Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas: A Quick, Healthy Snack

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are a great alternative to chips, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavour. You can use any type of chickpeas, but canned chickpeas are the most convenient. Before air frying, it is important to dry the chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen cloth. You can then season them with olive oil and your choice of spices such as salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and fry at 380-400°F for 10-17 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Once they are golden brown and crunchy, they are ready to be enjoyed!

How to prepare the ingredients

Preparing the ingredients for air fryer roasted chickpeas is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a can of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), some olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil such as avocado or vegetable oil, and your choice of seasonings. For a basic savoury flavour, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. However, feel free to experiment with different combinations, such as dill pickle, ranch, or even pizza spices. If you want to add a sweet twist, a combination of sugar and cinnamon can be a great option.

Once you have your ingredients, start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. You can use a colander for this step. After rinsing, spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. It is crucial that the chickpeas are completely dry before you move on to the next step, as any remaining moisture will affect their ability to crisp up in the air fryer. While drying them, you can also remove any loose skins from the chickpeas.

Now, it's time to add the oil and spices. Place the chickpeas in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen spices over the chickpeas, adding more or less to suit your taste preferences. Toss the chickpeas gently with a spoon or your hands until they are evenly coated with oil and spices.

At this stage, you can also add a light spritz of oil to help the spices adhere better to the chickpeas. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour and texture of the final product.

And that's it! You have successfully prepared the ingredients for air fryer roasted chickpeas. Remember to dry the chickpeas thoroughly and experiment with different spice combinations to find your favourite flavour. Now, you can move on to the cooking stage, where you'll transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer and cook them until they're perfectly crispy.

How to cook the chickpeas

To make roasted chickpeas in an air fryer, start by rinsing and draining a can of chickpeas. It is important to ensure the chickpeas are completely dry before cooking, so use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry. Removing any loose skins from the chickpeas at this stage is also a good idea.

Next, add the chickpeas to a bowl and toss with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, or chili powder. Toss the chickpeas well to ensure they are fully coated.

Transfer the chickpeas to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. It is important that the chickpeas are not overcrowded so that they cook evenly and get crispy. Set the air fryer to between 380-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Once the chickpeas are crunchy and golden brown, they are ready to be served. You can also add extra seasoning at this stage, such as Parmesan cheese or ranch seasoning. Enjoy your crispy, healthy snack!

How to season the chickpeas

Seasoning your chickpeas is a fun and creative part of the cooking process. You can use whatever spices you want, and the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil and sea salt
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill)
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Celery salt
• Dry mustard
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Cajun seasoning
• Blackened seasoning
• Zatar
• Curry powder

When seasoning your chickpeas, it's important to note that adding the spices too early in the cooking process can cause them to burn or fall off. It's best to add half of your desired seasoning towards the end of the cooking cycle, and then add the remaining seasoning after removing the chickpeas from the air fryer.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavours!

How to store the chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are best stored in a glass jar with a loose-fitting lid at room temperature. This storage method will keep your chickpeas crispy for longer.

If you want to keep your roasted chickpeas in a container, make sure it is not airtight. One source suggests placing a paper towel over the container's opening to keep out random particles and critters.

If you want to store your roasted chickpeas in a bag, a paper bag is better than a plastic bag. Plastic bags will make your chickpeas soggy within an hour.

You can also try storing your roasted chickpeas in the freezer, but they will be chewy rather than crispy when they thaw out.

How to serve the chickpeas

Now that you've made your roasted chickpeas, it's time to serve them! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Enjoy them as a snack! These crispy chickpeas are perfect for grabbing a handful when you're craving something delicious and healthy.
• Sprinkle them over a salad or grain bowl. They add a nice crunch and are a great alternative to croutons.
• Use them as a topping for soups and dips. They'll add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to your favourite soups, like vegan tortilla soup or broccoli cheese soup, or dips like hummus.
• Sprinkle them over pasta or rice dishes. They'll add a bit of crunch and flavour to your favourite pasta or rice dish, like lemon pasta or mushroom risotto.
• Include them in tacos, fajitas, or wraps. They'll provide a tasty and crunchy contrast to the other ingredients.
• Serve them as part of a snack selection at parties or events, alongside dips and small bites.
• Add them to your favourite vegan mashed potato and gravy dish for a hearty and crunchy twist.
• If you're feeling creative, experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour combinations!

Remember, these roasted chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days if needed. If they lose their crispiness, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again!

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