Crunchy, flavorful Air Fryer Chickpeas make a perfect snack or salad topper! Easy to make with your favorite spices in just 15 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas—The Perfect Healthy Snack in Minutes!
If you’re craving a crunchy, healthy snack, you’ve got to whip up some Air Fryer Chickpeas! I make these all the time, and they’re super easy to customize based on what flavors you’re in the mood for. Just grab a 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinse them off, and dry them well. Toss them in the air fryer with a spritz of olive oil and your favorite spices—maybe some zesty garlic or a kick of Cajun seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas
1. Dry the Chickpeas: After rinsing the chickpeas, make sure to let them dry completely. You can pat them with a paper towel or let them air dry for a few minutes. This helps ensure they get super crispy when air-fried.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer: Transfer the dried chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly.
3. Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the chickpeas for about 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket every 5 minutes to help them cook evenly. You want them golden brown on the outside and crunchy on the inside.
4. Season: Once the chickpeas are hot and crispy, transfer them to a bowl. While they’re still warm, spritz them with olive oil spray and toss immediately with your favorite seasoning.
5. Season: Once the chickpeas are hot and crispy, transfer them to a bowl. While they’re still warm, spritz them with olive oil spray and toss immediately with your favorite seasoning.
Tips and Tricks
- Shake the Basket: Don’t forget to shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes! This ensures all sides of the chickpeas get evenly crispy.
- Dry Completely: Make sure your chickpeas are fully dry before placing them in the air fryer. This prevents any sogginess and ensures a great crunchy texture.
- Adjust the Cooking Time: Every air fryer is a bit different, so check your chickpeas around the 12-minute mark. If they’re not crunchy enough, add a couple more minutes, but don’t let them burn!
- Spice After Air Frying: Always season the chickpeas right after air frying while they’re still warm. This helps the spices adhere better and brings out their full flavor.
- Add Them to Other Dishes: These crispy chickpeas aren’t just a snack! Sprinkle them on top of soups, grain bowls, or even tacos for an extra crunch.
Benefits of This Recipe
Important Things About This Recipe
- Best Served Fresh: These Air Fryer Chickpeas are best enjoyed on the same day they’re made to keep that perfect crunch.
- Air Fryer Size Matters: If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chickpeas in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make them soggy.
- Endless Seasoning Options: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spice combinations! From smoky to spicy to tangy, the possibilities are endless.
- Snack or Salad Topper: This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can eat them as a standalone snack or use them as a topping for other dishes.
- Simple and Quick: With minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a healthy snack without much effort.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 15- ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- Extra virgin olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon dried spices of your choice such as Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, blackened seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, za’atar, etc.
Instructions
- Dry the Chickpeas: After rinsing the chickpeas, make sure to let them dry completely. You can pat them with a paper towel or let them air dry for a few minutes. This helps ensure they get super crispy when air-fried.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Transfer the dried chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly.
- Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the chickpeas for about 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket every 5 minutes to help them cook evenly. You want them golden brown on the outside and crunchy on the inside.
- Season: Once the chickpeas are hot and crispy, transfer them to a bowl. While they’re still warm, spritz them with olive oil spray and toss immediately with your favorite seasoning.
- Serve: Let the chickpeas cool down to room temperature, then enjoy them as a snack, or sprinkle them over salads or grain bowls for a little extra crunch!
Notes
- Seasoning Variety: You can use any seasoning you like for this recipe! Try experimenting with flavors like curry powder, smoked paprika, or even a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend for a unique twist. The key is to toss the chickpeas while they’re still hot to help the seasoning stick.
- Storage Tip: If you don’t eat all the chickpeas right away, store them in an airtight container. They should stay crunchy for a couple of days, but they are best eaten fresh on the same day.
- Customization: Want a little more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your spice mix for some heat! Or if you prefer something tangier, a squeeze of lime juice after air frying works wonders.
- Oil-Free Option: If you’re trying to cut back on oil, you can omit the olive oil spray. Just know that they might not be quite as crunchy without that extra spritz of oil, but they’ll still be delicious!
- Oven Alternative: No air fryer? No problem! You can roast the chickpeas in an oven at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, shaking them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Nutritional Details (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
