Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that's easy to make and full of flavor? These Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are the perfect solution! Coated in a blend of olive oil and spices and then air-fried to crispy perfection, these chickpeas are incredibly addictive. Whether you're looking for a crunchy quick snack to enjoy on its own or a flavorful topping for salads and bowls, these chickpeas are sure to satisfy.
I love making these Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas! They're a flavorful and crunchy snack that's incredibly easy to whip up. The seasoning blend makes them irresistible, but you can swap out the seasonings to create different flavor profiles, making them perfect for any craving. Plus, they're vegetarian, gluten-free, and low in carbs, making them a great healthy snack option that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger.
If you are unsure if you like chickpeas, I promise you these are so different from chickpeas straight out of the can. The air fryer transforms them into little golden nuggets of flavor with the perfect crunch. This high-protein snack is great for munching on between meals or as a crunchy topping for salads or bowls.
Crispy chickpeas are easy to make, affordable and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a snack that's not only delicious but also nutritious.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans, these legumes are the star of the recipe. You can use a can of chickpeas for convenience, or cook your own from dried chickpeas if you prefer.
- Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the spices adhere to the chickpeas. Substitute with your favorite light, neutral flavored cooking oil like avocado oil or another one of your favorites. One tablespoon of oil is all upi need for the whole batch.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of the chickpeas. You can use kosher salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, or whatever salt you have on hand.
- Paprika – Paprika adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chickpeas. Use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
- Garlic – Adds a savory flavor to the chickpeas.
- Cumin – Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chickpeas. If you don't have cumin, you can omit it or substitute with a spice like chili powder or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Drain the canned chickpeas and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Combine the spices and oil in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
3. Add the chickpeas to the seasoning mix and toss to coat well.
4. Air fry chickpeas for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Hint: Maintain a single layer in the air fryer and toss the garbanzo beans halfway through cooking for even color and crispiness.
Variations
- Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix for a spicy kick.
- Herb Roasted Chickpeas – Use dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead of the paprika and cumin for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Lemon Pepper – Use lemon zest and black pepper for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Curry Chickpeas – Use curry powder instead of the paprika and cumin for a flavorful Indian twist.
- Sweet and Spicy – Add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the spice mix for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- BBQ Chickpeas – Use your favorite BBQ seasoning blend for a smoky and sweet flavor.
If you like healthy snacks made in the air fryer also try my Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips.
Equipment
The air fryer is the perfect tool for making Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas because it allows you to achieve a crispy texture with just a little oil. The circulating hot air cooks the chickpeas evenly, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a tender interior. Plus, the air fryer cooks quickly, making it a great option for a delicious snack. The best type of air fryer for this recipe is one that has a large enough basket to fit the chickpeas in a single layer, allowing them to crisp up evenly.
Storage
Cool completely before transferring the crucnchy chickpeas to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal crispness. If they start to lose their crunch, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive them. It's best not to refrigerate them as the moisture can make them lose their crispness.
Air Frying Tips
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the chickpeas after rinsing and draining them. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy.
- Preheat your air fryer if necessary to help the seasoned chickpeas crisp up quickly.
- For great results, spread the chickpeas out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Shake the basket or stir the chickpeas halfway through cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.
- Keep an eye on the chickpeas towards the end of cooking, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Cook time can vary with different air fryers.
- Allow the crisp chickpeas to cool completely before storing them to maintain their crispiness.
- If the chickpeas lose their crispness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make a delicious and satisfying snack on their own or I serve them on my Vegan Charcuterie Board, perfect for munching on while watching a movie or as a healthier alternative to chips. You can also serve them as part of a spread of appetizers for a tasty and crunchy addition. Another great way to enjoy these chickpeas is as a salad topper for my Classic House Salad recipe. Combine them with homemade baked sourdough croutons for an added burst of flavor and texture. Get creative and try them in wraps, sandwiches, or even sprinkled over Creamy Potato Leek Soup for an extra crunch!
FAQ
Yes, you can use dry chickpeas, but you will need to cook them first. Soak the dried chickpeas overnight, then cook them until tender before using in this recipe.
Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Yes, these chickpeas are a healthy snack option. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious choice.
You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook them in batches if needed.
Yes, you can bake Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through cooking, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy.
If you like this Air Fried Chickpeas recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce can chickpeas drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F for 5 minutes if necessary. Drain the chickpeas well and blot dry with paper towels. This will allow the oil and spices to stick better.
- In a medium size bowl, mix olive oil, salt and remaining spices. Whisk until smooth. Place the chickpeas in a bowl and stir thoroughly but gently until well coated.
- Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the chickpeas for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Halfway through cooking time shake the basket or turn so that chickpeas get brown on all sides. Cool slightly before serving. Season with extra salt if necessary.
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Leave a Reply