Lentils with Chorizo in the Air Fryer: A Quick Spanish Classic

Lentil with chorizo or vegetables is a traditional Spanish dish celebrated for its bold flavor and solid nutrition. While it used to be slow-cooked in a crock pot, modern cooks can also prepare it quickly with an air fryer, turning a classic into a faster, lighter meal without sacrificing depth of taste.

Here is a practical guide to making it in the air fryer, proving that this timeless recipe can stand up to today’s kitchen tech without losing its heart.

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Lentils recipe in air fryer

• 1 cup lentils (pre-soaked for at least 4 hours)

• 2 Spanish chorizo, cut into slices

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

• 1 carrot, sliced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon sweet red pepper

• Pepper and salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

How to make lentils in the air fryer? ShutterStock

1. Ingredient prep: Gather all items, and pre-soak the lentils to speed up cooking. Dice the onion, garlic, pepper, tomato, and carrot.

2. Preparing the chorizo: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Arrange the chorizo slices in the basket and cook about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté greens and aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion, garlic, pepper, and carrot until softened. Add the tomato and cook a few minutes more. Stir in the red pepper, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine lentils with sauce: Add the drained lentils to the skillet and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the air fryer basket. Pour in enough broth to cover the lentils. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

5. Finish with chorizo: After 20 minutes, resume cooking and fold in the prepared chorizo slices. Gently mix and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes more, until the lentils are tender.

6. Final taste check: Ensure the lentils meet the preferred texture. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Lentil tips and tricks

• Soaking lentils beforehand dramatically reduces cooking time.

• Be careful not to overdo the broth to keep the lentils from becoming too runny.

• Stirring the lentils occasionally in the air fryer helps prevent sticking.

• Make it your own by adding spinach, spicy chorizo, or different herbs for varied flavors.

In short, preparing lentils with chorizo or vegetables in the air fryer offers a quick, healthier way to enjoy a classic. This method brings a comforting dish to the table with the convenience and modernity of today’s kitchen technology.