Golden, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection, these Air Fried Chickpeas are one of the easiest air fryer recipes you can make. Ready in just 15 minutes, they're perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding a crispy crunch to grain bowls.
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Looking for more easy air fryer recipes? Try my Air Fryer Keto Tuna Patties, Air Fryer Frozen French Fries, and Air Fryer Kabocha Squash.
An Easy Snack for Any Day
Every time I pull out my air fryer, these crispy chickpeas end up in the basket. They're fast, flavorful, and always come out ultra crunchy.
You can use any air fryer, basket style or toaster oven style, and the ingredient list couldn't be simpler. You'll also love…
- How quickly they come together.
- The short ingredient list and easy prep.
- The delicious crunch is way better than store-bought snacks.
If you love this recipe, try this Chickpea and Black Bean Snack next!
Air Fried Chickpeas Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Canned chickpeas: Also called garbanzo beans. Make sure to drain them well in a colander and pat them dry with a kitchen towel for maximum crispiness.
- Olive oil: Just a small amount gives the chickpeas a light, even crispness. You can also use avocado or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder (or garlic salt).
- Onion powder (or onion salt).
- Seasoning salt or kosher salt.
- Paprika: Regular or smoked paprika.
- Chili powder. Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but adds a nice nutty crunch.
Optional: You can also toss them with this Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe.
How to Make Air Fried Chickpeas
For step-by-step instructions with detailed measurements, jump to the recipe card.
PREP the Chickpeas. Drain a can of chickpeas in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel (this is key for getting them ultra crispy).
SEASON. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and seasonings. Add the chickpeas and toss until evenly coated.
LOAD the Basket. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
AIR FRY: Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Tips for the Crispiest Air Fried Chickpeas
- Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crunch. Dry the chickpeas really well with a kitchen towel or paper towel before seasoning.
- Minimal Oil: A light coating is enough for the perfect crisp. Too much oil will make them soggy.
- Single Layer: Don't crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake Often: Shaking the basket every 5 minutes ensures even browning.
- Adjust the Time: Every air fryer is a little different. Add a couple of minutes if needed for extra crunch.
Variations
These chickpeas are a blank canvas for any flavor you're craving. Here are a few of my favorite ways to season them:
- Crispy Ranch Chickpeas: Season with ½ to 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning.
- Chili Lime Chickpeas: Season with fresh lime juice and chili powder.
- Taco Chickpeas: Season with one teaspoon of taco seasoning and add to a taco salad or a taco.
- Buffalo Chickpeas: Toss with buffalo sauce.
- Spicy: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Bagel: Use ½ tablespoon of Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Cinnamon: Season with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and crispy snack.
Serving Suggestions
I like to eat these chickpeas straight out of the air fryer or use them as a salad topper instead of croutons. They're also fantastic on top of my Low Carb Tomato Soup, Slow Cooker Venison Stew, and Instant Pot Deer Stew.
Try them as a crunchy topping for grain bowls, or toss them into wraps and tacos for extra protein.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store leftover chickpeas in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for 2-3 days to keep them crisp.
- Avoid the Fridge: Storing them in the fridge can make them chewy.
- Re-Crisp: If needed, toss them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a nutrient-rich legume, high in protein and fiber.
No. A ½ cup serving has about 13g of carbs.
Yes! Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F, stirring every 10 minutes until crisp.
More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
Printable Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390℉.
- Toss rinsed and drained chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, paprika, and chili powder. Transfer seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry chickpeas for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- Cook until golden brown and the desired crispness is reached. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I love, love, LOVE chickpeas! I usually roast them - because I don't have an air fryer - and use them in every single salad. They look great done in the air fryer, though!
Jeri says
Me too, Mihaela! They are one of my favorite snacks!
Kim says
I knew I wanted to try this as soon as I saw it. What a fun, healthy snack! It turned out so well that we were snacking on it all afternoon. I immediately planned a taco salad the next day so I could try it with taco seasoning. I didn't imagine it could get any better but wow! So good. I'm going to have to buy some more cans at the grocery this weekend.
Jeri says
That's fantastic, Kim! I'm so glad you liked it! Taco seasoning would be great, I'll have to try it!
Kay says
A great snack! I will always keep a can or two handy now and make some up for nibbles when we have mates over.
Jeri says
That's a great idea!
The Sudden Cook says
Awesome! I use my air fryer for many things but NEVER thought of frying chick peas in them. This has really helped me - am surely gonna try it this weekend.
Jeri says
It is so easy to do, and so delicious! I hope you like them!
Amy says
I just got myself an air fryer (yes, I'm late to the party I know!) and I've bee looking for recipes to try! Loved this recipe and can't believe how easy it is! Really great for snacking instead of nuts. Will have to double the recipe next time because it didn't last very long!
Jeri says
I'm so glad you liked them, Amy! I usually make double batches too, otherwise, they don't last long! 😊