Air Fryer Chickpeas: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make a delicious, crunchy snack out of chickpeas. They are a healthy, high-protein alternative to crisps or crackers and are incredibly easy to make. All you need is a can of chickpeas, some spices, and an air fryer. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a batch of perfectly roasted, crispy chickpeas that are excellent for snacking on or adding to salads and bowls.

The key to getting crispy chickpeas is to ensure they are dry before putting them in the air fryer. You can pat them with a paper towel or kitchen towel, or even use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Then, simply toss the chickpeas in oil and your choice of seasoning, and air fry for 12-15 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a tasty, crunchy snack that's also healthy and budget-friendly, give air fryer chickpeas a go!

How to make chickpeas in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, cumin, salt, paprika, onion powder, etc.)

Method:

• Rinse and drain the chickpeas. For extra crispy chickpeas, dry them with paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel.
• Place the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Stir well until they are evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C).
• Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
• Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, transfer them to a bowl.
• Add your chosen spices and stir to coat the chickpeas.
• Enjoy as a snack or add to salads, soups, or bowls.

Tips:

• You can use any spices or seasoning blends you like. Try garlic herb seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, or a spice mix like Ranch, Dorito, or coconut curry.
• For best results, make sure the chickpeas are dry before adding them to the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chickpeas in batches if needed.
• Shake the air fryer basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• These chickpeas are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.

The best seasonings for air fryer chickpeas

Yes, you can put chickpeas in an air fryer! In fact, cooking chickpeas in an air fryer is a great way to make them crispy and crunchy. They are a healthy snack, a tasty salad topper, and are high in fiber and protein.

Now, onto the fun part: seasoning! The great thing about chickpeas is that they are a blank canvas for your creativity. You can use any combination of spices, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Ranch Seasoning

This is a popular choice for air fryer chickpeas. You can make your own ranch seasoning by combining:

• Dried dill
• Dried chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dorito Seasoning

For a fun twist, you can season your chickpeas to taste like Doritos! This seasoning includes:

• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt

Coconut Curry Seasoning

If you're feeling adventurous, try this unique and tasty combination:

• Unsweetened shredded coconut
• Curry powder
• Salt

Other Seasoning Ideas

• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Cayenne
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Sea salt

So, get your creative juices flowing, and don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Happy cooking!

How to make chickpeas crispy

How to Make Crispy Chickpeas in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, cumin, salt, paprika, onion powder, ranch seasoning)

Method

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• Dry the chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture will ensure the chickpeas get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
• Place the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Stir well until they are evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C).
• Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Check the chickpeas for doneness. They should be golden brown and have a slightly crispy texture. If not, add another 2-3 minutes of cooking time until they reach your desired level of crispness.
• Transfer the chickpeas to a bowl and add your chosen spices while they are still hot. The heat will help the spices stick to the chickpeas.
• Enjoy as a snack or add to salads or soups for a crunchy topping.

Tips:

• If you want extra crispy chickpeas, dry them with paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel before adding oil and seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chickpeas in batches if necessary.
• Shake the air fryer basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even browning.
• These crispy chickpeas are best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.

How to store air fryer chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas are a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack. They are also a great salad topper. Here are some tips on how to store them:

Storing Air Fryer Chickpeas

• Store the chickpeas in a jar or open container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you want to store them for longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them. However, note that refrigeration may affect their crunchiness.
• If the chickpeas get soft, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to make them crispy again.

What to serve with air fryer chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas are a delicious, healthy snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Salads

Air fryer chickpeas are a great addition to salads, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavour. Try them on a Kale Caesar salad, or sprinkle them over a spinach salad. They also work well as a high-protein topper for grain bowls.

Seasonings

Experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavour combinations. Some popular options include:

• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, dried parsley and dill)
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic salt
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Paprika
• Cayenne
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Nutritional yeast
• Cumin
• Chilli powder

Other Dishes

Air fryer chickpeas can also be used as a topping for roasted vegetables, pasta salad, soups, bowls or wraps. They can be a fun, crispy addition to many different meals.

Frequently asked questions