This crispy air fryer lentils snack is one of the easiest and crunchiest recipes you can make at home. If you are looking for a healthy snack, you should try these air fryer brown lentils.
They come out super crispy, delicious, and are also rich in protein. This homemade snack is full of spices and has a really flavorful taste.
The mix of spices gives a bold and tasty flavor in every bite.
You can enjoy it in many ways, serve it as a salad topping, mix it with a little Greek yogurt, or even add it to your regular snack mix.
About Air Fryer Lentils
We have been eating lentils since childhood in many different ways. Mostly we cook them as dal, but this crispy version is a fun twist. It gives a completely different texture and taste compared to regular dal.
Now with the air fryer, making snacks like this has become much easier. It uses very little oil and still gives a nice crunchy result. This method is simple and perfect for daily use.
Lentils are always available in my kitchen, so this recipe is something I make often. It is quick, budget-friendly, and also a better option than deep-fried snacks.
If you try this air fryer lentils snack, you will get a crispy bite in every spoon.
Crispy Air Fryer Lentils Ingredients
- Brown lentils: I took 1 cup of brown lentils, which fits evenly in my air fryer basket. This amount cooks nicely without overcrowding and helps get a better crispy texture.
- Spices: I added spices like paprika, cumin powder, black pepper, chaat masala, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. You can adjust or skip any spice based on your taste and mood.
- Oil: I used regular cooking oil. You can use any light oil, and it works just fine. It helps the lentils turn crispy and keeps the spices coated well.
- Baking soda: I add a small amount of baking soda while soaking the lentils. It helps them soften faster and improves the texture. Just make sure to rinse and dry them properly before cooking.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Lentils
1. First, take a bowl and add water. Then add 1 cup of brown lentils and baking soda. Let them soak overnight (approximately 10 hours), so they become soft.
2. Next day, drain the water and place the lentils on a kitchen towel. Make sure to dry them properly. There should be no extra moisture, otherwise they will not turn crispy.
3. Now take a mixing bowl. Add the lentils along with paprika, cumin powder, black pepper, chaat masala, coriander powder, garam masala, oil, and salt. Mix everything well so the spices coat the lentils evenly.
4. Preheat the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
5. Place the lentils in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes. Make sure to toss or shake the basket every 5 minutes. This helps the lentils cook evenly and become crispy.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your crunchy snack.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Lentils
- Always dry the lentils properly after soaking. Even a little moisture can stop them from getting crispy.
- Do not skip baking soda while soaking. It helps soften the lentils and improves texture.
- Spread lentils in a single layer. Overcrowding will make them uneven and soft.
- Shake the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use just a little oil. Too much oil can make them heavy instead of crunchy.
- Let them cool for a few minutes after cooking. They become extra crispy as they cool.
How to Store Air Fryer Lentils
Let the lentils cool completely before storing. Then keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If the weather is humid, you can store them in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Lentils
To make them crispy again, reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Avoid using a microwave, as it will make them soft.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans
- Air Fryer Potato Egg Snacks
- Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki)
- Roasted Chickpeas Air Fryer Recipe
FAQs.
This happens if they are not dried properly or if there is too much moisture.
No, soaking is important to soften them and help them cook properly.
Brown lentils work best for this recipe. Red lentils may not give the same crunchy texture.
No, there is no need to remove the skin. Just rinse and dry them well.
Yes, but they may turn slightly less crispy and spices may not stick well.
They stay crispy for about 1–2 days, even longer if stored properly in an airtight container.
Crispy Lentils Air Fryer (Easy Snack)
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of paper
- 1/8 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/8 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- salt to taste
Instructions
- First, take a bowl and add water. Then add 1 cup of brown lentils and baking soda. Let them soak overnight (approximately 10 hours), so they become soft.
- Next day, drain the water and place the lentils on a kitchen towel. Make sure to dry them properly. There should be no extra moisture, otherwise they will not turn crispy.
- Now take a mixing bowl. Add the lentils along with paprika, cumin powder, black pepper, chaat masala, coriander powder, garam masala, oil, and salt. Mix everything well so the spices coat the lentils evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
- Place the lentils in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes. Make sure to toss or shake the basket every 5 minutes. This helps the lentils cook evenly and become crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crunchy snack.
Notes
- Dry the lentils properly before cooking for best crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake the basket during cooking for even results.
- Adjust spices based on your taste.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
