Craving a satisfying snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than **Air Fryer Chickpeas**! These golden, crunchy garbanzo beans are incredibly simple to make and quickly become a favorite in any household. Packed with protein and fiber, they offer a guilt-free way to curb hunger, whether you’re on the go, looking for a flavorful topping for your salads, or a textural addition to a rice bowl. Get ready to discover how your air fryer can transform humble chickpeas into an irresistibly crispy treat!

I have always had a serious soft spot for chickpeas, recognizing them as a versatile and healthy ingredient. They’re not just a fantastic source of plant-based protein, which is always a bonus, but they also bring a wonderful texture to many dishes. My kitchen often sees them transformed into various forms, from homemade Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas to a creamy Chickpea Salad Recipe, and even adding heartiness to comforting Garbanzo Soup. The roasted version, in particular, is a regular request from my kids, serving as a much-loved snack.

When I recently experimented with making them in the air fryer, I was genuinely amazed by the results. The air fryer’s ability to achieve an unparalleled level of crispiness in such a short time was a game-changer. I knew instantly that I had to share this simple yet brilliant method for **Air Fryer Chickpeas** with you. They’re an excellent option when you’re seeking quick, wholesome snacks for the family. I often prepare a batch and store them in a mason jar in my pantry, ready for easy snacking throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe

• **Incredibly Crispy:** The air fryer is truly unmatched in achieving that perfect, satisfying crunch that makes these chickpeas so addictive.
• **Healthy & Nutritious:** Chickpeas are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this snack a smart choice for your well-being.
• **Quick & Easy:** With minimal prep and a short cooking time, you can have these flavorful morsels ready in under an hour.
• **Versatile:** Enjoy them on their own, sprinkle them over salads, add them to wraps, or mix them into grain bowls for an extra layer of texture and taste.
• **Guilt-Free Snacking:** Say goodbye to unhealthy processed snacks. These air-fried chickpeas are a wholesome alternative you can feel good about.

The Air Fryer Advantage: Unlocking Ultimate Crispiness

While you can roast chickpeas in a conventional oven, the air fryer takes crispiness to a whole new level. Its circulating hot air mimics deep-frying, creating an incredibly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This means you get that delightful crunch with significantly less fat, making it a healthier option.

Another fantastic benefit of using the air fryer is speed. It preheats faster and cooks food quicker than a traditional oven, which is perfect for those busy days when you need a speedy snack solution. The consistent heat distribution also ensures even cooking, so each chickpea gets perfectly golden and crunchy.

Don’t worry if your air-fried garbanzo beans lose a bit of their crispness after storing. A quick reheat in the air fryer for just a few minutes will bring back that irresistible texture we all love!

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

This recipe uses a simple set of ingredients to create a truly irresistible snack. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Chickpeas: Our star ingredient! This recipe calls for 2 cans of chickpeas, which are convenient and readily available. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before use. If you prefer to use dried chickpeas, you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Here’s a guide on how to soak dried chickpeas if you go that route. Canned chickpeas are perfect for quick preparation.
• Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): A touch of oil is essential for helping the chickpeas get crispy and ensuring the spices adhere. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but avocado oil is also an excellent choice, especially given its high smoke point, which is beneficial for air frying at higher temperatures.
• Flavorful Spice Blend: The magic behind the deep, rich flavor of these chickpeas lies in the carefully selected spice mixture. We combine chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and garlic powder to create a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic coating. This blend offers a fantastic balance, but feel free to adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your personal taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Use sea salt for a more robust taste.
• Powdered Cheese (Optional): For a fun and cheesy twist, this recipe includes powdered cheese. This ingredient adds a savory, umami kick that’s especially popular with kids and cheese lovers. If you prefer a dairy-free or simpler version, you can easily omit it, and your chickpeas will still be incredibly delicious. You can typically find powdered cheese in the aisle near popcorn seasonings at most grocery stores.

Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Achieving perfectly crispy chickpeas every time is easy with a few key tips:

• Dry, Dry, Dry: This is arguably the most crucial step! Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After rinsing, spread your chickpeas on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them as dry as possible. Let them air dry for 30-60 minutes if time allows. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal air circulation, arrange the chickpeas in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches to avoid steaming, which will result in soft chickpeas instead of crispy ones.
• Shake Often: To ensure even browning and crispiness, shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes during cooking. This helps to redistribute the chickpeas and expose all sides to the hot air.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers vary in wattage and efficiency. While 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is a good starting point, keep an eye on your chickpeas, especially after the 12-minute mark. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color and a hard, crunchy texture.
• Re-Crisp if Needed: If your chickpeas soften after storage, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to bring back their crunch.

How to Make Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delicious crispy chickpeas is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas. First, drain and thoroughly rinse your canned chickpeas under cold water. This removes any residual liquid and helps with drying.

Step 2: Dry for Maximum Crispiness. This step is critical! Spread the rinsed chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cover them with additional paper towels or another kitchen towel and gently pat them dry, pressing to absorb as much moisture as possible. The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will become. For best results, let them sit and air dry for at least 30-60 minutes. You can even roll them between two towels to encourage the outer skins to rub off, which contributes to an even crunchier texture.

