These lightly seasoned Air Fryer Chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack you can eat on their own or use as a tasty topper on salads. They are vegan and gluten-free and are so quick and easy to make in only 15 minutes. They make a great snack, and are great in school or work lunches.
These air fryer ultra-crispy chickpeas are one of my favorite snacks. I will warn you though, they are extremely addictive!
I have been loving my air fryer to make easy recipes, such as Keto Tuna Patties, French Fries, and Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. These air fryer ultra-crispy chickpeas make a healthy crunchy snack, and I love putting them on my salad for extra protein and a satisfying crunch.
These dry chickpeas are a healthy substitute when you are craving salty potato chips. Snack on these instead and it will satisfy your craving!
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Why you will love this recipe
- These crunchy seasoned chickpeas make a great salad topper in place of croutons.
- These chickpeas make the perfect snack.
- Add to school lunches for a delicious snack.
- Use as a topper on tomato soup.
- They are healthy, gluten-free, low in carbs, and low in calories.
Ingredients
These ultra-crispy roasted chickpeas only require a handful of ingredients; most likely you have everything in your pantry already.
- Canned chickpeas (or garbanzo beans)
- Extra Virgin Olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder. You can also use garlic salt.
- Onion powder. You can also use onion salt.
- Seasoning salt. You can also use kosher salt.
- Paprika. You can also use smoked paprika.
- Chili powder. Increase or decrease the chili powder to change the level of spice.
- Sesame seeds, optional.
How to cook chickpeas
These ultra-crispy legumes are so easy to make. In just 15 short minutes, they are ready to eat!
First of all, heat up the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
Open and drain a can of chickpeas and rinse with water. I like to let them drain for a few minutes in a fine mesh strainer to get rid of as much moisture as possible.
Transfer chickpeas to a large bowl.
Next, add spice ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well.
Add olive oil to the chickpeas, along with the seasoning. Mix well until everything is combined.
Pour the chickpeas into the air fryer basket.
Make sure they are in a single layer and are not crowded.
Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of time through the cooking process. Cook until golden brown and the chickpeas reach the desired crispness.
Add more salt and pepper or other seasonings if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
Variations
Chickpeas can be switched up simply by changing the seasoning you use. Some tasty alternatives to try instead of the seasoning in this recipe are:
- Use 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning instead to spice up your chickpeas. These are great in a taco salad or in a taco.
- Use ½ tablespoon - 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning for ranch-flavored chickpeas. These are so good.
- If you like spicy, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the seasoning mix in the recipe.
- Make a seasoning with ½ tablespoon of sesame seeds, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of seasoning salt. These are awesome on an Asian salad.
- Add ½ tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning for a great flavor.
- Sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar for a sweet and crispy snack.
- Sprinkle on some lemon juice or fresh lime juice with chili powder for chili lime chickpeas.
Equipment
To make this savory snack, you will need an air fryer. Because all air fryers are different, and some are hotter than others, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Storage
Store leftover chickpeas in an airtight container with some paper towel in your pantry, where they will keep for 2-3 days. The paper towel will help to absorb any excess moisture, keeping the chickpeas crispy.
I used to store them in the fridge, but they tended to get a bit soggy and a little bit chewy.
Top tips
- Always preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Don't add any sugar to the seasoning mix, sugar burns in the air fryer.
- Do not add too much oil as it can actually make them soggy, not crispy.
- Make sure the chickpeas are in a single layer in your air fryer. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to do 2 batches.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking so they get ultra-crispy, and even an extra time or two for best results.
- Air fryers are all different, so you may need to adjust your cook time by a couple of minutes longer or shorter.
- Feel free to change up the seasonings and add your favorite spices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chickpeas are a legume from the plant family Fabaceae, which is grown for its nutritional seeds.
Yes! They are exactly the same thing, just different names.
Yes! Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, as well as iron and folate. Plus, they are low in calories. They also reduce blood sugar, decrease blood cholesterol, and improve gut health. So go ahead, snack away!
Yes, actually, they are. A ½-cup serving contains almost 13 g of carbs, so if you are on the Keto diet these would not be the best snack to have.
No problem! You can use your oven! I used my oven for years to make crunchy chickpeas before I purchased an air fryer. Follow the same instructions, but place them in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet or lined with parchment paper, and place in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. Stir halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are lightly brown and crispy. Watch them close near the end of the cooking time as they turn from brown to black pretty quickly!
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If you make this Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe, I would love to know how you liked it! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Tag me in your photos at @windingcreek_ranch. I would love to see your pictures!
📋 Recipe
Super Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Equipment
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ tsp seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- First, heat up the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Open and drain a can of chickpeas and rinse with water. I like to let them drain for a few minutes in a fine mesh strainer to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Transfer chickpeas to a large bowl.
- Next, add olive oil and seasoning. Mix well. Pour all of the chickpeas into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and are not crowded.
- Cook chickpeas in the air fryer for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Cook until desired crispness and lightly browned. Add more salt and pepper or other seasonings if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Always preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Don't add any sugar to the seasoning mix, sugar burns in the air fryer.
- Do not add too much oil as it can actually make them soggy, not crispy.
- Make sure the chickpeas are in a single layer in your air fryer. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to do two batches.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking so they get ultra-crispy.
- Air fryers are all different, so you may need to cook your chickpeas for a couple of minutes longer or shorter.
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
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
Me too, Mihaela! They are one of my favorite snacks!
Kim
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
That's fantastic, Kim! I'm so glad you liked it! Taco seasoning would be great, I'll have to try it!
Kay
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
That's a great idea!
The Sudden Cook
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
It is so easy to do, and so delicious! I hope you like them!
Amy
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
I'm so glad you liked them, Amy! I usually make double batches too, otherwise, they don't last long! 😊