Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chickpeas
Have you tried crispy chickpeas yet? Roly-poly spheres, about the size of a small blueberry, flavorful, sort of chewy and sort of crisp, they are a bit addicting. They make a great snacking companion for your favorite beer or a G & T. How long it takes: just over 15 minutes; allow an extra hour for drying the chickpeas Equipment you’ll need: air fryer Servings: 4
Totally customizable. There are lots of ways to add flavors to the chickpeas so you never grow tired of these crispy little delights. You buy potato chips in lots of different flavors: barbecue, cool ranch, salt and vinegar, sour cream and onion, and so on. Like chips, you can have crispy chickpeas in pretty much any flavor you dream up. Healthy snack. And at only 32 calories per half cup serving, they’re a guilt-free snack. Add to that the nutritional value of chickpeas. They’re a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Compact. Chickpeas are inexpensive, convenient, and don’t take up a lot of room in your pantry (I’m thinking of you, bulky bags of chips!). Air fryer vs. oven. I’ve been roasting crispy chickpeas in my oven for awhile now. I especially like these cinnamon roasted chickpeas. The oven roasting method is great but it takes a little longer (20 to 30 minutes) and I’d have to say, the chickpeas don’t get quite as crispy as they do in my air fryer. Air fryers have the heat and air circulation necessary to do the best crisping job. Salad Toppers. Crisp chickpeas can take the place of nuts or croutons on a salad. I especially love them on this Brussels sprouts salad. Kids love them, too!
How To Make air fryer chickpeas
The most important tip I can give you is to dry the chickpeas as much as possible. Dry = crisp! Allow an extra hour to spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel in a single layer to let them air dry before you season and air fry them. Add seasoning. After the drying time, season the chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasoning mix. I have a great one in the recipe below for you to get started with. Air fry. Toss the chickpeas in your air fryer, and “fry” for twelve minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even cooking. Serve. Crispy chickpeas are yummy served warm, right out of the air fryer, or at room temperature.
What’s in air fryer chickpeas?
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – Make sure they’re rinsed and drained well! It’s important to dry them well, just let them sit on a lint-free towel for an hour or two. It’s not important to peel them, but you can if you’d like. You could make a double batch, but you’d want to air fry one can at a time. We like them best fresh. Olive Oil – Only one tablespoon is needed! Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Smoked Paprika – We love this basic but flavorful spice mix, but you’ll see lots of ideas for variations in the recipe card (keep scrolling!). Salt and Pepper – Of course!
Flavor Variations
The seasoning mix in the recipe card below is just a beginning point. Chickpeas can be customized in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.
Cheesy Italian herb chickpeas: Omit smoked paprika. Instead mix in a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese (don’t be afraid to use the green can Parmesan, the crumbly texture adheres well to the chickpeas). Add a half teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning, too. Fry as directed. Ranch chickpeas: Omit all the seasoning and add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning to the chickpeas. Fry as directed. Salt and vinegar chickpeas: Omit the seasoning, and instead stir the chickpeas with a tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt. Fry as directed. Curry chickpeas: Use melted coconut oil instead of olive oil, and add 1 teaspoon curry powder to the seasoning mix, omitting the smoked paprika. Butter flavor: Adding a couple teaspoons of nutritional yeast to any of the recipes will yield a somewhat buttery flavor. I’m sure you’re thinking of all sorts of ways now to make your own special flavor!
Storage Tips
Store uncovered! After completely cooling, store crispy chickpeas in a jar or bowl, without a lid, to preserve the crispiness. They need a little air circulation but you can lightly cover the top with a paper towel to keep them clean. The chickpeas will keep a day or two. Keep in mind that they won’t be as crispy as when freshly made.
