Air Fryer Chickpeas: Crispy, Quick, Healthy Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make chickpeas crispy. The process is simple and quick, taking less than 20 minutes in total. It involves draining and rinsing the chickpeas, drying them, adding oil and seasoning, and then air frying for 10-15 minutes. The result is a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack that can also be used as a salad topper.

How to dry chickpeas before air frying

Air fryer chickpeas are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are also vegan and gluten-free.

Drying the chickpeas

First, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. It is important to ensure the chickpeas are completely dry before cooking, otherwise, they won't crisp up in the air fryer.

Removing skins

While drying the chickpeas, remove any loose skins from the outsides.

Roasting the chickpeas

Once dry, transfer the chickpeas to a medium bowl and toss with oil, salt, and any desired spices. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air frying

Air fry at 380°F to 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes until crunchy.

Storing

Store air-fried chickpeas in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be stored in a jar at room temperature for up to a week.

Re-crisping

If the chickpeas lose their crispness, they can be popped back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp back up.

How to season chickpeas

To season chickpeas, you can use any spices you like. Here are some ideas:

• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Olive oil and sea salt
• Cayenne and onion powder
• Turmeric and curry powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic salt
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Chili powder
• Celery salt
• Dry mustard

It's important to start with dry chickpeas, as they won't crisp up properly if they're wet or damp. You can dry them with paper towels, or by spreading them out in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes. Once they're dry, add oil and your chosen seasoning, then air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

How to store crispy chickpeas

To keep your crispy chickpeas crunchy for as long as possible, it's best to store them in a glass container with the lid slightly ajar, or in a bowl covered with a paper towel. This is because air circulation is key to keeping your chickpeas crispy.

Do not store your crispy chickpeas in plastic bags or containers. They will lose their crunch and go stale.

If you want to store your chickpeas for longer than a couple of days, you can keep them in a glass jar with the lid on loosely. They will last for up to a week at room temperature.

If your chickpeas do go soft, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp them.

How to re-crisp chickpeas

Chickpeas are a great, healthy snack, but sometimes they can lose their crunch. Here's how to get them crispy again using your air fryer.

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your chickpeas are dry. Place them on a paper towel or kitchen towel and pat them dry. This step is important as any moisture will prevent them from becoming crispy.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them for the hot air to circulate.

Air fry for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent them from burning.

Your chickpeas should now be crispy again and ready to enjoy!

Storing Chickpeas

To keep your chickpeas crispy for longer, store them in a paper bag or a jar/bowl without a lid. This allows some air circulation, preventing them from becoming soft.

Seasoning Ideas

If you're feeling creative, there are lots of seasoning ideas you can use to add flavor to your chickpeas. Here are some suggestions:

• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill)
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and vinegar (combine with white vinegar and salt)
• Curry powder (use melted coconut oil instead of olive oil)
• Cinnamon sugar
• Dorito seasoning (nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt)

How to choose oil for air frying chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are a great, healthy snack, and choosing the right oil is important to get the best results. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right oil for air-frying chickpeas:

Choose an Oil with a High Smoke Point

When air-frying chickpeas, it is important to select an oil with a high smoke point. A high smoke point means that the oil can withstand high temperatures without burning and producing smoke. Avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are all good options with high smoke points. Avocado oil, in particular, is a great choice as it coats the chickpeas well without weighing them down.

Consider the Flavour

The type of oil you choose can also affect the flavour of your air-fried chickpeas. For example, avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil have mild flavours that won't overpower the other spices you use. However, if you want to add a subtle nutty flavour to your chickpeas, consider using peanut oil or sesame oil. These oils have slightly lower smoke points, so be sure not to heat them above their smoke point to avoid burning.

Amount of Oil

You don't need to use a lot of oil when air-frying chickpeas. A light coating of oil is enough to help the chickpeas crisp up and attain a golden-brown colour. Too much oil can make your chickpeas greasy and less crispy. Spray bottles or misters are great for ensuring an even, light coating of oil on your chickpeas.

Oil Alternatives

While oil is a popular choice for air-frying chickpeas, it is not the only option. Some people prefer to use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or even a light coating of water as an oil alternative. These options can help reduce the calorie count and fat content of your air-fried chickpeas without sacrificing crispiness.

Frequently asked questions