Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas: How Long Does It Take?

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack, but they can be inconsistent when made in the oven. The air fryer is a great alternative, as it can make chickpeas crispy in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. They are also healthier, high in fibre, and much cheaper than store-bought crispy chickpeas.

How to get the perfect crunch

Roasted chickpeas are a great, healthy snack and can be made even better with the use of an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure you get that perfect crunch:

Dry the Chickpeas

The most important step to achieving the perfect crunch is to ensure your chickpeas are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. Place the chickpeas on a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. You can also use the air fryer to dry the chickpeas. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 390°Fahrenheit/200°Celsius for 5 minutes. This will remove any excess moisture.

Oil

Coating the chickpeas in oil will help them to crisp up and achieve that perfect crunchy texture. Avocado oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil are all great options as they have high smoke points. Spray the oil over the chickpeas or toss them in a bowl with the oil to ensure an even coating.

Spices

You can use any spices you like to flavour your chickpeas. It is recommended to add the spices after cooking, as adding them beforehand may cause them to burn. However, some recipes suggest adding half of the spices with 2 minutes of cooking time remaining and the rest after cooking, to ensure the spices stick to the chickpeas.

Air Fry

Now it's time to air fry the chickpeas! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them for the hot air to circulate. Set the temperature to 380°F-400°F/200°C and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Storage

Once cooked, you can store your crunchy chickpeas in a paper bag or a loosely covered container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for a couple of days. If they do start to soften, you can simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp them.

How to season chickpeas

Chickpeas are a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in many different ways. Here are some tips and ideas for seasoning chickpeas in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before seasoning and cooking your chickpeas, it is important to prepare them properly. Firstly, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas. Then, spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. Removing any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas is also recommended.

Seasoning Ideas

You can get creative with the seasonings for your chickpeas. Here are some ideas for seasoning combinations:

• Olive oil and sea salt
• Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne
• Olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chilli powder
• Olive oil, salt, and any choice of spices such as Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, blackened seasoning, or Zatar
• Olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, and salt
• Olive oil, unsweetened shredded coconut, curry powder, and salt
• Olive oil, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Timing

It is important to note that the timing of when you add your seasoning can affect the end result. Some recipes suggest adding the seasoning to the chickpeas before cooking, while others recommend seasoning them after cooking. If you choose to season before cooking, be aware that the spices may burn during the cooking process. If you decide to season after cooking, make sure to do it while the chickpeas are still hot so that the heat helps the seasoning stick.

Additional Tips

• Use a light oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, to coat the chickpeas without weighing them down or burning them.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow hot air to contact the chickpeas on all sides for optimal crispness.
• Check the doneness of your chickpeas regularly and be prepared to adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If your chickpeas get soft, you can re-crisp them by cooking them for a few additional minutes in the air fryer or in a dry skillet over medium heat.

How to dry chickpeas

To dry chickpeas, start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. Then, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. It is important that you dry the chickpeas before cooking, as this will ensure they become crispy.

You can also use the air fryer to dry the chickpeas. Set the temperature to 390°Fahrenheit and the timer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the air fryer basket and spray the chickpeas with oil. Close the basket and continue the cooking cycle, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

Once the chickpeas are dry, you can proceed to roasting them in the air fryer.

How to store chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack, but it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store chickpeas:

Storing Uncooked Chickpeas:

If you're storing dried chickpeas, the best way to ensure their longevity is to keep them in an airtight glass jar in your pantry or cupboard. They can last for up to 12 months when stored this way.

Storing Cooked Chickpeas:

For boiled or cooked chickpeas, it's best to store them in an airtight container or a zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Make sure to include the cooking or canning liquid to keep the chickpeas soft and moist. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 6-7 days.

Storing Leftover Chickpeas:

If you have leftover chickpeas, remove as much moisture as possible by patting them dry with paper towels. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge or freezer. Chickpeas can be frozen in a sealed container and added directly to soups, stews, or curries.

Storing Roasted Chickpeas:

To maintain the crispiness of roasted chickpeas, store them in an open container, bowl, or jar at room temperature. They can be kept on the kitchen counter for 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can reseal the bag with a rubber band, tape, or a food saver, or transfer them to an airtight jar or zip lock bag.

Storing Canned Chickpeas:

Unopened canned chickpeas can be stored in the pantry indefinitely. However, once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-6 days. You can also freeze canned chickpeas by draining the liquid, rinsing them, and then storing them in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the freezer.

How to re-crisp chickpeas

Chickpeas are a delicious, healthy snack and a great salad topper. But what happens when they start to lose their crunch? Here's how to re-crisp your chickpeas using an air fryer.

Air fryers are a fantastic way to get that perfect crunch for your chickpeas. They cut down the cooking time by almost half compared to using an oven, and you don't have to worry about drying the chickpeas beforehand. With an air fryer, you can have crispy chickpeas ready in as little as 15 minutes!

Re-Crisping in the Air Fryer

If your leftover chickpeas have gone soft, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them. You can also use a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to achieve the same effect.

Tips for Crispy Chickpeas

• Start with dry chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are a convenient option, but make sure to drain and thoroughly dry them before cooking. You can use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. For even cooking and maximum crispiness, ensure the hot air can circulate on all sides of the chickpeas. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
• Shake the basket periodically during cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the chickpeas from burning.
• Season after cooking. Adding spices before air frying can result in burnt flavours. Instead, season the chickpeas while they're still hot after cooking.
• Store in a paper bag or loosely covered container. This helps to maintain the crispiness of the chickpeas. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly crispy chickpeas every time, and easily re-crisp them if they start to soften. So, go ahead and indulge in this delicious and healthy snack without worrying about sogginess!

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