Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe | Quick and Healthy Snack

Have you ever taken a bite of something and thought, “Where has this been all my life?” That’s exactly what you’ll feel when you pop these crispy air fryer chickpeas in your mouth. They’re crunchy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—a snack you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, they take just 15 minutes in your trusty air fryer. Seriously, what can’t an air fryer do? Let’s dive into this simple, healthy snack that’s way too easy not to try.

What Makes These Air Fryer Chickpeas Irresistible

• Quick & Easy: 15 minutes in the air fryer, and you’re done!
• Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber, these chickpeas are great for guilt-free snacking.
• Customizable: Not a fan of cumin? Swap in your favorite spices to make these your own.
• Perfectly Crispy: Say goodbye to soggy chickpeas—these babies are crispy all the way through.

Ingredients

• 1 Can (15.5 oz) chickpeas
• 1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 6 to 7 turns of a pepper grinder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. olive oil (use a Misto sprayer for 2-3 sprays)

How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and set the timer for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the chickpeas

Open the can of chickpeas and drain them. Rinse the chickpeas well, and if you want them extra crispy, make sure they’re thoroughly dried.

Step 3: Dry the chickpeas in the air fryer

Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket and let them cook for 5 minutes to dry out further.

Step 4: Add oil

Open the air fryer, spray the chickpeas with olive oil (or coat them with the teaspoon of oil if you’re not using a sprayer), and shake the basket to distribute the oil evenly.

Step 5: Cook the chickpeas

Continue cooking the chickpeas, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. With 2 minutes remaining, open the air fryer and add half of the seasoning. Shake the basket to distribute the seasoning.

Step 6: Toss with seasoning

Once the air fryer is done, toss the chickpeas in the remaining seasoning. Enjoy them while they’re warm and crispy.

Step 7: Adjust crispiness

If you want them even crispier, keep cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. Remember, all air fryers are different, so adjust based on your preferences.

Expert Tips for Crispy Chickpeas

• Don’t skip drying! The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they’ll get.
• Shake, shake, shake: Shaking the air fryer basket ensures even crisping.
• More seasoning, more flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, chili lime, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist!

Flavor Variations

These chickpeas are a blank canvas, so have fun experimenting with different spices:

• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick.
• Herby: Try rosemary, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon for a Mediterranean twist.
• Smoky: Double the smoked paprika for intense smoky flavor.
• Ranch-Flavored: Toss your chickpeas in store-bought ranch seasoning for a zesty, tangy snack. You can find packets of dry ranch seasoning at most grocery stores—just sprinkle it on for a bold flavor boost!

Serving Suggestions

• Snack attack: Munch on them as a crunchy snack.
• Salad topper: Add them to your favorite salads for some extra crunch.
• Soup croutons: Use them as a crispy topping for soups like tomato or lentil.

Related Recipes and Pairings

• Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy and juicy, this fried chicken is the perfect main course to pair with your air fryer chickpeas for a satisfying meal.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad: Fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this cucumber salad balances the crispiness of the chickpeas with a cool Mediterranean vibe.
• Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer: Pair these fries with chickpeas for the ultimate air fryer snack combo that’s both crispy and delicious.
• Air Fryer Toast: This quick and easy air fryer toast is perfect for serving alongside your chickpeas for a light breakfast or snack.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To re-crisp, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F.

Chickpeas usually take 15 minutes at 390°F in the air fryer, but if you prefer them extra crispy, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Yes, drying the chickpeas helps them get crispier. You can dry them with a towel or cook them for a few minutes in the air fryer before adding oil.

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt are great options, but you can experiment with different blends like curry powder, chili powder, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.

If your chickpeas aren’t crispy, it might be because they weren’t dried enough before cooking, or the basket wasn’t shaken during cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket.

Yes, but they may not be as crispy. Using just a little oil helps them achieve the best texture.

Yes, but you need to cook them first. Canned chickpeas are already cooked, so they’re much quicker to prepare.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 251
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 10g

And there you have it—perfectly crispy, flavorful air fryer chickpeas that are healthy, versatile, and ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re munching on them solo, tossing them on a salad, or experimenting with your favorite seasonings (looking at you, ranch lovers), these chickpeas are bound to become a snack-time staple. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out—tag me with #StuffMattyCooks on social media, and don’t forget to check out my other air fryer recipes!

Kitchen Essentials and Items Used in this Recipe.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Unsalted Garbanzo BeansMisto Oil Sprayer – Great to have with an Air Fryer. Get one you’ll love it.
Cajun Seasoning – This is a good seasoning to also use on the chickpeas.
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer