Air-Fried Chickpeas: Quick, Crunchy, Healthy Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make chickpeas. They're healthier, quicker, and crispier than oven-roasted chickpeas. You can use canned or dried chickpeas, and coat them in olive oil and spices of your choice. The chickpeas are then air-fried for 10-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. They're a great snack or salad topper, and can be stored in a paper bag or loosely covered container to retain their crispiness.

How to make chickpeas in the air fryer in 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (15-19 oz)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, ranch seasoning)

Method:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• Dry the chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing the skins is optional.
• Heat the air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Toss the chickpeas with oil and spices.
• Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until crunchy.
• If desired, add more salt and pepper to taste.
• Enjoy as a snack or salad topper!

Tips:

• It is important to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before cooking, otherwise, they won't get crispy.
• You can use any spices or seasonings you like. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
• If you have leftovers, you can store them in a paper bag or loosely covered container at room temperature for a few days. They may soften over time, so you can re-crisp them by cooking for a few minutes in the air fryer or a dry skillet.

Why it's important to dry chickpeas before air frying

Air frying chickpeas is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy snack. They can be seasoned with salt and pepper or any number of spice combinations. However, it is important to ensure that the chickpeas are dry before placing them in the air fryer.

Firstly, drying the chickpeas helps to ensure that they become crispy. If the chickpeas are wet or damp, they will not crisp up in the air fryer, and if they do, they won't stay that way. By drying the chickpeas on paper towels and then leaving them out to air dry for an hour, you can help ensure that they will become and remain crispy.

Secondly, drying the chickpeas before adding oil and seasoning helps to prevent the spices from burning. By drying the chickpeas first, you can add the oil and seasoning after air frying, which will result in a more evenly cooked and tasty snack.

Finally, drying the chickpeas before air frying can help to reduce the cooking time. By removing the moisture from the chickpeas, you can reduce the time needed in the air fryer to achieve the desired crispiness. This means you can enjoy your tasty snack even faster!

In conclusion, drying chickpeas before air frying is an important step in achieving the desired texture, taste, and cooking time. By taking the time to properly dry your chickpeas, you can ensure that your snack is crispy, evenly cooked, and ready to enjoy in no time!

How to season chickpeas in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 can (14-19 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1-2 tbsp oil (e.g. avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Seasoning of your choice (see below for ideas)

Method

• Heat air fryer to 380-400°F / 200°C.
• Drain and rinse chickpeas (no need to dry).
• (Optional) Remove any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas.
• Toss chickpeas with oil and your chosen seasoning.
• Dump the chickpeas into the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times.
• When chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, taste, and add more seasoning if desired.
• Store in an open container.

Seasoning Ideas

• Salt and pepper
• Fajita seasoning (but avoid sugar-based rubs as these can burn)
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic salt
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Cayenne
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Chili powder
• Celery salt
• Dry mustard
• Black pepper

How to re-crisp chickpeas after they've gone soft

If your chickpeas have gone soft, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

To prevent your chickpeas from going soft, it is important to dry them thoroughly before cooking. Damp chickpeas will not crisp up in the air fryer. You can dry them by spreading them out on a kitchen towel and gently patting them dry, or by placing them in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once cooked, store your chickpeas in a jar at room temperature. Do not store them in a plastic bag or a sealed container, as this will make them lose their crispiness.

How to store air-fried chickpeas

Once you've made your ultra-crispy air-fried chickpeas, you'll want to keep them that way! Here's how to store them:

Firstly, it's important to let the chickpeas cool down completely before storing them. Then, place them in an open container, such as a bowl or a jar, and keep them at room temperature. This will ensure they stay crisp.

You can also store them in a paper bag, which is said to be the best way to keep them crispy. If you do use a bag, a loose seal is best. You can also use a plastic bag, but be sure to line it with a paper towel.

Your air-fried chickpeas will last a week or more at room temperature. If they do start to go soft, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.

Frequently asked questions