Air-Fryer Chickpeas: Quick, Crispy, Healthy Snack

Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are a great alternative to oven-roasted chickpeas, which can be inconsistent and take longer to cook. Air-fried chickpeas are also crunchier and less expensive than store-bought crispy chickpeas.

To make air fryer chickpeas, you will need a can of chickpeas, oil, and your choice of seasoning. First, drain and rinse the chickpeas, then dry them with paper towels or a kitchen towel. Next, add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the air fryer and season while they are still hot. You can use any combination of spices you like, such as garlic salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chickpeas as a snack or salad topper!

How to make air fryer chickpeas crispy

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil)
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. garlic salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, etc.)

Method

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• For extra crispy chickpeas, dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Drizzle or spray the chickpeas with oil and toss to coat.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
• When the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the air fryer.
• Transfer the chickpeas to a bowl and add your chosen seasoning.
• Toss to coat the chickpeas evenly with the seasoning.
• Enjoy your crispy air fryer chickpeas as a snack or salad topper!

Tips:

• It is important to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before cooking to ensure they get crispy.
• If you want to add more than one seasoning, combine them before adding to the chickpeas for even distribution.
• Store leftover chickpeas in a loosely covered container at room temperature. They can be re-crisped by cooking them for a few minutes in a dry skillet or popping them back in the air fryer.

How to season air fryer chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas are a tasty, healthy snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and ideas for seasoning your air fryer chickpeas to perfection.

Preparation

Before seasoning your chickpeas, it's important to prepare them properly. Start by rinsing and draining a can of chickpeas. For extra crispy chickpeas, dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel. Removing any loose skins is also recommended.

Once your chickpeas are dry, add them to a bowl and drizzle with a small amount of cooking oil. Stir well to ensure the chickpeas are evenly coated. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C).

Seasoning Ideas

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (a blend of garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Sea salt and olive oil
• Garlic salt, smoked paprika, and onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Chili powder
• Celery salt
• Dry mustard
• Black pepper

You can also try using seasoning blends such as Everything Bagel Seasoning, seasoning salt, or garlic herb seasoning.

Application

Now it's time to apply the seasoning to your chickpeas. If you're using a dry seasoning, simply add it to the bowl of oiled chickpeas and stir to coat. If you're using a liquid seasoning or a thicker blend like grated Parmesan, you may need to add a small amount of oil to help the seasoning stick.

Timing

The key to successful seasoning is timing. If you're applying the seasoning before air frying, do so after the chickpeas have been coated in oil and right before they go into the air fryer. If you're applying the seasoning after air frying, do so while the chickpeas are still hot. This will help the seasoning stick and absorb into the chickpeas.

Storage

Air fryer chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, as they will slowly absorb moisture from the air and lose their crispness over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to two days. To recrisp, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.

How to dry chickpeas for air frying

Drying chickpeas is an important step in the process of making air fryer chickpeas. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to dry chickpeas for air frying:

Firstly, start with canned chickpeas or dried chickpeas that have been cooked. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them in a colander. If you are using dried chickpeas, you will need to soak and cook them before proceeding.

Next, spread the chickpeas out on paper towels or a kitchen towel. Gently rub them with another layer of paper towels or a kitchen towel on top to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial, as the drier the chickpeas are, the crispier they will become. You can also use a salad spinner to remove excess water.

If you have the time, let the chickpeas air dry for at least an hour, or until they are completely dry. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.

Once the chickpeas are dry, you can proceed with air frying. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with spices of your choice. Some popular spice options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and ranch seasoning.

Set the air fryer to 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chickpeas for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

When the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy, they are ready to be enjoyed as a snack or salad topper. You can also season them with additional spices while they are still hot for extra flavor.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your chickpeas are dry and ready for air frying, resulting in crispy and delicious air fryer chickpeas.

How to store air fryer chickpeas

Storing your air fryer chickpeas is easy. If you have any leftover chickpeas, you can store them in a jar or an open container at room temperature for up to a week. If they get soft, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to make them crispy again.

Some people suggest storing them in a paper bag to keep them crispy for a couple of days.

How to re-crisp air fryer chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas are a tasty, healthy snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. But what happens if you don't eat them all in one go? Well, you can re-crisp them!

If your leftover chickpeas have gone a bit soft, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to make them crispy again. You can also re-crisp them in a dry skillet over medium heat.

• Dry your chickpeas thoroughly before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—make sure there's space around each chickpea so that hot air can circulate.
• Store your chickpeas in an open container or paper bag to help them stay crispy.

Frequently asked questions