Step 3: Season the Chickpeas. Once the garbanzo beans are adequately dry, transfer them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil (or avocado oil) over the beans and gently toss to coat them evenly. In a separate small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and the optional powdered cheddar cheese. Pour this spice mixture over the oil-coated chickpeas and mix thoroughly until all beans are well seasoned.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil, avocado oil, or your preferred non-stick spray. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection. Carefully add the seasoned chickpeas to the pre-heated air fryer tray, spreading them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Cook for 15 minutes, making sure to open the air fryer and shake the basket every 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and promotes uniform crispiness.

Step 6: Check for Crispiness. After approximately 12 minutes of cooking, check the chickpeas. They should be golden brown and feel firm and crunchy. Cooking times can vary between air fryer models, so adjust as needed. You want them crispy, not burnt!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy. Remove the crispy chickpeas from the air fryer and spread them on a baking tray or plate to cool slightly. As they cool, they will become even crispier. Enjoy them warm, or allow them to cool completely before storing. You will absolutely adore these crunchy chickpea poppers!

Beyond the Snack: Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chickpeas

These crispy air fryer chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• **Salad Topping:** Replace traditional croutons with these protein-packed crunchy chickpeas for a healthier and more flavorful salad.
• **Soup Garnish:** Sprinkle them over creamy soups (like tomato, butternut squash, or even your Garbanzo Soup) for an added textural contrast.
• **Grain Bowls & Wraps:** Add a handful to your favorite grain bowls (quinoa, rice, farro) or tuck them into wraps and pitas for extra protein and crunch.
• **Yogurt or Hummus Bowls:** For an unconventional twist, try them with savory yogurt or hummus bowls, especially if you opt for a more Mediterranean spice blend.
• **Trail Mix Addition:** Mix them with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a custom, energizing trail mix.

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Chickpeas

For best crispiness, air fryer chickpeas are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If they lose some crunch, a quick reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) will bring back that desirable crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chickpeas

Here are answers to some common questions about making crispy chickpeas in an air fryer:

• Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, you’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before air frying. One cup of dried chickpeas typically yields about three cups cooked, so adjust your recipe accordingly. Ensure they are completely dry before seasoning and air frying.
• Why aren’t my chickpeas getting crispy? The most common culprit is moisture. Make sure your chickpeas are thoroughly dried after rinsing. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can also lead to steaming, preventing crispiness. Always cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary.
• How do I prevent them from burning? Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, and shake the basket frequently. Air fryers can vary, so adjust cooking time as needed. If your chickpeas start to look too dark, reduce the temperature slightly or shorten the cooking time.
• Can I make a sweet version? Yes! Omit the savory spices and toss with a little oil, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Air fry as directed. They make a great healthy dessert or sweet snack.
• What kind of oil should I use? Olive oil or avocado oil are great choices. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which is beneficial for the higher temperatures used in air frying. A light spray of oil is all that’s needed to help them crisp up and for the seasonings to stick.

Ready to make these delightful, crunchy morsels?

Air fryer chickpeas are a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy snack. With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can transform humble garbanzo beans into a crispy sensation that satisfies cravings without any guilt. Whether you enjoy them straight from the air fryer, tossed in a salad, or as a crunchy addition to your favorite meals, these chickpeas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into this recipe and discover your new favorite snack!

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Air Fryer Chickpeas

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 30 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

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Air Fryer Chickpeas are a quick and easy snack. They make a great on-the-go snack without all the guilt or a topping on salads or over a rice bowl.

Video

Ingredients 

• ▢ 2- 15 ounce chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 Tablespoons chili powder
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon cumin
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons powdered cheese, {optional}

Instructions 

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Cover a baking sheet with a papwer towel. Transfer the rinsed chickpeas to the paper towel covered baking sheet.
• Cover the garbanzo beans with a paper towel or kitchen towel and LIGHTLY dry the beans the best that you can. It’s very important that we get the garbanzo beans as dry as possible! Let the garbanzo beans sit and dry for 30-60 minutes.
• Once the garbanzo beans are dry, pour them into a medium sized mixing bowl.
• Pour the olive oil over the beans and gently toss the chickpeas in the olive oil.
• In a seperate small mixing bowl mix the chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, pepper, salt and powdered cheddar cheese {optional}. Pour the spices over the chickpeas and gently mix well.
• Spray the tray of the air fryer with PAM avocado or alternative spray oil. I prefer avocado oil due to its high smoke point.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
• Add the chickpeas to the pre-heated tray of the air fryer and evenly spread them across the tray.
• Cook the garbanzo beans at 400 degrees for 15 minutes making sure to shake the tray of the air fryer every 5 minutes.
• After around 12 minutes of cooking time, check the chickpeas to be sure that they are not overly baked. *Typically, 15 minutes of baking time should make nice and crispy garbanzo bean poppers…BUT each air fryer is different, so check on how things are cooking along the way.
• Remove the poppers from the air fryer when they are crispy and let them cool on a baking tray. Enjoy!

Notes

• Air fryer garbanzo bean poppers can either be eaten right away, or stored for up to a week in a Ziploc bag or sealed container for “snacking” later on!
• Storing the garbanzo poppers may make them soft the next day.