This Lentil Patties recipe has a short ingredient list, the flavor of lentil falafel, and a cooking method that’s quick and easy. Plus, each patty is easy enough for little ones to pick up and eat, and they store and reheat well for future meals!
I have been on a bit of a fritters kick with Chickpea Fritters, Chicken Fritters, Quinoa Patties, and Broccoli Fritters and this lentil version is such a great option in the mix. Lentils are rich in vegetarian protein and iron and are a really satisfying vegetarian dinner when baked into falafel-like patties.
This easy toddler meal or baby-led weaning food is made without eggs or dairy and is easy to make gluten-free. And you can cook them in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven, or in an air fryer, so you can do what’s easiest for you on any given day.
We love these Lentil Patties dipped into Cucumber Sauce, but they’re also delicious with tzatziki, hummus, or sour cream.
(You may also like Vegetarian Meals for Kids, Slow Cooker Black Beans or Quick Teriyaki Shrimp.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
To make this lentil patties recipe you’ll need these ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Fully cooked lentils: Look for them in the produce section of your grocery store in a vacuum sealed package, or you can cook them from dry according to the directions on the back of the bag.
- Garlic: I like to add a fresh garlic clove to this recipe for flavor. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
- Cilantro, parsley, and fresh lemon: This trio makes the patties super flavorful. If you only have one, that is also fine!
- Flour: A little flour helps ensure that the mixture is the right consistency. I use all-purpose, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose if you want to.
- Olive oil: If pan-frying, I like to use extra-virgin olive oil. If baking or air frying, I like to spray the tops with olive oil spray.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s an overview of how to make this lentil patties recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Add the ingredients except the flour to the food processor. Grind well.
Step 2. Pulse in the flour.
Step 3. Portion out 1 tablespoon balls of the batter. Roll into a ball and flatten.
Step 4. Cook until lightly golden brown on both sides in a skillet, in the oven, or in an air fryer. They will be tender in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
If that happens, simply add more flour to the mixture to dry it out enough. You can also press the patties down while cooking so more of the surface area touches the hot surface.
Grind the ingredients in a food processor and you should be good—the batter naturally holds together very easily.
Lentils have vegetarian protein, are rich in fiber, and are also a good source of iron.
Serving Suggestions
We usually have these with dips like Cucumber Sauce and fruit, rice, and/or a simple veggie like Roasted Carrot Fries. You can also serve them on small slider buns as vegetarian burgers.
Best Tips for Success
- Add more spices (such as oregano, chili pepper, or ground coriander) if desired to add more flavor.
- Add ¼ cup grated carrot or onion to the mixture to add veggies.
- Make larger lentil cakes or lentil burgers for a plant-based burger option.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free cup for cup flour or chickpea flour.
- Cook in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. I like to spray the tops of each patty with olive oil spray.
- Bake in the oven, placing the patties on parchment paper, at 375 degrees F for 18-22 minutes.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe so please comment below to share!
Easy Lentil Patties
Ingredients
- 2 cups fully cooked lentils (drained of all liquid)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except the flour into a food processor. Process until very smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container as needed.
- Pulse in the flour just to combine.
- Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out balls of dough. (It should be easy to roll in your hands. If it's sticky, add a smidge more flour. If it is dry, add a little water. The moisture in cooked lentils can vary.) Press down flat and place onto a plate. Make the rest of the patties.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the fritters and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Press down slightly once you flip them. Serve warm with desired dips.
- (To bake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and coat a baking pan with parchment paper. Add the patties and bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly browned.)
- (To air fry: Preheat to 375 degrees F. Place patties onto the tray and cook for 10-12 minutes. They will brown a little more if you spray the tops of each with olive oil before you cook.)
Equipment
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat for 15-30 seconds in the microwave to serve.
- You can cook the lentils from dry yourself or purchase fully cooked ones from your supermarket.
- Serve with a favorite dipping sauce like Cucumber Sauce, sour cream, tzatziki, or ketchup.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
This post was first published May 2020.
These were a hit with our whole fam (7 month old, 3 year old + parents. I’ll be whipping up a large batch for the freezer this weekend. They’re great plain and I’m going to add them to a red sauce as a meatball replacement too. Yum!
Hi Amy!
Can the brown lentils be replaced with chick peas?
Thank you!
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure, but let me know if you give it a try!
So I tried the falafel with chick peas instead of lentils and they were a little gummy and dense. I used canned chick peas and included some of the liquid from the can, but I might add it all next time.
Hi1 Thanks for the recipe. Cooking for 14 month twin boys. We love lentils so can’t wait to try this recipe out. Is it 2 cups cooked lentils or uncooked?
It’s 2 cups cooked (according to package directions). I will clarify that and I hope they enjoy them!
Can these be frozen at all?
Let them cool and then freeze them in a single layer or in layers with parchment in between in a zip top freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. They should be fine that way! They might be a little more delicate when you warm them from frozen.
What type of lentils do you use, since different types break down differently upon cooking? Brown?
Yes, regular brown ones!