Roasting Canned Chickpeas In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Crispy!

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack, but achieving the perfect level of crispiness can be tricky. Using an air fryer is a great way to ensure your chickpeas are evenly cooked, and it's much faster than using an oven. Here's a simple recipe for how to roast canned chickpeas in an air fryer.

How to season canned chickpeas for the air fryer

Seasoning your canned chickpeas for the air fryer is a simple process and you can get creative with your choice of spices.

Firstly, you should drain and rinse your chickpeas. It is important to ensure that they are dry before cooking, so you can either leave them to air dry on paper towels or kitchen roll, or you can place them in the air fryer for 5 minutes to dry them out.

Next, you should add oil to your chickpeas. Avocado oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil are all good options as they have high smoke points. Simply spray or drizzle the oil over the chickpeas and stir to ensure they are coated.

Now it's time to add your seasoning. You can use any spices you like, but here are some ideas:

• Sea salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Blackened seasoning
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Zatar

You can add your seasoning before cooking, but be aware that it may burn. Alternatively, you can add it halfway through cooking or once the chickpeas are cooked.

Now your chickpeas are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

The best oil to use for crispy chickpeas

When roasting canned chickpeas in an air fryer, the best oils to use are those with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning, and will help to create crispy, crunchy chickpeas.

Avocado oil is a great option as it has a very high smoke point, and will leave your chickpeas with a nice, crispy texture. Extra virgin olive oil is another good choice, as it helps the chickpeas to brown and crisp up during cooking, and adds a nice flavour.

Some recipes suggest using an oil spray, which can be a good way to ensure an even coating of oil on your chickpeas. You can use a store-bought oil spray, or fill your own spray bottle with your chosen oil.

If you don't have any of the oils mentioned above, you can also use regular olive oil, which will also help your chickpeas to crisp up nicely.

Remember, it's important to dry your chickpeas before adding oil and roasting them in the air fryer. This will help ensure that they get nice and crispy.

How to ensure chickpeas are dry before air frying

Air frying chickpeas is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, healthy snack. However, it's important to ensure that your chickpeas are dry before you start cooking. Here are some tips to make sure your chickpeas are dry and ready for air frying:

Drain and Rinse

First, drain and rinse your chickpeas. This step is important as it removes any excess liquid from the canning process or cooking. You can use canned chickpeas for convenience or cook your own. If you're using canned chickpeas, simply open the can and pour the chickpeas into a colander to drain. Then, rinse them under running water.

Spread and Pat Dry

Next, spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Gently pat them dry with another towel. This step is crucial as it removes any remaining moisture from the surface of the chickpeas. Make sure to remove any loose skins from the chickpeas as well.

Air Drying (Optional)

Although not necessary, you can take your drying process a step further by letting the chickpeas air dry on the counter for about an hour. This extra step can help ensure that any remaining moisture evaporates, though it is not required for crispy results.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer

When it's time to cook, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Hot air needs to be able to circulate around each chickpea to ensure even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chickpeas in batches.

Check During Cooking

Keep an eye on your chickpeas during the cooking process. Depending on your air fryer and the moisture content of your beans, the cooking time may vary. Don't be afraid to go longer if needed to ensure crispness.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your chickpeas are dry and ready for air frying. This will help you achieve the desired crispiness and avoid any issues with sogginess. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!

How to store leftover air-fried chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are best stored in a glass jar or an open container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crispiness, you can re-crisp them by cooking them for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat or by putting them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

How to re-crisp chickpeas

Air-fried chickpeas are best enjoyed straight from the fryer when they are at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers or your chickpeas lose their crispiness, you can re-crisp them by following these simple steps:

Pop Them Back in the Air Fryer

Return the chickpeas to the air fryer and cook them for two to five minutes at 400°F. This method is quick and easy, and you don't need any additional equipment.

Use a Dry Skillet

Place a dry skillet on medium heat. Put the chickpeas in the skillet and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Storage Tips for Optimal Crispiness

To maintain crispiness, it is best to store air-fried chickpeas in an uncovered container at room temperature. If you plan to eat them within a day, this method will keep them crispy.

If you don't think you'll eat them that quickly, put them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, either let them thaw at room temperature or put them back in the air fryer for five minutes to re-crisp.

Oil and Seasoning

When re-crisping, be mindful of the amount of oil and seasoning you use. Too much oil will make the chickpeas soggy, while too little will prevent them from crisping. The same is true for seasonings—use too much or too little, and your chickpeas may not crisp up properly.

Frequently asked questions