Air-Fryer Chickpeas: Quick, Easy, And Healthy?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy chickpeas, a healthy, crunchy snack. They are also a great salad topper, adding a nice bite to your bowl. You can use any spice combination you like, from ranch seasoning to Parmesan cheese, and even a Dorito-inspired seasoning. The key to crispy chickpeas is to ensure they are dry before you start, and to shake the basket regularly during cooking.

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:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Transfer them to a plate or bowl lined with paper towels and let them dry completely.
• Place the chickpeas in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle or spray with olive oil and add your desired spices. Toss until the chickpeas are well coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
• When the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, they are ready. Transfer them to a bowl and spritz or drizzle with olive oil. Add more seasoning to taste and toss to coat.
• Enjoy as a snack or add to your favourite salad or bowl!

Tips:

• For extra crispy chickpeas, dry them with paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel before adding oil and spices.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the air fryer basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even browning and crispness.
• If your chickpeas get soft, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.
• Get creative with your spices! Try ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, or a spicy blend like Cajun or curry powder.

The best type of chickpeas to use

When making air fryer chickpeas, it is best to use dry chickpeas to ensure maximum crispiness. While it is possible to use canned chickpeas, you will need to ensure that they are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer.

To dry canned chickpeas, spread them out on a clean dish towel or several paper towels and let them air dry for at least an hour. You can also use a salad spinner to remove excess water, but you may lose a few chickpeas depending on the design of your spinner.

Once your chickpeas are dry, you can toss them with olive oil and your desired spices. Some popular spice combinations include:

• Za'atar
• Ranch seasoning
• Dorito seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Blackened seasoning
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Zatar
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne

After your chickpeas have been spiced, place them in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 380-400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are crunchy and golden brown.

The best oil to use

When making crispy air fryer chickpeas, the best oils to use are those with a high smoke point. A high smoke point means that the oil can be heated to high temperatures without burning. This is important in an air fryer, which cooks food at temperatures of around 400°F / 200°C.

Avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil are two oils with high smoke points that are recommended for use in an air fryer. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 400°F / 204°C, while extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of 375°F / 190°C.

Other oils with high smoke points include peanut oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.

It's important to note that the type of oil you use can affect the taste of your chickpeas. For example, avocado oil has a neutral flavour, while extra virgin olive oil has a more distinct taste.

Some recipes also suggest using an oil spray or spritzing the chickpeas with oil, rather than tossing them in oil. This can help to ensure that the chickpeas are evenly coated without using too much oil.

How to season chickpeas

Preparing chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chickpeas in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

Start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. Removing any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas is also recommended. It is important to ensure that the chickpeas are completely dry before cooking, as this will help them get crispy in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Chickpeas

Transfer the chickpeas to a medium-sized bowl. Add extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and your desired spices. Toss the chickpeas until they are well coated. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, chili powder, or spice blends like za'atar or Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chickpeas

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the chickpeas from getting crispy. Air fry for 8-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and taste them. You can add more salt and pepper or your desired seasoning to taste. Enjoy them as a snack or use them as a crunchy topping for salads, bowls, or soups.

Storage

If you have any leftover chickpeas, you can store them in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may soften over time, so 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 and reheat chickpeas

Storing chickpeas in an airtight container or a plastic zipper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to a year.

To store cooked chickpeas in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or a plastic zipper bag without any additional liquid. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

If you want to store them for longer, freezing is a good option. First, remove as much moisture as possible by patting the chickpeas dry with paper towels. Then, place them in a single layer in reusable or plastic zipper bags. Alternatively, you can spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to a container or bag. Frozen chickpeas will keep for up to a year.

When you're ready to reheat your chickpeas, there are a few options. If they're frozen, you can defrost them overnight or use a microwave. If they've been stored in the refrigerator, you can simply warm them up on the stove or in the oven. You can also pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp them.

It's important to note that chickpeas should not be reheated multiple times, as this can lead to food safety issues.

Frequently asked questions