These air fryer lentil fritters are golden on the outside, tender in the middle and packed with simple, affordable ingredients. Made with red lentils, grated carrot, crumbled feta and fragrant herbs, they are a delicious meat-free option for lunch or dinner.
Serve them with a refreshing homemade cucumber yoghurt dip and a crunchy salad. They are also ideal for preparing ahead, making them a practical addition to your weekly meal plan.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Yield: Approximately 12 small fritters
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Lentil cooking time: 10–12 minutes
- Chilling time: 15 minutes
- Air fryer cooking time: 12–16 minutes per batch
- Total time: Approximately 55–65 minutes, depending on batch size
- Cooking method: Hob and air fryer
Ingredients
For the lentil fritters
- 150g dried red split lentils
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated (approximately 100g)
- 80g reduced-fat feta, crumbled
- 1 medium egg
- 35g porridge oats
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray, for cooking
For the cucumber yoghurt dip
- 150g fat-free natural Greek yoghurt
- ¼ cucumber, finely grated
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped fresh dill or mint, optional
- Freshly ground black pepper
To serve
- Mixed salad leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon wedges
- Wholemeal pitta bread, optional
How to Make Air Fryer Lentil Fritters
1. Cook the red lentils
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water.
Place them in a saucepan and cover with plenty of fresh water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes, until tender.
Drain very thoroughly in a fine sieve and leave to cool for 5 minutes. Press gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess water.
The lentils should be soft but not watery.
2. Prepare the vegetables
Grate the carrot finely, then gently squeeze out any excess moisture using clean kitchen paper or a tea towel.
Finely chop the spring onions and parsley, and crush the garlic.
3. Mix the fritter ingredients
Place the drained lentils in a large mixing bowl and mash lightly with a fork.
Add the grated carrot, crumbled feta, egg, oats, spring onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, parsley, lemon zest and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Rest the mixture
Leave the mixture to stand for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture.
If it is still too soft to shape, add another tablespoon of oats.
Divide into 12 equal portions and form small, slightly flattened fritters, approximately 1.5cm thick.
Place on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C, if your model requires preheating.
Lightly spray the basket or an air-fryer-safe perforated liner with olive oil.
6. Cook the fritters
Arrange the fritters in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Air fry at 190°C for 12–16 minutes, carefully turning halfway through, until golden on both sides and firm in the centre.
Cook in batches if necessary. Cooking times vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the fritters.
7. Prepare the cucumber yoghurt dip
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
Mix with the Greek yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill or mint, and black pepper.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Serve
Divide the fritters between four plates, allowing approximately three per person.
Serve with the cucumber yoghurt dip, mixed salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges.
Add a warm wholemeal pitta if you would like a more substantial meal.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Lentil Fritters
Drain the lentils thoroughly. Excess water is the main reason lentil fritters can become too soft.
Squeeze the grated carrot. This prevents additional moisture from loosening the mixture.
Let the oats absorb the liquid. Resting the mixture helps the fritters hold together.
Chill before cooking. A short spell in the fridge makes the patties easier to handle.
Turn gently. Wait until the underside has firmed up before flipping with a thin spatula.
Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches so the hot air can circulate evenly.
Easy Budget-Friendly Variations
Spinach and Feta Fritters
Replace half the grated carrot with finely chopped cooked spinach. Squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it.
Mildly Spiced Lentil Fritters
Leave out the smoked paprika and add a little dried oregano for a gentler flavour.
Extra Vegetable Fritters
Add a small amount of finely grated courgette, making sure to squeeze out the moisture first.
Different Cheese
A small amount of grated mature Cheddar can replace the feta, although the flavour and texture will change.
Make Them Dairy-Free
Omit the feta and use a suitable dairy-free yoghurt alternative for the dip. The fritter mixture may need a little extra seasoning.
Can You Make Lentil Fritters Ahead?
Yes. Prepare and shape the fritters in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
For best results, cook them within 24 hours of preparing the mixture.
You can also cook the fritters ahead and reheat them shortly before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow cooked fritters to cool promptly, then refrigerate in an airtight container at 5°C or below for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C for approximately 4–6 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. Reheat only once.
The cooked fritters can be frozen. Arrange them in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Store the cucumber yoghurt dip separately in the fridge and use within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tinned lentils instead of dried red lentils?
You can use well-drained cooked lentils, but the texture will differ. Red split lentils soften more readily and help bind the fritter mixture.
Why are my lentil fritters falling apart?
The lentils or vegetables may contain too much moisture. Drain them thoroughly, allow the oats to absorb the liquid and chill the shaped fritters before cooking.
Can I make these fritters without an egg?
An egg helps bind this recipe. You can experiment with a suitable egg replacement, but the texture may be more delicate and the mixture may need adjusting.
Can I cook lentil fritters in the oven?
Yes. Place them on a lightly greased baking tray and bake at 200°C/180°C fan for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What can I serve with lentil fritters?
They pair well with cucumber yoghurt dip, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables or wholemeal pitta bread.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you enjoy simple homemade meals, try our Air Fryer Tuna & White Bean Patties for another affordable store-cupboard recipe.
For a colourful dinner, explore our Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma & Crispy Chickpea Bowls or browse our Healthy High-Protein & Fibre-Rich Recipes collection for more everyday meal ideas.
A Simple Meat-Free Air Fryer Meal
These red lentil, carrot and feta fritters are a convenient way to turn inexpensive ingredients into a flavourful homemade dish. With their golden edges and refreshing cucumber yoghurt dip, they make a lovely lunch or easy family dinner.