Air-Fryer Roasted Chickpeas: A Healthy, Quick Snack

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack, but they can be time-consuming to make and often result in an inconsistent batch, with some chickpeas coming out crispy and others remaining soft. However, an air fryer can be used to make crispy roasted chickpeas in under 20 minutes, with far more consistent results.

How long to cook chickpeas in an air fryer

Roasting chickpeas in an air fryer is about twice as fast as making roasted chickpeas in the oven. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer you have and the moisture content of your beans.

To make roasted chickpeas in an air fryer, start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. Then, spread them on a kitchen towel and pat them dry. Transfer the chickpeas to a medium bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and spices of your choice. Toss to coat.

Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway, or until crispy. You can air fry at 400°F or 390°F / 200°C for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until crunchy.

If you want to add more spices, it is recommended to season the chickpeas after air frying. Pour the chickpeas into a bowl, spritz with olive oil, and season with spices while they are still hot.

How to season chickpeas

Seasoning chickpeas is a simple process that can be done in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chickpeas:

Firstly, start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. It is recommended to use canned chickpeas for convenience, but you can also cook your own. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chickpeas become crispy in the air fryer. While drying, you can also remove any loose skins from the chickpeas.

Next, transfer the chickpeas to a medium-sized bowl. Add extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. The oil helps the chickpeas brown and crisp up during cooking. You can also use olive oil spray instead of drizzling oil. Then, sprinkle sea salt or regular salt over the chickpeas. You can also add a pinch of your desired spices at this stage. Some popular spice options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning. You can also get creative and use spice blends such as fajita seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, or ranch seasoning.

After the chickpeas are coated with oil and spices, spread them evenly in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to crowd the chickpeas, as they need space for the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Preheat the air fryer to around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Cook the chickpeas for about 10-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the moisture content of the chickpeas, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once the chickpeas are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and taste them. You can add more salt and pepper, or other seasonings, to taste. Enjoy the seasoned chickpeas as a snack or sprinkle them over salads or grain bowls for a crunchy topping.

Storing seasoned chickpeas:

If you have any leftover seasoned chickpeas, you can store them in a loosely covered container or an open bowl at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 2 days. If they soften, you can re-crisp them by cooking them for a few minutes in a dry skillet or popping them back into the air fryer.

How to store roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven when they are at their crispiest. Once they cool off and are stored for some time, they will lose their crunch to a certain extent.

• Room temperature: Leaving roasted chickpeas out in the open at room temperature is the best way to store them. Place them in a bowl and lay a paper towel across the opening to keep random particles and critters away. They should last a couple of days with no problem.
• Glass containers: Roasted chickpeas can be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, leaving plenty of headroom in the jar. They will taste great for a day and will lose only part of their crispiness overnight.
• Plastic bags: This is not a good option for storing roasted chickpeas. Even after squeezing out all the air from the bag, the chickpeas will lose their crunch within an hour and will taste mildly stale.
• Storage time: Roasted chickpeas with dry spices can be stored for up to 4-5 days. If they are not seasoned, they can be stored for up to a week.

How to Keep Roasted Chickpeas Crispy

• Dry chickpeas thoroughly: Before roasting, dry the chickpeas very well with paper towels and then leave them in a colander to release any excess moisture. The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will be once roasted.
• Peel the chickpeas: The skins of chickpeas can hold some moisture underneath them, so peeling them off and drying them with a paper towel will help make the chickpeas crispier.
• Use a generous amount of olive oil: Do not skimp on the olive oil. The olive oil helps the chickpeas crisp up in the oven.
• High heat: Use a high heat setting, anywhere from 400°F to 450°F.
• Do not use parchment paper: Do not line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Instead, place the chickpeas directly on the sheet pan as the heated surface will crisp up the chickpeas better.
• Roast the chickpeas long enough: Do not pull the chickpeas out of the oven until they are golden brown and crunchy to your liking. This can be anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes, depending on your oven.
• Toss the chickpeas: Shake the pan and toss the chickpeas every 10 minutes so that all sides of the chickpeas have a chance to touch the heated surface.
• Let the chickpeas cool fully before storing: Glass jars are the best option for storing roasted chickpeas. Keep the lid somewhat loose to allow the chickpeas to breathe and keep them crispy for longer.
• Re-crisping chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas will lose their crisp after a couple of days. You can re-crisp them by simply putting them in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or so as needed.

The benefits of air frying chickpeas

Air frying chickpeas is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make a delicious snack. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to prepare chickpeas:

Quick and Easy

Air frying chickpeas is a convenient and time-saving method of preparation. It takes significantly less time than oven-roasting, with most recipes taking only around 15 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness. The air fryer's compact basket and constant circulation of hot air ensure even cooking and all-over crispiness. Plus, there's no need to dry the chickpeas beforehand, simplifying the process even further.

Healthy and Nutritious

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires less oil. The result is a crunchy, savory snack that can be seasoned to your liking.

Versatile

Air-fried chickpeas are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, or used as a crunchy topping for salads, grain bowls, or wraps. The possibilities for seasoning are endless, from spicy and savory to French or Italian herb blends. You can even make sweet cinnamon-sugar chickpeas for a tasty dessert option.

Budget-Friendly

A can of chickpeas is an affordable option, usually costing around a dollar. Preparing them in an air fryer is a cost-effective way to make a large batch of crunchy chickpeas, as opposed to buying packaged crispy chickpeas, which tend to be more expensive.

Set-It-and-Forget-It

Air frying chickpeas is a low-maintenance cooking method. Simply toss the chickpeas with oil and spices, pop them into the air fryer, and shake the basket occasionally. This hands-off approach allows you to multitask in the kitchen or prepare other dishes simultaneously.

How to dry chickpeas

To dry chickpeas, start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. Then, spread them out on a clean kitchen or paper towel and pat them dry. You can also let them air dry on a paper towel for about 45 minutes. Removing any loose skins from the outside of the chickpeas is also a good idea.

The importance of drying chickpeas before roasting them cannot be overstated. If you skip this step, your chickpeas won't crisp up in the air fryer or oven.

Frequently asked questions