How to Roast Lentils (Instructions & Recipe)

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Crispy roasted lentils–the most delicious plant-based protein side! How to Roast Lentils perfectly for a crispy snack, side dish, or topping. No more mushy lentils. This foolproof recipe transforms this high-protein food into a crispy and delicious ingredient.

Crispy roasted lentils on a white baking sheet.

Use roasted lentils in salads, veggie bowls, and pasta, or for a crouton-like topping for dips and soups. I use these as a topping for my High-Protein Vegan Artichoke Dip for a high-protein snack. Or add them to this 10-minute High-Protein Miso Bowl for even more protein.

It's a good idea to meal prep roasted lentils for the week to enhance your meals with a boost of healthy, plant-based protein. Even kids love this recipe!

These crispy lentils were inspired by my 3-step oven or air fryer recipe for the best Crispy Roasted Chickpeas, and by the only recipe for cooking tempeh you will ever need!

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🍋 Substitutions
📖 How to Roast Lentils
✔️ Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽️ Related Recipes
🥙 Pairing
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Cooked lentils in a large sieve on a wooden cutting board next to chopped parsley and a head of garlic.

Lentils (French, or any green or brown lentils)
Olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar
Spices and seasonings

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍋 Substitutions

Vegetable broth - For even more flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the lentils.
Olive oil - Use olive oil for the crispiest roasted lentils. For oil-free, use a dash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Seasoning - Use salt-free seasoning, salt substitute, or table salt as desired. Add garlic powder, paprika, chipotle powder, or the desired seasonings.

For more healthy protein side dishes, visit my High-Protein Vegan recipes page.

📖 How to Roast Lentils

For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.

Cooked green lentils in a stainless steel saucepan with water and a large spoon.

Step 1: Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear. Transfer them to a saucepan with water or broth to cover by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are al dente (firm but cooked).

Cooked green lentils draining in a large mesh sieve over a glass bowl.

Step 2: Drain the lentils using a large mesh sieve. Rinse under running cold water. Shake them in the sieve to drain well.

Cooked lentils on a baking sheet with spices and olive oil.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Transfer the lentils to a large rimmed baking sheet. (You may need two baking sheets.) Add a drizzle of oil and a generous dash of seasonings. Toss the lentils until evenly coated.

Step 4: Roast the lentils for about 20 minutes, or until crispy, tossing them after 10 minutes.

Dal, chopped cilantro, farro, tomatoes, and pickled carrot strips in a white bowl.

Storage: Store roasted lentils in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Add crispy lentils to your meals to increase protein, fiber, and iron.

High-protein quinoa bowl with pickled carrots and yogurt sauce in a white bowl.

Try this antioxidant-packed High-Protein Roasted Lentils & Quinoa Bowl recipe on my site. It's made with roasted lentils and is perfect for meal prep!

✔️ Expert Tips

Cook the lentils until al dente. Do not overcook them or they will not get as crispy. Cook them in low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for even more flavor.
Canned lentils (previously cooked) can be used to save time but the texture from roasting is not quite as crispy. Rinse, drain, and dry them well between the layers of a kitchen towel or paper towel before using.
Spread the lentils onto the baking sheet in an even layer for best results. You may need two baking sheets.
Storage: Refrigerate roasted lentils in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What are the health benefits of lentils?

This study looked at the antioxidants in ten different types of legumes, and lentils had the most. This might be because they are small and have many nutrients in their outer layer.
When tested in a lab to see if they could stop cholesterol from reacting with oxygen, lentils outperformed other legumes. This makes lentils a good choice for heart health and preventing cancers.

Does roasting lentils reduce their protein content?

Most proteins are denatured when heated, and this change usually can't be undone. When a protein is denatured, it means it has been slightly broken apart or its shape has been altered. Denaturation happens when a protein is exposed to unusual conditions like heat, acid, high salt concentrations, alcohol, or shaking. When a protein denatures, its complex folded structure unravels, turning it back into a long chain of amino acids.
Does this mean the protein is less effective because it is broken down or changed? No, not necessarily. Cooking might change how the protein works in your body, but it doesn't change the macro content.

Why are my lentils not crispy?

A little oil goes a long way in getting your lentils crispy. Add a drizzle for the most delicious crispy lentils.
Plus, do not overcook the lentils before roasting them. They should be firm but edible. Make sure to spread them out onto the baking sheet, or use two baking sheets as needed, so the hot air can pass evenly between the layers, getting them even crispier.