of your batch, the temperature of your air fryer, and how chewy or crispy you like your lentils.

Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. You can store the crunchy lentils in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, and they will stay crunchy for several days. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or sprinkle them over soups and salads for added texture and protein.

Air-fried lentils as a salad topper

Air fryers have been a game-changer for making snacks like crunchy lentils. They are a simple, attractive, and healthy snack option. You can use air-fried lentils in many ways, such as a salad topper, soup garnish, or side dish.

To make air-fried lentils, you can use cooked lentils from scratch, use leftovers, or use canned lentils. The best lentils for roasting are firm, whole lentils like brown, French green, or black lentils because they hold their shape. Red, orange, and split lentils don't work out as well. You can also experiment with different types of lentils such as yellow lentils, green mung beans, or black beluga lentils.

Before air-frying, boil the lentils for 5 minutes, drain, and spread them over paper towels on a cookie sheet to remove excess moisture. Then, place the lentils in a bowl, add oil, and your choice of seasoning. Line your air fryer with parchment paper. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Spread the seasoned lentils in the basket of the air fryer. Make sure the lentils are in a single layer and not crowded. You may need to cook these in batches depending on how large your air fryer is.

Cook the lentils at 400° F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the lentils a couple of times for even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness, the size of your batch, and how hot your air fryer is. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. You can store the air-fried lentils in an airtight container, and they will stay crunchy for several days.

Air-fried lentils as a soup garnish

Air-fried lentils are a versatile dish that can be used in many ways, including as a soup garnish. They are a great way to add some crunch and texture to your favourite soup. Here is a step-by-step guide to making air-fried lentils as a soup garnish:

Firstly, you will need to decide whether you want to cook your lentils from scratch, use canned lentils, or use leftover cooked lentils. If you are cooking them from scratch, you will need to boil them for about 5 minutes and then drain them. If you are using canned lentils, be sure to drain and rinse them before proceeding.

Next, spread the lentils out on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet to remove any excess moisture. This step is important, as it will help ensure that your lentils are crispy after air frying. Once the lentils are dry, transfer them to a bowl and add your desired amount of oil. You can use any type of oil, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

Now it's time to season your lentils. This is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours. You can simply add salt for a classic crispy lentil garnish, or try something more complex like chipotle paste, adobo sauce, or dried chipotle powder for a smoky flavour. You could also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour, honey and chilli powder for a sweet and spicy kick, or dried herbs and garlic powder for an Italian-inspired twist.

Once your lentils are seasoned, it's time to cook them. Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C, or around 350-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, line it with parchment paper. Then, spread the lentils on the parchment paper in a single layer, being sure not to crowd them too much. You may need to cook the lentils in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the lentils for 8-15 minutes, shaking or stirring them every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of crunchiness, the size of your batch, and the temperature of your air fryer. Once they are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.

Finally, sprinkle your crispy, air-fried lentils over your favourite soup for a delicious and nutritious garnish. Enjoy!

Air-fried lentils as a side dish

Air-fried lentils are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be prepared with minimal effort. This simple recipe will guide you through the process of making crispy roasted lentils as a side dish, using an air fryer.

First, you'll need to cook the lentils. You can cook them from scratch, or you can use canned lentils or even leftover cooked lentils from a previous meal. If you're cooking them from scratch, simply boil the desired amount of lentils for about 5 minutes, then drain the water. Spread the cooked lentils on a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Next, it's time to season your lentils. Place the lentils in a bowl and add a drizzle of oil—you can use olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even a cooking spray. Toss the lentils gently to coat them evenly with oil. Now, it's time to add your choice of seasonings. You can go for a simple option like salt for a salty, savoury flavour, or get creative with spices, herbs, and seasonings. Some popular options include chipotle paste or powder, chilli powder, garlic powder, oregano, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour. Mix your chosen seasonings with the lentils and oil until everything is coated evenly.

Now, it's time to air-fry your seasoned lentils. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or 180°C if your air fryer uses Celsius). Line the air fryer basket or a small sheet of aluminium foil with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned lentils in a single layer on the prepared air fryer tray. Make sure the lentils are not crowded and have space between them for even cooking.

Cook the lentils for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F, shaking or stirring them a couple of times during cooking to ensure even crisping. The cooking time may vary depending on the batch size, the desired level of crispness, and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once they're done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.

Your air-fried lentils are now ready to be served as a tasty and nutritious side dish. They can be enjoyed as a crunchy, gluten-free alternative to croutons or nuts, providing a good source of protein and fibre to accompany your main course. These lentils are versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences, making them a delightful addition to any meal.

Air-fried lentils as a crouton alternative

Air-fried lentils are a great alternative to croutons, nuts, or chickpeas in your favourite dishes. They are a crunchy, savoury, and healthy snack that can be made in minutes with an air fryer. They are also a good source of protein and fibre.

How to Make Air-fried Lentils

First, cook your lentils. You can use leftover cooked lentils or cook them from scratch. If you're cooking them from scratch, it is recommended to use firm, whole lentils like brown, French green, or black lentils as they hold their shape better. You can also use canned lentils, but make sure to drain and rinse them first.

Once you have your cooked lentils, spread them out on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet to remove excess moisture. Then, place them in a bowl and add oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use olive oil or other oils like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. For seasonings, you can use chipotle paste, adobo sauce, or dried chipotle powder, or any other spices and herbs you prefer. Toss the lentils gently to combine.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer with parchment paper. Spread the coated lentils on a small sheet of aluminum foil, creating a tray. Make sure the lentils are in a single layer and not crowded together. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the lentils for 10-15 minutes, shaking or stirring them a couple of times to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness and the characteristics of your batch and air fryer. Once done, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container.

Ways to Enjoy Air-fried Lentils

Air-fried lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Salad topper: Add a nice crunch and protein boost to your favourite salad.
• Soup garnish: Sprinkle them over your soup for added texture and flavour.
• Buddha bowls: Use them as a replacement for roasted chickpeas in Buddha bowls.
• Side dish: Serve them as a nutritious side dish with your main meal.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a crunchy and healthy snack on their own.

Frequently asked questions