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Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

crispy air fryer chickpeas - featured image

A quick and easy snack recipe featuring chickpeas tossed in bold spices and air fried to a satisfying crunch. Perfect for snacking or adding texture to salads and grain bowls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: chili powder for extra heat
  • Optional: lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil until evenly coated.
  4. Add smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the chickpeas. Mix well using a spatula or your hands to coat every chickpea evenly. Add chili powder or lemon zest if desired.
  5. Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring with tongs every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  7. Check for crispiness after 15 minutes. If needed, air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Transfer the chickpeas to a plate or baking sheet and let cool for about 5 minutes to allow them to crisp up further before serving.

Notes

Drying the chickpeas thoroughly is crucial for crispiness. Shake or stir the chickpeas every 5 minutes during air frying to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for best results. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container and can be refreshed by briefly air frying again.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chickpeas, crispy chickpeas, healthy snack, vegan snack, gluten-free snack, bold spices, quick snack