Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils* soaked for at least 3 hours (or can do overnight instead)
- 1 small onion chopped (or half of a large red onion, which ever you have on hand, I have also used green onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat; I use chile ancho powder)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a bit of richness)
Instructions:
- Prepare Lentils: Drain the soaked red lentils and add them to a food processor.
- Add Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika/cayenne pepper (if using) to the food processor.
- Process: Pulse the mixture until it forms a thick, coarse paste. Scrape down the sides as needed. You want the mixture to be well-combined but still have some texture.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but about 2-3 inches in diameter works well.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Patties: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the patties for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Let the patties cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a dipping sauce (I love these with an easy tzatziki sauce that I make by blending 1 cup of Greek yogurt, a peeled cucumber, salt and lemon juice).
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 200mg
*This recipe features red lentils but you can make this recipe with any kind of lentil. I have used black, yellow and green french lentils and they are always delicious! Feel free to add more veggies to the mix. I sometimes add bell pepper to add more flavor and veggie power!
*Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used
Why are lentils good for us?
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them excellent for muscle growth, digestion, and maintaining a healthy weight. They are rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, magnesium and potassium, which support blood health, brain function, and overall cell function. Additionally, lentils have a low glycemic index, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, and their high antioxidant content contributes to heart health and reduced inflammation.
