Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe

Introduction

Crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer chickpeas make an irresistible snack or salad topping. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re a simple way to enjoy a healthy, protein-packed treat with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of cumin for earthiness

Instructions

1. Step 1: After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. The drier they are, the crispier they will become.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Place the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: For extra crispiness, cook for a few additional minutes as needed.
6. Step 6: Remove the chickpeas and let them cool for 5 minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crunchy texture, try removing the skins from the chickpeas before cooking.
• Experiment with different spices like curry powder, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for varied flavors.
• Use these chickpeas as a crunchy salad topping or a flavorful addition to grain bowls.

Storage

Store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness. Avoid refrigerating as it may make them soggy. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore crunch if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but dry chickpeas need to be soaked overnight and cooked before using. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before air frying to achieve crispiness.

What if my chickpeas aren’t crispy enough?

Make sure the chickpeas are very dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also cook them a few minutes longer, shaking the basket regularly for even crisping.

Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe

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4.4 from 54 reviews

This Air Fryer Chickpeas recipe delivers a crunchy, flavorful snack using simple pantry ingredients. Crispy on the outside with a tender center, these chickpeas are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders, making them a perfect healthy snack or salad topping. Ready in under 20 minutes, air frying ensures they get crisp without excess oil.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Chickpeas

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of cumin for earthiness

Instructions

1. Dry the chickpeas: After rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly, pat them dry using a paper towel. The key to achieving maximum crispiness is removing as much moisture as possible from the chickpeas.
2. Season the chickpeas: In a mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices like cayenne or cumin. Mix until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the chickpeas cook evenly and become crispy.
4. Air fry the chickpeas: Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to cook all sides evenly.
5. Cool and crisp: Once cooked, transfer the chickpeas to a plate and let them cool for 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to crisp up even further, enhancing their crunchy texture.

Notes

• Be sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before seasoning to ensure they become crispy.
• Shaking the basket during cooking prevents burning and promotes even crisping.
• Adjust air frying time for your preferred level of crispiness; cook longer for extra crunch.
• These chickpeas make a great topping for salads, soups, or enjoyed as a healthy snack.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer chickpeas, crispy chickpeas, healthy snack, vegan snack, roasted chickpeas