Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas: The Ultimate Crunchy Delight

Air fryer chickpeas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are also a great salad topper, adding a nice crunch to your meal. You can season them with anything you like, from olive oil and sea salt to Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning. The air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15-20 minutes, and they are much crispier than oven-roasted chickpeas. To make them, simply drain and rinse the chickpeas, toss them with oil and spices, and air fry for 12-15 minutes.

The importance of drying chickpeas before cooking

Drying chickpeas before cooking is an essential step to achieving the desired crispiness when using an air fryer. While air fryers have made the process of cooking crispy chickpeas faster and easier, skipping the drying step can lead to less-than-ideal results.

Firstly, drying chickpeas ensures that they become crispy in the air fryer. When chickpeas are wet or damp, they will not crisp up properly, and even if they do, they will not retain their crispiness for long. By taking the time to dry them thoroughly before cooking, you are setting your chickpeas up for success in the air fryer. This is because the hot air in the air fryer needs to come into contact with the chickpeas on all sides for them to crisp up evenly.

Secondly, drying chickpeas helps to remove any loose skins that may be present on the outsides of the chickpeas. This is an important step as it improves the overall texture and appearance of the final product.

Additionally, drying chickpeas before cooking is a crucial step to ensure the chickpeas remain crispy for a longer period. If you plan on storing your crispy chickpeas, taking the time to dry them properly will ensure they stay crisp for up to a week. This is especially important if you plan on using them as a snack or salad topper, as no one wants to bite into a soggy chickpea!

Finally, drying chickpeas before cooking allows for more even cooking in the air fryer. By removing the moisture from the chickpeas, you reduce the risk of them becoming mushy or chewy, which can happen when wet chickpeas are cooked in an air fryer.

In conclusion, drying chickpeas before cooking is a crucial step in achieving the desired crispiness when using an air fryer. Not only does it ensure that the chickpeas become crispy, but it also helps to improve their texture, extend their crispiness, and promote even cooking. So, while it may be tempting to skip the drying step, it is a necessary step to ensure your chickpeas turn out perfectly crispy and delicious!

How to season chickpeas

To make crispy chickpeas in an air fryer, you'll want to start with dry chickpeas. Rinse and drain your chickpeas, and then let them dry on paper towels or a kitchen towel. You can also remove any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas.

Once your chickpeas are dry, transfer them to a medium bowl and toss with oil and salt. You can also add other spices of your choice—the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Sea salt
• Cajun seasoning
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Garlic salt

After tossing your chickpeas with oil and spices, spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at between 380°F and 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes, until they are crispy.

Once your chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and add more salt and pepper to taste. You can store them in an open container or a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp them back up.

How to store crispy chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer, but they can be stored for later, too. Here are some tips to keep your crispy chickpeas crunchy for as long as possible:

Don'ts:

• Don't store them in plastic bags or containers.
• Don't put them in the refrigerator.

Dos:

• Store them in a glass container with the lid slightly ajar.
• Store them in a bowl and cover with a paper towel.
• Keep them at room temperature.

Other storage options:

Parchment or paper bag.

Crispy chickpeas are best eaten on the same day they are made. However, with proper storage, they can last for a couple of days, though they may not be as crispy.

How to re-crisp chickpeas

To re-crisp chickpeas, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat.

• Start with dry chickpeas.
• Make sure the canned chickpeas are air-dried on paper towels before you cook them.
• Chickpeas that are wet or damp won't crisp up, and if they do, they won't stay that way.
• Spread the chickpeas out on dry paper towels and place another towel on top. Move the top towel across the chickpeas to absorb any remaining moisture.
• If you have time, let them sit on your counter for an hour or so to air dry.

Oil choices for crispy chickpeas

When making crispy chickpeas in an air fryer, the oil you choose can impact the final result. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an oil:

• Smoke Point: Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, are recommended as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning. Other options include extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
• Coating: Opt for an oil that coats the chickpeas well without weighing them down. Avocado oil is a good choice in this regard, as it is light and coats the chickpeas evenly.
• Taste: Consider the flavour of the oil and how it will complement the spices and seasonings used. For example, avocado oil has a mild flavour that won't overpower other ingredients.
• Health Benefits: If you're looking for a healthier option, avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil are good choices as they are known for their monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

| Oil | Smoke Point | Characteristics |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Avocado Oil | High | Light, mild flavour, coats well |

| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | High | Robust flavour, healthy |

| Vegetable Oil | High | Neutral flavour |

| Canola Oil | High | Neutral flavour |

When preparing the chickpeas, remember to dry them thoroughly before adding oil. You can use a spray bottle to evenly coat the chickpeas with oil, and then season them with your desired spices. Air fry at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy.

Frequently asked questions