Marianne Martinez
Cooking lentils in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, nutritious, and protein-rich snack. You can make crunchy roasted lentils with minimal oil and spices, or even try lentil tacos or BBQ meatballs for a tasty vegetarian option. So, if you're looking for a new snack that's both crunchy and satisfying, or want to add more legumes and meatless meals to your diet, then cooking lentils in an air fryer could be a great option for you!
How to cook lentils in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5-20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 5-20 minutes |
| Soaking time | 2-6 hours |
| Freezer life | 3 months |
| Temperature | 350-425°F |
| Oil | Minimal |
| Spices | Dill pickle seasoning, chipotle, taco seasoning, or BBQ sauce |
| Recipe | Tacos, BBQ meatballs, or crunchy snack |
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What You'll Learn
How to make crunchy air-fried lentils
Air-fried lentils are a delicious, crunchy, and healthy snack. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in minutes. Here is a simple recipe for how to make crunchy air-fried lentils:
Firstly, cook your lentils. You can use canned lentils, or cook them from scratch. If you are cooking them from scratch, you can choose to soak them beforehand to reduce cooking time and decrease any gassiness that may be experienced after eating. To soak, cover the lentils in cold water for 2-6 hours, then drain and rinse with fresh, cold water. Whether you are using soaked or unsoaked lentils, for every 2 cups of dried lentils, add 6-8 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer until your desired tenderness is reached. This should take around 7-10 minutes for soaked lentils and 15-20 minutes for unsoaked lentils. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 355°F. While your air fryer is heating up, toss your cooked lentils in a bowl with 1-2 teaspoons of oil and your desired spices or seasoning. You could try chipotle, dill pickle seasoning, or taco seasoning.
Once your air fryer is heated, spread your spiced lentils on a crisping tray or a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the tray every few minutes to prevent burning.
Once cooked, remove the lentils from the air fryer and leave them to cool on a paper towel. Once cooled, store your crunchy lentils in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three months and can be crisped up again by placing them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Your crunchy air-fried lentils are now ready to be enjoyed as a snack, or as a topping for soups and salads.
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Air-frying lentils for tacos
Air-fried lentils are a great vegetarian option for tacos, offering a healthy and protein-packed alternative to traditional meat fillings. They are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of lentils (green, red, yellow, brown, or black beluga lentils)
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- Taco seasoning (or your choice of spices)
- Taco shells
- Grated cheese
- Cold toppings (e.g. lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, chives)
Instructions
First, cook the lentils. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 cups of lentils and boil for 4-5 minutes. Drain the excess water.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 180°C/355°F for 5 minutes. Toss the cooked lentils with oil and taco seasoning in a bowl until they are fully coated.
Now, assemble your tacos. Arrange the taco shells in the air fryer basket and fill them with the seasoned lentils. Top with grated cheese.
Finally, air fry your assembled tacos at 180°C/360°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
Once cooked, you can add your desired cold toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and healthy lentil tacos ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is a fantastic option for Taco Tuesday, offering a vegetarian-friendly twist on a classic dish.
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Air-frying lentils for lentil balls
Air-frying lentils is a quick and easy way to make lentil balls that are chewy and flavorful on the inside, with a slightly crunchy exterior. This method can be used to make a delicious and nutritious snack or a protein-rich addition to a meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to air-frying lentils for lentil balls:
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
Start by rinsing and soaking your chosen lentils in cold water for 2 to 4 hours. This step is optional but helps reduce cooking time and decrease any gassiness associated with eating lentils. After soaking, drain the lentils and add them to a large pot. Cover the lentils with fresh water and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for around 15-20 minutes for unsoaked lentils or 7-10 minutes for soaked lentils, until they are tender. Drain the excess water and set the cooked lentils aside.
Step 2: Make the Lentil Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked lentils with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings. You can experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor. Mix well to ensure the lentils are evenly coated.
Step 3: Form the Lentil Balls
Moisten your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a portion of the lentil mixture and roll it into a ball shape, roughly 2 tablespoons in size. Repeat this process until you have formed all the lentil balls.
Step 4: Air-Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the lentil balls in the basket, leaving a small gap between each one. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the lentil balls with cooking oil.
Step 5: Cooking Time
Air fry the lentil balls for around 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
Step 6: Serving
Once cooked, transfer the lentil balls to a plate or platter. You can serve them as is or take it up a notch by drizzling your favorite BBQ sauce on top. These lentil balls make a great snack or addition to a meal and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike!
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The best type of lentils for air-frying
When it comes to choosing the best type of lentils for air-frying, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the desired texture. If you want crispy lentils, it is best to use green lentils, as they hold their shape well and have a firm texture. Green lentils are also a good source of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
Another factor to consider is the cooking time. If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can soak the lentils before air-frying them. This will also help to reduce any gassiness that may be experienced after consuming lentils. However, it is important to note that soaking is not necessary, especially if you are short on time or prefer a firmer texture.
Additionally, the type of lentil you choose may depend on the dish you are preparing. For example, if you are making lentil tacos, you can use canned lentils, which are quick and convenient. Simply drain and mix with taco seasoning before scooping into your taco shells. On the other hand, if you are using dried lentils, you will need to cook them before air-frying.
In terms of preparation, the process is fairly simple. After boiling and draining the lentils, spread them on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet to remove excess moisture. Then, place them in a bowl and add oil and your desired seasonings. Common seasoning choices include dill pickle seasoning, chipotle paste, adobo sauce, or dried chipotle powder. You can also get creative and use your favorite spices to customize the flavor to your taste.
Overall, green lentils are the best choice for air-frying due to their ability to maintain their shape and texture during the cooking process, as well as their nutritional benefits. With the right preparation and seasonings, you can create delicious and crispy air-fried lentils that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to various dishes.
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How to store cooked air-fried lentils
To store cooked air-fried lentils, first let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. Glass containers are preferable to plastic ones, as they help the lentils last longer. You can store the lentils in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. If you choose to freeze the lentils, it is recommended to use a solid container rather than individually wrapped servings. Frozen lentils will lose their crispiness, but you can crisp them up again by placing them in the oven at 425°F or in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cook the lentils on the stove. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the lentils, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Drain the excess water. Next, preheat your air fryer to 180C/355F for 5 minutes. Toss the cooked lentils in oil, spread them on a crisping tray or parchment paper, and cook for 8-10 minutes at 180C/355F.
Cooking lentils in an air fryer is a quick process. After boiling the lentils on the stove for 4-5 minutes, you only need to air fry them for 8-10 minutes.
Yes, you can cook frozen lentils in an air fryer. To crisp them up, put them in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
You can make air fryer lentil tacos, air fryer BBQ lentil meatballs, or simply season the lentils and eat them as a crunchy snack or salad topping.
