Air Fryer Lentil Soup
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Making Air Fryer Lentil Soup completely changed my mind about what an air fryer can do. The onions get sweet and caramelized, the curry spices smell amazing, and the coconut milk makes it incredibly rich and creamy. The lentils turn out perfectly tender and flavorful. You’ll love how quick and easy it is.
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I make it for cold or rainy days, weeknight dinners, and meal prep when I want a cozy meal without using the stove. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for light lunches at home. It reheats perfectly in the microwave and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Lentil Soup with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll have fragrant, creamy, and delicious soup ready in an hour using your air fryer.
Caramelize the Onions
Add the onion and oil to a casserole dish that fits in your air fryer basket and bake in the air fryer at 180ºC (350°F) for 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramelized.
I like using my round ceramic dish because it heats up evenly and looks elegant enough to serve from air fryer to table.
Add the Aromatics
Stir in the curry powder, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously. You’ll smell the spices bloom and the garlic will soften, which builds the flavor base for the soup. A silicone stirring spoon works great for stirring without scratching the dish.
Add Lentils and Broth
Then add the lentils, tomatoes, coriander, vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Soup
Cook for 30 minutes, stirring often, until the lentils are tender but still intact. You’ll want to check on them every 10 minutes or so and give everything a good stir so nothing sticks to the bottom. An oven mitt is helpful for handling the hot dish safely.
Add Coconut Milk
Add the coconut milk, reserving some for later. If the soup is too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend the soup if you prefer, using an immersion blender right in the casserole dish, or transfer portions to a regular blender.
Serve Warm
Drizzle with the reserved coconut milk, sprinkle with coriander leaves, and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime brightens everything and balances the richness of the coconut milk. Enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger peeled and finely grated
- 7 ounces lentils rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- Fresh coriander leaves and stalks roughly chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper
- Lime and fresh coriander to serve
Instructions
- Add the onion and oil to a casserole dish and bake in the air fryer at 180ºC (350°F) for 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramelized.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup onion
- Stir in the spices, garlic, and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.1 tablespoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons ginger
- Then add the lentils, tomatoes, coriander, vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.7 ounces lentils, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, Fresh coriander leaves and stalks, 3 cups vegetable broth, Salt and black pepper
- Cook for 30 minutes – stirring often, until the lentils are tender but still intact.
- Add the coconut milk. If the soup is too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend the soup if you prefer.1 cup coconut milk
- Drizzle with the reserved coconut milk, sprinkle with coriander leaves, and serve.Lime and fresh coriander
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, or in the microwave if you need quick soup for dinner.
For freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave about an inch of space at the top since the soup will expand, or portion it out into a silicone soup tray so you can thaw and reheat individual servings. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Lentil Soup
Serve this hearty soup with warm naan bread, garlic bread, or pita for dipping, or spoon it over basmati or brown rice for a more filling meal. You could also pair it with a simple cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, air-fried green beans, or other simple veggies like carrots.
It’s also great alongside samosas, vegetable pakoras, roasted sweet potatoes, or spring rolls if you’re making it for a dinner party or family gathering. The creamy, spiced broth goes well with anything crunchy or fresh.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I love making easy air fryer recipes, and here are some of my favorites.
