Air-Fryer Chickpeas: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Deliciousness

Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be made in about 20 minutes. They are also a great salad topper, adding a nice crunch to your meal. To make them, start with dry chickpeas and let them air dry on paper towels for an hour. Then, spritz them with olive oil and season with spices of your choice. Finally, air fry the chickpeas for 12 to 15 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket every five minutes until they are crunchy and golden brown.

How to get the perfect crunch

To get the perfect crunch from your air-fried chickpeas, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to start with dry chickpeas, as this will ensure they get crispy. If you are using canned chickpeas, be sure to rinse and drain them, and then let them air dry on paper towels for at least an hour. You can also use dried chickpeas, but you will need to soak and cook them first before drying them.

Once your chickpeas are dry, it's time to add some oil and spices. You can use any type of oil and spice combination you like. Avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and olive oil are all popular choices, and for spices, you can try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or even Parmesan cheese. Simply toss the chickpeas in the oil and spices until they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to cook the chickpeas! Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them for a little longer if you want them extra crispy.

Finally, let the chickpeas cool before serving. You can enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own, or add them to salads, bowls, or wraps for a tasty texture contrast. If your chickpeas lose their crunch over time, you can always pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.

With these simple steps, you'll be able to achieve the perfect crunch with your air-fried chickpeas every time!

How to season air-fried chickpeas

To season air-fried chickpeas, it's best to season them after cooking. This is because seasoning beforehand can cause the spices to burn.

There are endless possibilities for seasoning air-fried chickpeas. Here are some ideas:

• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Garlic herb seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic salt
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Sugar and cinnamon
• Barbecue seasoning
• Cayenne
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Curry powder
• Slap Your Mama Cajun seasoning
• Adobo seasoning
• Ancho chile powder
• Bang bang seasoning

You can also use any combination of dried spices, such as garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne.

How to store air-fried chickpeas

Storing air-fried chickpeas is simple. Once they have cooled, place them in a jar or bowl without covering it. This will preserve their crispiness. If you want to keep them clean, you can lightly cover the top with a paper towel. They will last a day or two, but they won't be as crispy as when they were freshly made.

If you want to store them for longer, you can keep them in a jar at room temperature for up to a week. If they get soft, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp them up again.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people choosing to replace their traditional deep fryers with this healthier alternative. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer:

Health Benefits

One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is the health benefits it offers. Air fryers require far less oil than deep fryers, resulting in meals that are lower in fat and calories. The convection process used by air fryers produces a chemical effect known as the Maillard reaction, which gives food a desirable brown colour and a tasty flavour, without the need for excess fat. This makes air fryers perfect for creating crispy French fries, onion rings, and fish sticks, and other traditionally fried foods.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are straightforward to use and require minimal monitoring during cooking. Simply set the temperature and time, place the food inside the basket, and let the air fryer do the rest. Many models also don't require preheating, or have a very short preheat time, making the cooking process even faster.

Speed and Efficiency

Air fryers cook much faster than traditional ovens or deep fryers due to the intense heat that is constantly circulated inside the fryer. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. Additionally, air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods, using less electricity to cook your food.

Versatility

While air fryers are commonly associated with frying, they can also be used for baking, broiling, grilling, roasting, and heating up leftovers. They are suitable for cooking a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, and even desserts. Air fryers are also great for increasing your vegetable intake, as they can make vegetables crispy and caramelized, making them more appealing to those who may not typically enjoy them.

Cleanliness and Safety

Air fryers are much less messy than deep fryers since they require only a minimal amount of oil. They are also generally safer to use as there is less risk of splashes and burns. Additionally, air fryers are designed to shut off automatically after the timer ends, preventing food from burning.

Compact Size

Air fryers are relatively small kitchen appliances, taking up minimal counter space. They are also easily transportable, making them convenient for camping, RVs, or other travel situations.

The best oil to use for air-fried chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are a delicious, healthy, and crunchy snack. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. You can use a variety of oils to air-fry chickpeas, but some of the best options include:

Avocado oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning. It is also a light oil that coats the chickpeas well without weighing them down or burning them. This makes it a good choice for air frying.

Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is another popular choice for air-frying chickpeas. It has a slightly lower smoke point than avocado oil but still works well for this cooking method. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavour to the chickpeas.

Vegetable oil or canola oil

Vegetable oil and canola oil are also suitable for air-frying chickpeas. They have neutral flavours and fairly high smoke points, making them versatile options for this cooking method.

When air-frying chickpeas, it is important to start with dry chickpeas, as this will help them get crispy. Rinse and drain canned chickpeas, then let them air dry on paper towels for an hour. You can also use cooked dried chickpeas.

Once the chickpeas are dry, toss them with oil and your choice of spices. Some popular spice options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and Parmesan cheese.

Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 380-400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. When the chickpeas are crunchy and golden brown, they are ready to be enjoyed as a snack or salad topper.

Frequently asked questions