Roasting Chickpeas In An Air Fryer: Easy, Healthy Snacking

Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are a great alternative to oven-roasted chickpeas, as they are crispier, take less time to cook, and are more budget-friendly. The air fryer's dry air helps to quickly dry the chickpeas, making them extra crispy without the need for an oven. The cooking time is also reduced to 10-15 minutes, compared to 45 minutes in the oven. You can season them with olive oil and sea salt or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Parmesan cheese.

How long to roast chickpeas in an air fryer

Roasting chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crunchy, and healthy snack. The length of time it takes to roast chickpeas in an air fryer depends on the air fryer brand and size, but generally, it takes between 12 to 15 minutes at 380-400°F.

Firstly, it is important to start with dry chickpeas. Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas and let them dry on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing the skins from the chickpeas is optional.

Then, transfer the chickpeas to a medium bowl and toss with olive oil, and salt, and/or spices of your choice. It is recommended to season the chickpeas after roasting, as seasoning them beforehand can result in burnt spices. However, some recipes suggest adding half of the seasoning two minutes before the chickpeas are done.

Next, spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. The chickpeas are ready when they are crunchy and golden brown.

If you want your chickpeas to be extra crispy, you can dry them well on paper towels and leave them out for an hour before cooking.

If your leftover chickpeas get soft, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

How to season air-fried chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 1 can (19 oz or 15 oz) of chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon of oil (olive, avocado, or any neutral-tasting oil)
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, etc.)

Instructions:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas. There is no need to dry them completely, but you can pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Toss the chickpeas with the oil and spices. Ensure that the chickpeas are well-coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F/200°C or 400°F, depending on the model.
• Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket as the chickpeas need space to get crispy.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Once the chickpeas are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
• Store the air-fried chickpeas in an open container or jar at room temperature. They will stay crispy for a few days but will gradually soften as they absorb moisture from the air.

Seasoning Ideas:

You can get creative with the spices and seasonings you use. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill)
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Fajita seasoning
• Sea salt and olive oil

The best oil for roasting chickpeas in an air fryer

Roasting chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, crunchy, and delicious snack.

Best Oils for Roasting Chickpeas in an Air Fryer

• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without burning. It also coats the chickpeas well without weighing them down.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This oil helps chickpeas brown and crisp up as they cook.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral-flavoured oil like vegetable oil will work just fine and help the chickpeas crisp up.
• Canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and can be used to coat the chickpeas without burning them.

Tips for Roasting Chickpeas in an Air Fryer

• Dry the chickpeas: It is important to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before adding oil and seasoning. This will ensure they get crispy. You can use paper towels or a kitchen towel to pat them dry.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure the chickpeas are in a single layer and not crowded in the basket. This allows hot air to contact them on all sides and get them crispy.
• Shake the basket regularly: Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure the chickpeas cook evenly.
• Season after cooking: It's best to season the chickpeas after cooking, as seasoning them beforehand can cause the spices to burn.

Recipe

• Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas.
• Dry the chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
• Heat air fryer to 380-400°F / 190-200°C.
• Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of oil over the chickpeas and toss to coat.
• Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
• When the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, they're ready!
• Season with salt and any additional spices of your choice.

Enjoy your crispy, roasted chickpeas as a snack or salad topper!

How to store air-fried chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later if needed.

If you have leftover air-fried chickpeas, you can store them in a loosely covered container or a jar at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be stored in an open bowl or jar to keep them crisp. If they soften, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

For longer-term storage, you can keep air-fried chickpeas in a jar at room temperature for up to a week.

It is important to note that air-fried chickpeas will slowly absorb moisture from the air and get a little soft over time, similar to how a cracker becomes stale. So, it is best to eat them fresh if possible to enjoy the maximum crispiness.

Whether to use dry or canned chickpeas

When roasting chickpeas in an air fryer, you can use either dry or canned chickpeas. However, it is important to note that dry chickpeas require additional preparation before they can be cooked in the air fryer. Here is a detailed comparison of using dry versus canned chickpeas:

Using Dry Chickpeas:

• Preparation: Before using dry chickpeas, they need to be soaked, cooked, and dried. This involves an overnight soak in salted water, followed by cooking in a pot of salted water for around an hour, and finally drying on a baking sheet lined with a towel. The whole process can take up to 18 hours.
• Pros: Dry chickpeas are usually cheaper than canned chickpeas, and you can control the amount of salt added during the cooking process.
• Cons: The preparation time is significantly longer than canned chickpeas, and there is an additional step of cooking the chickpeas before they can be roasted in the air fryer.

Using Canned Chickpeas:

• Preparation: Canned chickpeas are already cooked and only require rinsing, draining, and drying before being placed in the air fryer. This process can be done in under an hour.
• Pros: Canned chickpeas are more convenient and quicker to prepare. They are also a good option if you don't have access to an oven or stove for cooking dry chickpeas.
• Cons: Canned chickpeas may be more expensive, and you have less control over the amount of salt in the chickpeas.

In conclusion, both dry and canned chickpeas can be used for roasting in an air fryer. The decision between the two comes down to your time and budget constraints. If you are short on time and don't mind the additional cost, canned chickpeas are a convenient option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option and don't mind the longer preparation time, dry chickpeas might be the better choice.

Frequently asked questions