These crispy air fryer chickpeas are well seasoned, crunchy, and perfect for a snack or enjoyed as a salad topper in this Kale Salad Recipe.
These crunchy air fryer chickpeas are a great source of protein for a quick snack post-workout or to add volume to a vegetarian dish.
⭐ Looking for more chickpea recipes? Try our hearty Cauliflower Chickpea Curry quick Mediterranean Salad, or Chickpea Burger next!
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Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
- Chickpeas - I’ve used canned chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), which should be drained and rinsed. If you decide to use dry chickpeas, I recommend soaking them in water for 24 hours. And cooking them until almost done before air frying.
- Seasoning - Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, salt and black pepper are used to season the chickpeas. You can easily adapt these spices to make different seasoning blends that suit your flavor preferences.
- Olive oil - Use high-quality olive oil to coat the can of chickpeas. The oil is necessary for the spices to adhere to the air-fried chickpeas. Another neutral-tasting oil can be used, such as avocado oil.
📋 JULIA'S TIP Don't be shy with your seasonings. Chili powder and cayenne pepper can also be used for a kick of heat. Bagel seasoning, taco seasoning, curry powder, or even cinnamon sugar (for a sweeter alternative) will taste incredible.
Instructions
In a medium bowl combine olive oil and spices.
Add chickpeas and toss until fully covered in the mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and once ready, air fry chickpeas for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Don't miss these healthy snacks next: honey roasted pumpkin seeds and kale chips.
Recommended Equipment
- Air Fryer Basket Liners
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight Foodc ontainers
- Mixing Bowls
- Ninja Foodi
- Air Fryer Cosori - mine is 5.8 quart
📋 JULIA'S TIP If you don't have an air fryer, add the chickpeas with a little bit of oil and spice blend in a single layer to a baking sheet and roast in the oven. About 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until crunchy.
Tips
- If you like a spicy kick, skip the spices listed in the recipe and use cajun seasoning instead!
- Eliminate excess water from the chickpeas by patting them dry with paper towels once the canned chickpeas have been drained and rinsed. If chickpeas will be wet they will not crisp up in the air fryer.
- Chickpeas are generally quite bland as is, which is why it’s important to season them generously.
- While the air fryer can cook the chickpeas without the addition of oil, I’ve found the coating of olive oil helps to achieve very crispy and flavorful chickpeas and also helps the seasoning and spices stick to the chickpeas.
- For best results, shake the air fryer basket or toss the chickpeas with a spoon every 5-10 minutes while cooking to ensure that all sides of the chickpeas are exposed to hot air for a maximum crispy texture.
- Chickpeas do have a tendency to turn from crispy to burnt quickly, so it’s worth checking on the crunchy chickpeas during the cooking time.
- Allowing the chickpeas to cool for a few minutes in the air fryer basket before removing them will assist in a crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soggy. It’s also good to allow them to cool slightly before adding them to other ingredients such as a leafy green salad like this Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Tahini Dressing.
- These crispy chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to be enjoyed the next day.
- Or you can toast the chickpeas in a skillet - get the instructions from this Chickpea Salad recipe.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Store them at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you need to refresh their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. But it is best to consume right away, as fresh (and crisp) as they come.
FAQs
Yes! If you’ve decided to use dry chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas, it’s best to soak the dried chickpeas in water for about 24 hours before cooking them in the air fryer. And then you'll need to still cook them until almost done before air frying. Without soaking, the chickpeas won’t be cooked through adequately.
Chickpeas will pop in the air fryer if there is any excess moisture inside the chickpeas. As the chickpeas heat, the moisture inside will steam and need to escape from the chickpeas which cause the “popping”. To prevent the chickpeas from popping, make sure to pat the chickpeas dry, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook using the temperature instructed.
If the chickpeas are not crispy by the end of the cooking time, it could be due to overcrowding the air fryer basket which will cause the chickpeas to steam. Excess moisture in the chickpeas can also result in soft chickpeas.
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. Air frying the chickpeas is although a healthy way to cook them since less oil can be used in this cooking method. As with any food, eating chickpeas in moderation is key for a healthy and balanced diet.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Chickpeas (Crispy!)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium bowl combine olive oil and spices. Add chickpeas and toss until fully covered in the mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and once ready, air fry chickpeas for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
NOTES
- Chickpeas do have a tendency to turn from crispy to burnt quickly, so it’s worth checking on the crunchy chickpeas during the cooking time.
- These crispy chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to be enjoyed the next day.
- Why are my roasted chickpeas not crispy? If the chickpeas are not crispy by the end of the cooking time, it could be due to overcrowding the air fryer basket which will cause the chickpeas to steam. Excess moisture in the chickpeas can also result in soft chickpeas.
- How healthy are roasted chickpeas? Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. Air frying the chickpeas is although a healthy way to cook them since less oil can be used in this cooking method.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Crunchy chickpeas made in 15 minutes in air fryer - ton of flavor and perfect not only in salads but for easy quick snack