Air Fryer Chickpeas: Healthy, Crunchy, Quick!

Yes, you can fry chickpeas in an air fryer! They are a healthy, high-fibre snack and a great salad topper. They are also very low in calories, making them a good replacement for nuts or chips. You can use any spice combination you like – the possibilities are endless.

How to season fried chickpeas

Yes, you can fry chickpeas in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season fried chickpeas:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14-19 oz) of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1-2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, sea salt)

Method:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• Spread the chickpeas on a kitchen towel and pat them dry.
• Transfer the chickpeas to a medium-sized bowl.
• Drizzle the olive oil (or oil of your choice) over the chickpeas and sprinkle with your chosen spices. You can also add the oil and spices directly to the damp chickpeas in a sealed dish and shake until coated.
• Toss the chickpeas to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F.
• Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until crispy.
• Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
• Enjoy immediately or store in an open container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

You can also try different flavour combinations, such as:

• Cheesy Italian herb: Grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Ranch: Ranch seasoning, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Salt and vinegar: White vinegar, salt, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
• Curry: Melted coconut oil, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

How to dry chickpeas before frying

There are several ways to dry chickpeas before frying them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Rinse and Drain the Chickpeas:

Start by rinsing the desired amount of chickpeas in a colander or sieve under running water. Drain the excess water thoroughly.

Air-Dry the Chickpeas:

Spread the rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Allow them to air dry completely. This step is crucial, as moisture can affect the crispiness of the fried chickpeas.

Use a Salad Spinner (Optional):

If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a salad spinner to remove excess water from the chickpeas after rinsing. However, be cautious as some chickpeas may escape through the drainage holes.

Timing and Storage:

The drying process can take around 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the desired level of dryness. If you plan to dry the chickpeas ahead of time, ensure they are completely cool before storing them.

Seasoning (Optional):

Before frying, you can season the chickpeas with your choice of spices and oils. For example, olive oil, avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or any custom blend you prefer.

Air Frying:

Once the chickpeas are dry, you can proceed with air frying according to your preferred recipe. Note that some recipes may recommend skipping the drying step when using an air fryer, as it can still achieve crispiness without prior drying.

Remember, drying the chickpeas is an important step to ensure the best results when frying, so take the time to do it properly. Happy frying!

How to store fried chickpeas

Roasted or air-fried chickpeas are best stored at room temperature in a container that is not sealed shut. This allows air to circulate and any remaining moisture to evaporate, which will help to maintain the crunch of the chickpeas.

You can use a glass jar with the lid ajar, a bowl covered with a paper towel, or a paper bag. These methods will help to keep the chickpeas crispy for a couple of days.

If you want to store your fried chickpeas for longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, they will lose their crispiness and become soft. To restore the crunch, you can put them back into the air fryer at 400°F for up to 3 minutes.

How to re-crisp fried chickpeas

To re-crisp fried chickpeas, you can cook them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, or put them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• Dry the chickpeas thoroughly on a paper towel, kitchen towel, or in a salad spinner. This step is important as it ensures the chickpeas become crispy.
• Add oil and your desired seasoning to the chickpeas. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other light oil with a high smoke point. For seasoning, you can use salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or any other spices of your choice.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• If desired, add more seasoning to taste after cooking.
• Enjoy the chickpeas as a snack or use them as a salad topper.

Note: It is recommended to eat the crispy chickpeas immediately as they tend to get soggy within an hour. If you have leftovers, you can store them in a loosely covered container or a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they may not stay as crispy.

How to choose an oil for frying chickpeas

Frying chickpeas in an air fryer is a great way to make a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack. When choosing an oil to fry your chickpeas, there are several factors to consider, such as the oil's smoke point, flavour, and health benefits. Here are some tips to help you select the best oil for frying chickpeas in your air fryer:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it starts to burn and produce smoke. For frying, it is essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from smoking and giving your food an unpleasant taste. Oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and canola or vegetable oil. These oils are suitable for frying chickpeas and can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without breaking down.

Flavour

Different oils can impart unique flavours to your fried chickpeas. For example, avocado oil has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the spices you use. In contrast, olive oil can add a fruity or peppery note, depending on the variety, enhancing the taste of your chickpeas. Coconut oil also has a distinct flavour and aroma that can complement the spices used in fried chickpea recipes.

Health Benefits

When choosing an oil for frying, consider the health benefits of different options. Coconut oil, for instance, is known for its health benefits, including supporting brain, heart, and immune health. Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthier type of fat. Additionally, avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, making it a nutritious choice.

Experiment with Different Oils

You can experiment with various oils to find the one that best suits your taste and health preferences. Some people prefer using a neutral-flavoured oil like avocado oil as a base and then adding a small amount of flavoured oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, to enhance the flavour without overwhelming the other spices.

Tips for Frying Chickpeas

• Dry your chickpeas thoroughly before frying to ensure they get crispy.
• Season the chickpeas after frying to prevent the spices from burning.
• Store crispy chickpeas in an open container or paper bag to maintain their crispness.
• Don't double the recipe; instead, make multiple batches with different seasonings.

Frequently asked questions