Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas: A Quick, Healthy Snack

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy snack, look no further than crispy air fryer chickpeas. They're a tasty and crunchy treat that can be made in less than 20 minutes and are a great alternative to oven-roasted chickpeas. Not only are they delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic topping for salads, Buddha bowls, pasta, and tacos. Plus, with an air fryer, you can say goodbye to the inconsistency of oven-roasted chickpeas and hello to a perfectly crispy batch every time.

How to make sure your chickpeas are dry before air frying

Air fryer chickpeas are a delicious, healthy snack and a great salad topper. They are ready in 15 minutes, and the air fryer preheats in no time! However, it is very important to dry your chickpeas before cooking. If you skip this step, they won't crisp up in the air fryer.

Drying Chickpeas

First, drain and rinse your chickpeas. You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, or cook them from dry. If you are using dry chickpeas, you will need to soak them in water overnight first. Then, spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. While you're at it, remove any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas.

Air-Drying

To ensure your chickpeas are completely dry, you can leave them to air-dry for an hour or so. Spread them out on a dry paper towel and place another towel on top. Move the top towel across the chickpeas to absorb any remaining moisture.

Drying After Cooking

If you want to store your chickpeas, it's important to make sure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the chickpeas out on a cooling rack or a pizza tray with holes, which will allow air to flow around them.

The best oil to use for crispy chickpeas

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

One of the most commonly used oils for making crispy chickpeas is extra-virgin olive oil. This oil has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. It also adds a subtle fruity flavour to the chickpeas, enhancing their taste.

Avocado Oil

Another excellent option for making crispy chickpeas is avocado oil. Like extra-virgin olive oil, it has a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. Avocado oil is also flavourful and can add a nice, subtle taste to the chickpeas.

Other Options

While extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil are the most commonly used options, there are a few other oils that can also work well. These include peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil. However, it is important to note that these oils have lower smoke points, so they may not be suitable for all air fryers.

Ultimately, the best oil to use for crispy chickpeas depends on personal preference. Extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil are great choices due to their high smoke points and flavourful profiles. However, other options like peanut oil and vegetable oil can also work well, depending on your taste preferences and air fryer model.

How long to cook chickpeas in an air fryer

Air fryer chickpeas are a great, healthy snack and a tasty salad topper. They are also quick and easy to make, with a cooking time of around 15 minutes—much faster than oven-roasted chickpeas.

How to Cook Chickpeas in an Air Fryer

First, drain and rinse your chickpeas. If you want to remove the skins, now is the time to do it. Then, dry the chickpeas thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important as it helps the chickpeas get crispy.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any other desired spices. It's best to avoid seasonings with sugar, as this can burn easily in the air fryer.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the chickpeas are crunchy and golden brown.

Storing Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas can be stored in a loosely covered container or jar at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to lose their crispness, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp.

How to season chickpeas before air frying

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

Once your chickpeas are dry, add them to a medium bowl and toss with your chosen oil, salt, and spices. You can use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. For spices, you can use anything from garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne to Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, or Montreal steak seasoning.

After you've coated your chickpeas in oil and spices, add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at between 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are crunchy.

If you want to add more seasoning, it's best to add half of your chosen seasoning before the last 2 minutes of air frying and the remainder once the chickpeas are done. This will prevent the seasoning from burning or falling off.

How to store crispy chickpeas

To keep your crispy chickpeas crunchy for as long as possible, it's best to store them in a glass container with the lid left slightly ajar, or in a bowl covered with a paper towel. This is because air circulation is key to keeping your chickpeas crispy.

If you want to store your chickpeas in a jar, it's best to leave them at room temperature and not seal the jar completely.

You can also store your chickpeas in a parchment or paper bag, but avoid plastic bags or containers, as these will make your chickpeas soft and stale.

If your chickpeas do lose their crisp, you can simply put them back in the air fryer for two to three minutes to re-crisp them.

Frequently asked questions