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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make crispy air fryer chickpeas, you need simple ingredients. Start with a can of chickpeas. These small legumes pack a punch of protein and fiber. Drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and improve taste. You want them clean and ready to soak up flavors. Next, grab some extra virgin olive oil. This will help the spices stick to the chickpeas and add a rich flavor. You can use other oils, but olive oil is my favorite for its health benefits. Now, let’s talk seasonings. You will need garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, fine sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Each of these makes your chickpeas pop with flavor! Garlic powder brings a nice aroma, while smoked paprika adds a touch of warmth. Cumin gives a hint of earthiness. If you like heat, include cayenne pepper. Lastly, don’t forget fresh parsley. This herb adds color and a burst of freshness when you serve your snack. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a tasty and healthy snack! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the chickpeas cook evenly. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes. - Draining and rinsing the chickpeas: Open a can of chickpeas (15 oz) and drain them well. Rinse them under cold water to remove any canning liquid. - Drying the chickpeas thoroughly: Spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry gently. This step is key to making them crispy. - Combining oil and spices: In a large mixing bowl, add the dried chickpeas. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. - Tossing until evenly coated: Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure each chickpea gets coated with the oil and spices. - Cooking temperature and time: Once your air fryer is preheated, place the chickpeas in the basket. Spread them in a single layer. Cook them for 12-15 minutes. - Shaking the basket for even crispiness: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently. This helps them brown and crisp evenly. - Resting the chickpeas post-cooking: After cooking, take the chickpeas out and let them rest for a few minutes. They will get even crunchier as they cool. To get the best crunch from your chickpeas, drying is key. After rinsing your chickpeas, place them on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them gently until they are dry. Any moisture left will make them soggy, so take your time here. Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer. If you pile too many chickpeas in, they won’t cook evenly. Instead, arrange them in a single layer. If needed, cook in small batches. This gives each chickpea room to crisp up nicely. For tasty chickpeas, don't be afraid to play with seasonings. The base recipe uses garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. You can also try new mixes. For a zesty twist, add lemon zest or some chili powder. Adding extra spices really boosts flavor. A pinch of curry powder or a splash of soy sauce can transform your snack. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. Experiment with fresh herbs or different spice blends. Your chickpeas can be whatever you want! Pro Tips Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly: Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the chickpeas after rinsing. This is key for achieving that perfect crunchy texture. Use the Right Seasonings: Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of your chickpeas. Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or different peppers for a spicy kick. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer. If you have a large batch, it's better to cook in smaller portions to ensure they crisp up nicely. Let Them Rest: After air frying, allow the chickpeas to rest for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, enhancing their crunchiness. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your crispy air fryer chickpeas easily. Here are some ways to try: - Italian Seasoning: Use dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic taste. - Curry Powder: Add a warm flavor with curry powder for a unique twist. - Taco Seasoning: Mix in taco spice for a fun kick. Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. Fresh parsley adds color and taste. You can also use fresh cilantro or dill. Dried spices give a strong flavor and are easy to store. Use what you like best for your snacks! You can cook chickpeas in many ways. If you don’t have an air fryer, try oven roasting. Here’s how: - Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Shake the pan halfway to ensure they cook evenly. Cooking times vary by method. Air frying takes about 12-15 minutes. Oven roasting takes longer, so keep an eye on them. Either way, you'll enjoy a tasty snack! To keep your leftover chickpeas fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up. If you have many leftovers, store them in smaller portions for easy snacking later. Store the chickpeas in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before eating. For longer storage, freeze the chickpeas in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To bring back the crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly. If you want to use leftover chickpeas in different ways, try adding them to salads or soups. You can also blend them into hummus for a tasty dip. They add a crunchy texture to grain bowls too. Get creative with your leftovers! To make crispy chickpeas, start by drying them well. After you drain and rinse them, spread them on a towel. Pat them dry gently. This step helps remove moisture that can make them soggy. Next, toss them with olive oil and spices. The oil helps with crisping. Make sure to coat each chickpea evenly. When cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many in, they won’t crisp up. Cook them in batches if needed. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This will help them brown evenly. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. First, soak them overnight in water. Then, cook them until tender. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. After cooking, drain and dry the chickpeas just like canned ones. You might need to adjust the cooking time in the air fryer. Start with 15-20 minutes and check for crispiness. The best seasonings for chickpeas include garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. These add depth and flavor. You can also try cayenne pepper for heat. If you want something different, try adding curry powder or Italian herbs. For a fresh twist, sprinkle with lemon zest or fresh herbs after cooking. You can create crispy, tasty chickpeas using just a few ingredients and steps. Start by prepping and seasoning the chickpeas. Remember, drying them well makes all the difference. Experiment with flavors by trying different spices or herbs. Whether using an air fryer or oven, both methods can lead to delicious snacks. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for future munching. Enjoy your new go-to snack and make it your own!

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

A crunchy and nutritious snack made from chickpeas, seasoned and air-fried to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
  • While the air fryer warms up, drain the chickpeas well and rinse them under cold running water. To remove excess moisture, spread them on a clean kitchen towel or use paper towels to gently pat them dry—this step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
  • In a sizable mixing bowl, add the thoroughly dried chickpeas. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until each chickpea is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation; if needed, cook them in batches to maintain crispiness.
  • Cook the chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to promote even browning and crispiness. Continue cooking until the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy to your preference.
  • After cooking, remove the crispy chickpeas from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, enhancing their delightful crunch.
  • Before serving, sprinkle the cooled chickpeas with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor, then savor your crunchy and nutritious snack!

Notes

Serve in a fun bowl or on a platter as an appetizer, or pack into snack-sized containers for a healthy on-the-go treat.
Keyword air fryer, chickpeas, healthy, snack