Air Fryer Chickpeas: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option

Air fryers are a great way to cook chickpeas. They cut the cooking time down from 45 minutes to 10-15 minutes, and the chickpeas turn out crispier than if you were to cook them in the oven. You can use canned chickpeas, which you should drain and rinse, and then toss with a little oil and seasoning. You can also cook your own chickpeas in an Instant Pot. The exact timing can vary based on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans.

How long to cook chickpeas in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chickpeas in an air fryer. The cooking time is significantly shorter than in an oven, taking between 10 and 15 minutes. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans.

To cook chickpeas in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil and spices. You can use avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil, but avoid using a rub with sugar as it may burn. Dump the whole batch of chickpeas in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking a couple of times. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

When the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and taste. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Store air-fried chickpeas in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can soften over time.

How to season chickpeas for an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chickpeas in an air fryer. To season them, you will need to drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then pat them dry with paper towels. Next, toss the chickpeas with olive oil and spices. You can use avocado oil if you prefer, as it has a high smoke point. It is advised to avoid using a rub with sugar, as this can burn.

Once seasoned, place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times. The exact timing can vary based on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans, so don't hesitate to go longer if needed. When the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and add more salt and pepper to taste.

Air-fried chickpeas can be stored in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they may soften over time.

The best oil to use for air fryer chickpeas

Yes, you can cook chickpeas in an air fryer. To make them crispy, toss the chickpeas in a little oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer.

Avocado oil is a good choice because it has a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil also works well.

How to store air-fried chickpeas

Yes, you can cook chickpeas in an air fryer. To store air-fried chickpeas, place them in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to two days. They can soften over time.

To cook the chickpeas, heat the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C. Drain and rinse the chickpeas (no need to dry). Toss with olive oil and spices. Dump the whole batch of chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking a couple of times. When the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, taste and add more salt and pepper to taste.

The best air fryer to use for cooking chickpeas

Yes, you can cook chickpeas in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer works incredibly well for toasting chickpeas and cuts the cooking time down significantly. For example, cooking chickpeas in an air fryer takes 10-15 minutes, whereas cooking them in an oven takes 45 minutes.

Most air fryers can easily fit a 14-ounce can of chickpeas in a single layer. However, if you have a smaller air fryer, or if you’re cooking a larger batch, you may need to work in batches. The exact timing can vary based on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans.

To cook chickpeas in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C. Drain and rinse chickpeas (no need to dry). Toss with olive oil and spices. Dump the whole batch of chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking a couple of times. When chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, taste and add more salt and pepper to taste.

You can store air-fried chickpeas in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can soften with time.

Frequently asked questions