Air Fryer Chickpeas: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make dried chickpeas. The circulating dry air dries the chickpeas, making them crispy without the need for pre-drying. However, pre-drying will result in extra crispy chickpeas. The cooking time is also significantly reduced to around 15 minutes, and they are crispier than oven-baked chickpeas.

How to make dried chickpeas in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 14-oz can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups of dried chickpeas)
• 1-2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 tsp of fine grind sea salt
• 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp of onion powder
• Your choice of seasoning

Method:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
• Dry the chickpeas with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
• Mix the chickpeas with oil and salt.
• Add any desired seasonings and toss to coat.
• Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 390°F / 200°C for 8 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
• When the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
• Store in an open container.

Tips:

• If you are using dried chickpeas, you will need to cook them before air frying. You can do this by soaking them in water overnight and then boiling them until they are firm but fully cooked.
• It is important to ensure the chickpeas are dry before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they become crispy.
• You can use any type of oil and seasoning you like. Some popular choices include avocado oil, olive oil, and everything bagel seasoning.

How to season dried chickpeas

Seasoning dried chickpeas is a creative process, and you can use whatever spices you want. They are a blank canvas, so get creative! Here are some ideas for seasoning dried chickpeas:

• Salt
• Cumin
• Cayenne
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Ranch seasoning (garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and dried parsley and dill)
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic salt
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Lawry's seasoning salt
• Garlic herb seasoning
• Sumac
• Lemon zest
• Chilli powder
• Turmeric
• Curry powder
• Slap Your Mama Cajun seasoning
• Bang Bang seasoning
• Adobo seasoning
• Ancho chile powder
• Tony's extra spicy Cajun seasoning
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Basil
• Parsley
• Dill
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Caraway
• Mustard powder
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

How to store dried chickpeas

Dried chickpeas can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. After this time, they start to become stale, which affects their taste and texture once cooked.

Here's how to store dried chickpeas:

• Use an airtight container, such as a 32 oz wide-mouth mason jar.
• Once the package of dried chickpeas is open, transfer them to the airtight container.
• Place the container in a cool, dry place, like a pantry.

It is important to note that dried chickpeas should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They can absorb moisture and grow mould.

If you want to store soaked chickpeas, simply drain the water, let the chickpeas dry, and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to reheat dried chickpeas

To reheat dried chickpeas, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that dried chickpeas will need to be cooked before they can be reheated. If you have cooked chickpeas that have been refrigerated or frozen, skip to the next step. To cook dried chickpeas, start by rinsing and draining them. Then, add them to a pot of salted water or stock for added flavour. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the chickpeas until they are tender, around 1-1.5 hours, and then drain them.

Now that your chickpeas are cooked, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chickpeas by tossing them with a light coating of oil and your desired seasonings. You can use any oil and seasoning of your choice. Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the chickpeas for 10-15 minutes, tossing them every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once the chickpeas are hot and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve them as a snack, salad topper, or add them to bowls, wraps, or soups.

How to cook dried chickpeas in an instant pot

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chickpeas (dried)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
• 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Other seasonings of your choice

Method:

• Rinse the dried chickpeas and add them to your Instant Pot with four cups of water.
• Set the Instant Pot to the "beans" setting and let it release naturally, or force-release after 10 minutes. The chickpeas should be firm, with a slight bite.
• Drain the chickpeas and, if you have time, let them air-dry for a few minutes.
• Place the chickpeas in a bowl and add the oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired seasonings. Toss until the chickpeas are evenly coated.
• Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the seasoned chickpeas.
• Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden.
• Remove from the Instant Pot and enjoy as a snack or add to your favorite dish!

Tips:

• You can also cook dried chickpeas in the Instant Pot without soaking them first. Simply add the rinsed chickpeas and water to the pot and follow the above instructions.
• If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Some popular options include ranch, Dorito-style, curry, and Cajun.
• For a simple and tasty option, just use salt and pepper as your seasonings.
• You can also use canned chickpeas if you don't have time to cook dried ones, but be sure to rinse and drain them first.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy chickpeas!

Frequently asked questions