Air-Fryer Chickpeas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, 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, you will need three simple ingredients: chickpeas, oil, and spices. The type of oil and spices used can vary depending on your preferences. The cooking time may also vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, but on average, it should take between 10 to 15 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness.

How do I cook chickpeas in the air fryer?

How to get the chickpeas crispy

To get your chickpeas crispy, it is important to start with dry chickpeas. If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them, then spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and pat them dry. If you skip this step, they won't crisp up in the air fryer. You can also remove any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas. If time permits, leave them out to dry for an hour.

Once your chickpeas are dry, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't crowd the chickpeas, as the hot air needs to be able to contact them on all sides for them to crisp up. Most air fryers can fit a 14-ounce can of chickpeas in a single layer, but you may need to work in batches if you have a smaller air fryer or are cooking a larger batch.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Air fry the chickpeas for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes, or until they are crunchy and golden brown. If you like, you can spritz the cooked chickpeas with olive oil and season with salt and spices while they are still hot.

If you have any leftover chickpeas, you can store them in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to two days. They may soften over time, but you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

Oil and seasoning options

Oil and seasoning are key to achieving the perfect batch of crispy, crunchy, and flavourful air-fried chickpeas.

Oils

Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air-fried chickpeas, as it helps the chickpeas brown and crisp up as they cook. Avocado oil is also a good option, as it has a high smoke point. However, any liquid oil will work well.

Seasoning Options

The seasoning options for air-fried chickpeas are endless. You can keep it simple with just sea salt to make the chickpeas' nutty flavour pop, or add black pepper. For extra flavour, you can toss the chickpeas with a pinch of any other seasonings before air frying. Some popular options include Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, blackened seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, and za'atar. You can also make your own spice blends, such as a fajita seasoning, just be sure to avoid sugar as it can burn easily in the air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking chickpeas in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, as well as the moisture content of the chickpeas. It is recommended to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before cooking, as this will help them crisp up.

Most sources recommend air-frying chickpeas at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through cooking. However, some sources suggest temperatures as low as 390°F and cooking times as short as 8 minutes or as long as 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the moisture content of the chickpeas. It is recommended to check on the chickpeas frequently during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.

If you are using an air fryer for the first time, it is advisable to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of chickpeas, you may need to work in batches or increase the cooking time.

Once cooked, the chickpeas can be stored in an open container or jar at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may soften over time, but they can be re-crisped by cooking them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat or by placing them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Storing and reheating chickpeas

Storing your air-fried chickpeas in a jar or open container at room temperature is the best way to keep them crispy. They can last for up to a week, but they may start to soften after two days.

If your chickpeas do lose their crunch, you can easily re-crisp them by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

It is important to note that the timing for re-crisping may vary depending on your air fryer and the moisture content of your chickpeas. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

Now you know how to store and reheat your air-fried chickpeas, ensuring they stay crunchy and delicious!

Chickpea salad toppings

To cook chickpeas in an air fryer, you will need chickpeas, oil, and spices. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then spread them on a kitchen or paper towel and pat them dry. Remove any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway, or until crispy.

Now, for some chickpea salad topping ideas:

• Kale Salad with Tandoori-Roasted Chickpeas: This salad features kale, a garlicky tahini dressing, and roasted chickpeas. It is savory, subtly spiced, super healthy, and filling.
• Rainbow Power Salad with Roasted Chickpeas: This salad is a rainbow of veggies, including zucchini, carrots, and fresh basil, tossed with crispy spiced chickpeas and a Magic Green Sauce. It is vegan and fresh.
• Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad: This salad features a blend of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and protein-packed chickpeas. It is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas: These chickpeas can be sprinkled over salads and grain bowls. They are filled with fiber and plant-based protein and can be seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt, or with any spice combination of your choice.

Frequently asked questions