Air Fryer Spiced Green Lentils with Caramelized Garlic

Name: Air Fryer Spiced Green Lentils with Caramelized Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) green lentils (French or Puy), rinsed and drained, rinsed, drained thoroughly; 1¾ cup (415 ml) water; 8 cloves garlic cloves, peeled and left whole, peeled, left whole; 3 tablespoon (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon (3 g) ground cumin; ¾ teaspoon (2 g) ground coriander; ½ teaspoon (1½ g) smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon (½ g) freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon (2 g) lemon zest, finely grated (optional); 2 tablespoon (8 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, finely chopped (optional)

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

Tender green lentils cooked in an air fryer basket with warm spices—cumin, coriander, and a touch of smoked paprika—finished with deeply caramelized garlic cloves and a drizzle of fruity olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired side is earthy, aromatic, and ready in under 30 minutes without a pot of boiling water.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 22 min
Total: 32 min
Makes: 1½ cups cooked lentils (4 servings)

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Steps

Before you start

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes
Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain well
Peel the garlic cloves but leave them whole
Have all spices measured and ready

1
Combine lentils and aromatics
- In a medium bowl, mix the rinsed lentils with water, whole garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
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Ready when: Spices are evenly mixed and no dry streaks remain
Tip: Don't skip the thorough rinsing of lentils—it removes surface starch and prevents a starchy taste.
2
Transfer to air fryer basketOven 350°F / 175°C
- Pour the lentil mixture into the preheated air fryer basket, spreading it in a single layer as much as possible.
- Cover with aluminum foil loosely to trap steam while allowing some circulation.
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 18 minutes.
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Tip: Use a piece of parchment paper or foil that fits loosely inside your air fryer basket—it prevents splashing while still allowing steam to escape.
3
Remove foil and caramelizeOven 375°F / 190°C
- Carefully remove the foil from the basket.
- The lentils should be nearly tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the lentils and garlic cloves.
- Return to the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the garlic cloves turn golden brown and slightly charred on the edges.
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Ready when: Garlic cloves are golden brown with caramelized spots; lentils are tender but still hold their shape
Tip: Shake the basket at the 2-minute mark to ensure even browning and prevent any lentils from sticking.
4
Finish and serve
- Remove the basket from the air fryer and let cool for 1 minute.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- If using, scatter the fresh parsley and lemon zest over the top and give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Ready when: Lentils are tender, garlic is golden, and all components are evenly combined
Tip: The lentils will firm up as they cool, making them easier to scoop and serve without turning mushy.

Good to know

Tips

Air fryer models vary in hot spots—if your garlic is browning too quickly, move it away from the heat source or shield it with a small piece of foil during the second cooking stage.
Green lentils hold their shape better than other varieties when cooked; this is why they're ideal for this recipe and won't turn into mush.
For a deeper savory flavor, toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet for 1 minute, then grind them fresh just before cooking.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables, atop creamy yogurt, or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a complete meal.

Make ahead

You can prepare the lentil and spice mixture up to 4 hours ahead, covering and refrigerating it. Add 2–3 extra minutes to the first air fryer stage if cooking from chilled. Cooked lentils keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be gently reheated at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Storage & reheating

Room temperature: up to 2 hours in an airtight container. Refrigerator: up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. Freezer: not recommended; lentils can become mushy upon thawing.

Substitutions

green lentils (French or Puy), rinsed and drained → Brown lentils (regular brown or beluga). Brown lentils will take 2–3 minutes longer to cook and may become slightly softer. Check at the 20-minute mark.
ground cumin → Ground caraway seeds. Caraway provides an earthy, slightly sweet note; use the same quantity for similar depth.
smoked paprika → Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Regular paprika is milder; cayenne adds heat. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
extra-virgin olive oil → Avocado oil or clarified butter. Both have higher smoke points and work well for the caramelizing step; flavor will be slightly different.