Cody Casey
Cooking chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, high-fibre snack or salad topper. The process is simple: coat the chickpeas in olive oil and spices, throw them in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, and enjoy! The exact timing will depend on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans, so it's important to keep an eye on them during the cooking process. If you're looking for a crunchy, savoury treat, air-fried chickpeas are a great option.
Cooking chickpeas in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chickpeas, olive oil, salt, and pepper |
| Preparation | Dry chickpeas on paper towels, then leave them out to air dry for an hour |
| Cooking time | 10-17 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 390-400°F |
| Container | Airtight container in the freezer |
| Serving | Salad topper, wrap, or snack |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer settings and timings
The timing and temperature settings for cooking chickpeas in an air fryer depend on the type of air fryer you have and the moisture content of your beans. It is recommended that you dry your chickpeas on paper towels before cooking them, and if time permits, leave them out to air-dry for an hour. This will ensure your chickpeas come out crispy.
Most recipes suggest cooking chickpeas in an air fryer for 10–15 minutes at 390–400°F, shaking or tossing them halfway through. However, one source suggests cooking them for 17 minutes at 400°F, spraying them with oil after the first 5 minutes. If you want your chickpeas to be crunchier, you can put them in for a few more minutes.
It is important to keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the moisture content of your beans, so it is recommended that you check on your chickpeas frequently during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you have leftover chickpeas, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2–5 minutes to re-crisp them.
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How to prepare chickpeas before cooking
To cook chickpeas in an air fryer, you can use either canned or dried chickpeas. If you're using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them before air-drying them on paper towels. This step is important as chickpeas that are wet or damp won't crisp up, and if they do, they won't stay crispy the next day. You should let them sit for at least an hour if you have the time.
If you're using dried chickpeas, you can cook them in an Instant Pot without soaking them first. However, if you're planning to boil them on a stovetop, it's recommended to soak them first to help soften them and make them more digestible. There are two methods for soaking:
- Long soaking method: Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with water by a few inches, then leave them overnight (8 to 24 hours).
- Quick soaking method: Put the chickpeas in a large pot and cover them with plenty of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat, cover, and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour or until softened.
Once your chickpeas are prepared and cooked, you can season them with salt and pepper to taste.
To cook the chickpeas in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway, or until crisp. You can also cook them at this temperature for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during the cooking process.
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Storing cooked chickpeas
Firstly, boiled chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag and placed in the refrigerator for up to 6-7 days. It is recommended to store them with their cooking or canning liquid to maintain moisture and prevent the skin from drying out.
Secondly, soaked chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, they can be sprouted on a countertop for the same duration.
Thirdly, roasted crunchy chickpeas are best stored in an airtight bag or jar to maintain crispiness. They can be kept on the kitchen counter for 3-4 days.
Additionally, canned chickpeas have a long shelf life and can be stored indefinitely in a pantry or refrigerator. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-6 days.
For longer-term storage, chickpeas can be frozen. Freezing is a great way to preserve their shelf life and ensure they are always on hand. To freeze cooked chickpeas, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then, transfer the partially frozen chickpeas to an airtight container or freezer bag and return them to the freezer. Frozen chickpeas will maintain their quality for up to six months.
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Re-crisping chickpeas
To make ultra-crispy chickpeas in an air fryer, start with dry chickpeas. If you are using canned chickpeas, make sure to air dry them on paper towels before cooking. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket and coat them with olive oil and spices. Close the basket and set the temperature to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the timer for 12 to 17 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket a couple of times during cooking. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you can cook the chickpeas for a few more minutes after this time has elapsed.
Once cooked, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste. Store the chickpeas in an uncovered container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day. If you won't finish them within a few hours, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
To re-crisp chickpeas, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 5 minutes to crisp them up again. Alternatively, you can cook them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat.
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Seasoning and serving suggestions
Air fryer chickpeas are a blank canvas when it comes to seasoning, so get creative! You can season with salt and pepper, or any spice combination you like. You can also use your favourite seasoning choice. Here are some suggestions:
- Olive oil and sea salt: This combination helps the chickpeas brown and crisp up as they cook. The olive oil and sea salt also make the nutty flavour of the chickpeas pop.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika: This is a basic but flavorful spice mix.
- Za'atar: This is a popular choice for seasoning air fryer chickpeas.
- Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, blackened seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, etc.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon-roasted chickpeas are a great option if you're looking for something sweet.
- Curry chickpeas: Use melted coconut oil instead of olive oil, and add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the seasoning mix, omitting the smoked paprika.
- Buttery chickpeas: Adding a couple of teaspoons of nutritional yeast to any of the recipes will yield a somewhat buttery or cheesy flavor.
You can also sprinkle the crispy chickpeas over salads and grain bowls. They can take the place of nuts or croutons on a salad. They are also a healthy snack option, being low in calories and high in protein and fiber.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook chickpeas in an air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F.
If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them, then dry them on paper towels. If time permits, leave them out to air dry for an hour.
Set the temperature to 390-400°F.
Store leftover chickpeas in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they get soft, you can put them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them.
