Air Fryer Crispy Garbanzo Beans: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. They are a healthy, high-fibre, and inexpensive snack that can be made in under 20 minutes. The air fryer ensures that every single chickpea is crispy, and they can be seasoned with anything from salt and pepper to coconut curry or ranch.

How to prepare the garbanzo beans before air frying

Preparing garbanzo beans for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare garbanzo beans before air frying:

Firstly, start with dry garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. You can use canned chickpeas or cook them yourself. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them in a colander. Spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel, paper towel, or dry paper towels, and pat them dry. Removing any loose skins from the outsides of the chickpeas is also recommended. This drying process is crucial, as it ensures that the chickpeas will become crispy in the air fryer.

Next, transfer the dried garbanzo beans to a medium-sized bowl. Add your desired seasonings and oil, and mix well. You can use various seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even get creative with your own combinations. Olive oil or avocado oil is typically used, as they have a high smoke point, but other options like coconut oil or canola oil are also viable.

Once the chickpeas are coated with oil and seasonings, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. This allows hot air to contact them on all sides and promotes even cooking and crispiness.

Now, you are ready to air fry! Set the temperature and time according to your preferred level of crispiness and the recommendations of your specific air fryer model. Most recipes suggest air frying at temperatures between 380-400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Finally, once the garbanzo beans are air fried to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. You can enjoy them as a crispy snack or use them as a crunchy topper for salads, soups, bowls, or wraps.

The best oil to use for crispy garbanzo beans

How to make crispy garbanzo beans in an air fryer

First, open and drain a 15.5-oz can of garbanzo beans. You can also use dried chickpeas that you cook yourself, in which case you will need about 1½ cups. You do not need to rinse the beans, but if you want to, make sure to drain them in a colander.

Next, add the drained chickpeas to the air fryer basket, spreading them out across the bottom. Set the temperature to 390–400 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer for 15–17 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the air fryer basket. At this point, your chickpeas should be dry and ready for you to spray or toss them with oil.

Close the air fryer basket and continue the cooking cycle, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. When there are about 2 minutes left, add half of your chosen seasoning combination. This will allow the chickpeas to roast without the seasonings burning or falling off.

Continue to cook for the last 2 minutes, and then remove the chickpeas. If you want them crispier, put them in for a few more minutes. Place the garbanzo beans in a large bowl and pour the remaining seasoning on them. Stir to coat the seasoning on all the chickpeas. Allow them to cool and enjoy.

How to season the garbanzo beans

There are many ways to season garbanzo beans, and you can get creative with your seasonings. Here are some ideas:

Ranch Seasoning:

• Dried dill
• Dried chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dorito Seasoning:

• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt

Coconut Curry Seasoning:

• Unsweetened shredded coconut
• Curry powder
• Salt

Other Seasoning Ideas:

• Olive oil and sea salt
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Lemon juice
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh garlic

You can also try tossing the garbanzo beans with pinches of your desired seasonings before air frying. It is recommended to add your desired seasonings while the garbanzo beans are still hot so that the seasonings stick to them as they cool.

How long to air fry the garbanzo beans for

The length of time you air fry garbanzo beans depends on the desired level of crispiness and the air fryer brand and size. It is recommended to air fry garbanzo beans for 10 to 15 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your preference and air fryer model. For example, one source suggests a cooking time of 12 to 14 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, while another recommends 17 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the moisture content of your beans. Therefore, it is suggested to check the doneness of your garbanzo beans after 15 minutes and adjust the timing accordingly. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the garbanzo beans are dry before placing them in the air fryer. This can be achieved by spreading them on a kitchen towel or paper towel and patting them dry.

To enhance the crispiness of your garbanzo beans, consider adding oil and seasoning. You can spray or toss the beans with olive oil or avocado oil before placing them in the air fryer. For seasoning, you can use salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any combination of your choice. It is recommended to add the seasoning towards the end of the cooking process to prevent burning.

How to store leftover garbanzo beans

If you have leftover crispy garbanzo beans, you can store them in a paper bag for a few days. This method is said to be the best way to keep them crispy. You can also store them in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they may soften over time. To re-crisp them, cook them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, or pop them back in the air fryer.

If you have a large batch of leftover crispy garbanzo beans, you can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Here are some tips for storing leftover garbanzo beans:

• Allow the cooked garbanzo beans to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
• Place the beans in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry, and remove any excess moisture.
• If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing tightly.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage.
• Store the container or bag in a stable position in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Use the stored garbanzo beans within 3 to 5 days for the best quality and flavor.
• If freezing, it is best to use the beans within 3 to 4 months for optimal texture and taste.
• To thaw frozen garbanzo beans, let them defrost gradually in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.

Frequently asked questions