Ella Walter
Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are full of fiber and protein and can be flavored in many different ways. While canned chickpeas can be used, dried chickpeas are cheaper and deliver better results. They are also a complex carbohydrate, so they don't cause blood sugar spikes, making them a good option for diabetics and those looking to lose weight.
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What You'll Learn
How to get the chickpeas crispy
To get the chickpeas crispy, it is important to start with dry chickpeas. If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them, then dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. You can also use a salad spinner, but you may lose a few chickpeas depending on the design of your spinner. If you are using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in a bowl with double the amount of water and then drain and rinse them.
Once the chickpeas are dry, transfer them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle with oil and stir or toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) if your air fryer has a pre-heat function. If it does not, simply let it run with an empty basket for about 2-3 minutes at 400ºF (200ºC).
Add the chickpeas to the preheated air fryer and air fry for 8 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispness. Taste one of the chickpeas; if it's not as crispy as you'd like, continue to cook for another 1 to 3 minutes.
When the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. Add the desired seasoning and stir well until the seasoning fully coats each chickpea. Serve immediately; crispy chickpeas will not keep and tend to get soggy within an hour.
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The best oil to use
When choosing an oil for air frying chickpeas, it is also important to consider the flavour of the oil and how it will complement the spices and seasonings used. For example, avocado oil has a neutral flavour that will not overpower other ingredients, while extra virgin olive oil can add a fruity and pungent taste.
Additionally, the amount of oil used is important. A light coating of oil is usually sufficient for air frying chickpeas, and too much oil can make them soggy. A common amount is around 2 teaspoons of oil for one can of chickpeas, but this may vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer being used.
It is also worth noting that some recipes call for the oil to be added after cooking, as this can help the seasonings stick to the chickpeas and create a crispier texture.
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How to season the chickpeas
Seasoning your chickpeas is a simple process that allows you to be creative and adapt the flavours to your personal preference.
Firstly, it is important to dry your chickpeas before seasoning and air frying. This can be done by spreading them out on paper towels and allowing them to air dry. If you have the time, you can leave them out for an hour to ensure they are completely dry.
Once your chickpeas are dry, transfer them to a medium bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. The oil will help the chickpeas to brown and crisp up during cooking, as well as allowing your chosen seasonings to stick to the chickpeas.
Now it's time to add your seasonings. You can use any combination of spices you like, such as garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, or steak seasoning. You could also try an adaptation of your favourite fajita seasoning, just be sure to avoid any rubs with sugar as this can burn easily in the air fryer.
After adding your chosen seasonings, toss the chickpeas to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, transfer them to the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness.
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How long to cook them for
The cooking time for dried chickpeas in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispness, the wattage of the air fryer, and the size of the batch. It is recommended to cook dried chickpeas in an air fryer for 8 to 15 minutes.
For a single layer of chickpeas in the air fryer basket, cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even cooking. You can also cook them for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are crunchy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
If you are cooking a larger batch, you may need to increase the cooking time. For a 19-ounce can of chickpeas, cook for about 15 minutes. For a smaller batch of 125 grams of dried chickpeas, you can cook them for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and then adding 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time as needed until they reach your desired level of crispness.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and style of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. Additionally, dried chickpeas should be cooked prior to air frying, and you can speed up the stovetop cooking time by soaking them in water overnight.
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What to serve them with
There are many ways to serve air-fried chickpeas. They can be used as a salad topper, adding a crunchy texture to a Mediterranean chickpea salad with tomatoes, dates, cucumbers, red pepper, and parsley. They can also be added to a grain bowl with whole grains, fresh vegetables, a tasty sauce, and a protein. For a simple sweet potato quinoa bowl, mix them with quinoa, greens, and sweet potatoes, adding olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt.
Chickpeas can also be used as a substitute for meat in a main dish. For instance, they can be used in a cinnamon-spiced filling for acorn squash, served with a bright chimichurri and lemony yoghurt sauce. They are also a great source of plant-based protein and can be used to make hummus.
Chickpeas can be cooked with lemon zest, smashed garlic cloves, and olive oil for a bright, savory flavor. They can also be turned into falafel, meatballs, or even crispy snacks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you air fry dried chickpeas for 8 to 15 minutes at 380°F to 400°F. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
First, cook the dried chickpeas so that they maintain a firm texture. This will ensure that they stay crunchy. Then, dry them thoroughly on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
You can season dried chickpeas with any spices or seasonings of your choice. It is recommended that you add the seasoning after cooking, while the chickpeas are still hot, to prevent burning and help the seasoning stick.
