These air fryer chickpeas are tossed with oil and salt, then fried to crispy-crunchy perfection. If you’re looking for a healthy and addicting snack, this recipe is for you!
Did you know? Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are a nutritional powerhouse. They contain important nutrients like fiber, potassium, iron, and magnesium — just to name a few!
How To Make Air Fryer Chickpeas
Air frying is a wonderful way to make delicious snacks with minimal prep work and cooking time. Air-fried chickpeas are no exception — plus they’ll be done in only 20 short minutes!
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Transfer them to a paper towel lined plate and dry thoroughly.
- Season the chickpeas: Toss the chickpeas with oil and salt.
- Air fry the chickpeas: Cook the chickpeas at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through. Enjoy!
Flavor Variations
These chickpeas are irresistible as-is, but why not spice it up? Try any of these sweet or savory variations to create your ideal snack.
- Savory: Use your favorite seasonings — the options are endless. Go simple with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, or herbs. Or, jazz it up with garlic parsley salt, ranch seasoning, curry powder, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning.
- Sweet: Satisfy your sweet cravings by tossing the chickpeas with sugar and cinnamon. For a more complex flavor, add a dash of cardamom and coconut oil for a hint of the tropics.
Tips For the Crispiest Chickpeas
We’ll be honest — this is one of our simplest recipes ever. Nonetheless, we’ve compiled a few tips to set you up for oh-so-crispy success.
- Dry the chickpeas thoroughly. A dry surface crisps up better than a wet one. Pat the chickpeas until they are completely dry to decrease the likelihood of them becoming soggy. If you have the time, allow the chickpeas to air-dry — this is an even more foolproof method of ensuring they get crunchy.
- Remove the skins. Chickpea skins have a tendency to retain moisture and add an unpleasant texture. Simply squeeze each chickpea until the skin pops off. The skins are perfectly edible though, so feel free to leave them on if you prefer!
- Toss the chickpeas in oil. Fat encourages food to heat up faster, which contributes to the crispness. However, don’t go overboard — a little goes a long way. For a neutral flavor, use avocado oil or vegetable oil. To add flavor, go with olive oil, coconut oil, or even melted butter.
- Cook to your preferred level of crunch. Every air fryer is different, so experiment with the cook time. Start with 12 minutes, then add time as needed.
Ways To Serve
Air-fried chickpeas are the perfect vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein snack. We don’t blame you if you eat these by the handful! Add crispy chickpeas to your favorite salad or power bowl for a nutritional boost. If you made your chickpeas sweet, scatter them over a berry spinach salad or overnight oats. Otherwise, try them in your next broccoli cucumber and tomato salad, arugula avocado salad, or poke bowl.
Storage
Are you wondering how to store your crispy chickpeas? It’s simple! Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, and you’ve got a snack for any time of the day.
Hot tip: If you notice your chickpeas softening up after a few days, pop them into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs — Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside
- Air Fryer Calzones — Pizza pockets stuffed with mozzarella, sauce, and pepperoni
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob — A summer staple that can easily be air fried
- Air Fryer French Fries — Perfectly crispy French fries without all the oil
- Air Fryer Steak Bites — Caramelized beef and mushrooms
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Transfer them to a paper towel lined plate and dry thoroughly.
- Season the chickpeas with oil and salt.
- Add the chickpeas to the air fryer, cook at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket.
- Remove from the air fryer, enjoy.
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