Roasted Chickpeas: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes Or Less

Air fryer chickpeas are a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are a great alternative to oven-roasted chickpeas, which can take twice as long to cook. To make air fryer chickpeas, simply toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with oil and your choice of seasoning, air fry for 10-15 minutes, and enjoy!

How long to roast chickpeas in an air fryer

Roasting chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, crunchy snack or salad topper. The length of time it takes to roast chickpeas in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness and the type of air fryer being used.

For crunchy chickpeas, it is important to start with dry chickpeas. First, drain and rinse the chickpeas, then spread them on a paper towel or kitchen towel and pat them dry. Ensure they are totally dry before tossing them with oil and spices.

Once the chickpeas are dry, transfer them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at between 380°F and 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes. For extra crispy chickpeas, air fry for up to 20 minutes. When the chickpeas are crunchy and golden brown, they are ready.

For best results, check the chickpeas regularly while they are cooking in the air fryer, as air fryer cook times can vary.

How to season air-fried chickpeas

Roasting chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, crunchy snack. You can use any combination of spices to season your chickpeas, but it's important to ensure that they are dry before cooking to achieve the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your air-fried chickpeas:

Start with Dry Chickpeas:

Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. It is crucial to ensure that the chickpeas are completely dry before cooking. You can also remove any loose skins from the chickpeas at this stage.

Add Oil and Seasonings:

Transfer the dry chickpeas to a medium bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or another oil with a high smoke point. Sprinkle your desired seasonings over the chickpeas. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or even Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure that the chickpeas are evenly coated.

Air Fry the Chickpeas:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (depending on your air fryer model). Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The chickpeas are ready when they are golden brown and crunchy.

Season and Serve:

Once the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a bowl and spritz with olive oil or drizzle with a small amount of oil. Immediately toss the chickpeas with your chosen seasonings while they are still hot. You can use the same seasonings as before, or try something different. Serve the chickpeas as a snack or sprinkle them over a salad or grain bowl.

Storage and Re-Crisping:

Air-fried chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but 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 pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp them if needed.

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 nutritious snack. You can use a variety of oils to roast chickpeas in an air fryer, but some of the most popular options include extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and cooking oil. Here's a more detailed look at each of these options:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for roasting chickpeas in an air fryer. It has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. Extra virgin olive oil also adds a nice flavour to the chickpeas and helps them to brown and crisp up during cooking. This oil is recommended by several sources for air-frying chickpeas.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another excellent option for roasting chickpeas in an air fryer. Like extra virgin olive oil, it has a high smoke point, making it suitable for the high temperatures of an air fryer. Avocado oil is also a healthy choice, as it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other seasonings used on the chickpeas.

Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is a more generic term for oils that are suitable for high-temperature cooking, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. These oils tend to have higher smoke points, making them ideal for air frying. They are also usually more neutral in flavour, so they won't affect the taste of the chickpeas.

Tips for Roasting Chickpeas in an Air Fryer

When roasting chickpeas in an air fryer, it's important to start with dry chickpeas, as this will help them get crispy. Rinse and drain canned chickpeas, and let them air dry on paper towels before cooking. You can also remove any loose skins from the chickpeas before roasting. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. For extra crispy chickpeas, you can dry them for an hour or more before cooking.

How to store air-fried chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are best stored at room temperature in a glass container with a loose-fitting or cracked lid. This will allow air to circulate and any remaining moisture to evaporate, preventing sogginess. You can also place a paper towel or dish towel over the container instead of using a lid. The optimal texture of the chickpeas should last up to five days when stored this way.

Do not store air-fried chickpeas in a plastic bag or an airtight container, as they will lose their crispiness and become stale.

If your air-fried chickpeas do become soft, you can crisp them up again by placing them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

What to serve air-fried chickpeas with

Air-fried chickpeas are a delicious snack, but they can also be used as a salad topper or a tasty addition to a bowl.

If you're looking for something more substantial to serve with your air-fried chickpeas, they go well with spinach salad, or you could try them with roasted vegetables and pasta. They also work well with kale, as a substitute for croutons in a Caesar salad.

For a more exotic option, you could try air-fried chickpeas with roasted cauliflower and minted yoghurt, or with salmon coconut curry and spinach.

Frequently asked questions