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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) Chickpeas are the star of this snack. They have a firm texture and a nutty taste. You can find them in cans for quick use. Rinse them well to remove the canning liquid. This makes them healthier and tastier. Next, we use olive oil for flavor and crispness. It helps the spices stick to the chickpeas. I love using high-quality olive oil. It adds depth to the dish. Now, let’s talk seasonings. Garlic powder gives a savory kick. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. Ground cumin brings in a hint of earthiness. Sea salt and black pepper balance everything. If you like heat, cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Fresh cilantro, chopped Garnishes can make a big difference. Fresh parsley adds color and a slight bitterness. Cilantro brings a bright, fresh taste. You can use one or both, depending on what you like. They also make your dish look beautiful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} Recommended Temperature Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the chickpeas quickly for a crispy result. Importance of Preheating Preheating the air fryer is key. It ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden brown finish. Without preheating, your snack might end up soggy. Draining and Rinsing Open a can of chickpeas and drain them in a colander. Rinse them well under cold water to remove any canning liquid. This step helps to keep the flavor clean. Drying for Crispiness Spread the rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them dry thoroughly. The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will be after cooking. This is a crucial step for that perfect crunch. Coating Chickpeas In a large bowl, mix the dried chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss them until all the chickpeas are coated well. Air Frying Process Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chickpeas in a single layer in the basket. You might need to do this in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly. Check for a dark golden color and a crispy texture. Cooling Time After cooking, let the chickpeas cool for a few minutes. They will get even crispier as they cool down. Don't rush this step! Presentation Ideas Serve the crispy chickpeas in a bowl. You can garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. They make a great snack or a topping for salads. Enjoy your tasty and healthy treat! Drying Technique To get crisp chickpeas, drying is vital. After draining and rinsing, spread them on a clean towel. Pat them dry well. Any moisture left will make them soggy. You want the chickpeas bone dry for a great crunch. Avoiding Overcrowding Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you pack too many chickpeas in, they won’t cook evenly. Air needs space to flow. Fry in batches if needed. This small step can make a huge difference in texture. Additional Seasoning Options You can switch up the flavors. Try adding onion powder or chili powder for heat. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also work well. Experiment with your favorite spices. Each new mix brings a fresh twist. Cooking Adjustments Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer. Some models cook faster than others. Check chickpeas halfway through. If they look pale, give them a few more minutes. You want that golden color for the best flavor. Common Issues and Solutions Sometimes chickpeas won’t crisp up. This can happen if they were not dried enough. If they are still soft after cooking, try cooking them longer. Shake the basket often for even cooking. If they burn, lower the temperature a little. Each air fryer is different, so watch your batch closely. With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy air fryer chickpeas every time. Pro Tips Dry Chickpeas Well: Make sure to thoroughly dry the chickpeas after rinsing. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy in the air fryer. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more cayenne for extra heat or experiment with other spices like curry powder. Batch Cooking: If you have a small air fryer, cook the chickpeas in batches to ensure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 2 days. {{image_2}} Spicy Options You can spice up your chickpeas in many ways. For heat, try adding cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and add more if you like it hot. You can also use chili powder or smoked chili flakes. These will give your snack a nice kick. Sweet Alternatives If you prefer a sweet treat, swap out the spices. Use cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor. This creates a crunchy, sweet snack perfect for a movie night. Gluten-Free Options This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Chickpeas are a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. All your spices should also be gluten-free. Always check the labels to be sure. Vegan Considerations These crispy chickpeas are vegan, making them a great snack for all. The olive oil and chickpeas are plant-based. You can enjoy them without any animal products. Pairings with Dips Crispy air fryer chickpeas pair well with dips. Serve them with hummus or tzatziki for a tasty combo. You can also try guacamole or a yogurt dip. These add creaminess to the crunch. Snack or Meal Additions You can eat these chickpeas as a snack or add them to meals. Toss them on salads for extra crunch. You can also mix them into grain bowls for a healthy boost. Store your crispy air fryer chickpeas in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. It's best to store them at room temperature. If you have leftovers, divide them into portions. This makes it easy to grab a snack later. To keep your chickpeas crispy when reheating, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the chickpeas in the basket and heat for about 5 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. You can also use an oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and heat at the same temperature for similar results. Crispy air fryer chickpeas stay fresh for up to one week. Check for signs of spoilage. If they lose their crunch or smell off, it’s time to toss them. Storing them properly helps maintain their flavor and texture. Enjoy your snack while it's at its best! The best way to make chickpeas crispy starts with drying them. After draining and rinsing, spread them on a towel. Pat them dry until no moisture remains. Moisture makes them soggy. Next, coat them in olive oil and spices. I love using garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for heat. Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated. This mixture helps achieve that perfect crunch. Then, air fry them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This action helps them cook evenly, giving you that nice golden brown finish. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but the prep is different. First, soak them in water overnight. This step rehydrates them and softens them. After soaking, cook the chickpeas until tender. This usually takes 1-2 hours. Once cooked, drain and dry them just like canned chickpeas. Then, season and air fry them the same way. The flavor will be rich, and you'll love the texture. You can store crispy air fryer chickpeas for about 3-4 days. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep them crunchy. If you notice any softness, you might need to re-crisp them. Simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. This way, they stay tasty and fun to snack on! In this post, I shared how to make crispy air fryer chickpeas. We explored the key ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and seasonings. I walked you through each step, from preheating the air fryer to serving tips. We discussed ensuring crispiness and even added flavor twists. Remember, you can adjust seasonings to fit your taste. Store your chickpeas properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy this tasty snack that is easy and fun to make. I hope you love these chickpeas as much as I do!

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

A delicious and healthy snack made by air frying chickpeas until crispy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • to taste Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • While the air fryer is heating, drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly. Removing excess moisture is key to getting them crispy!
  • In a large bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chickpeas until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  • Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness—your chickpeas should be dark golden brown and crispy!
  • Once cooked, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
Keyword air fryer, chickpeas, healthy, snack