Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas : A Healthy, Crunchy Snack

Looking for a healthy, crunchy snack that’s packed with flavor? Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are your perfect solution! These crispy, golden chickpeas make a fantastic snack or salad topping and are so easy to make in the air fryer. With minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy treat that’s high in protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free option to satisfy your snack cravings.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your intake of unhealthy snacks or looking for a new way to use chickpeas, this air fryer recipe is a game-changer. You can enjoy them as a standalone snack or sprinkle them over salads, grain bowls, or soups for added texture and protein. With customizable seasonings, you can create a sweet, savory, or spicy version to suit your taste buds.

Best of all, the air fryer makes it super easy to achieve that perfect crispness without excess oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. Let’s dive into how to make these Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas!

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

There are so many reasons why you’ll love making Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas:

  1. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, these chickpeas make for a fast and healthy snack.
  2. Crunchy & Addictive: The air fryer gives the chickpeas a perfect crispy texture that’s so satisfying to snack on.
  3. Healthy & Nutritious: Chickpeas are high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious option for a snack.
  4. Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste—whether you prefer savory, spicy, or even sweet flavors, the possibilities are endless.
  5. Minimal Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings, these crispy chickpeas are incredibly easy to prepare.
  6. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and have a healthy snack on hand for the week. These chickpeas store well and stay crispy for several days.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional seasoning variations:

  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder
  • Sweet: Sprinkle with cinnamon and a little sugar
  • Herbed: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano

Equipment Used

  1. Air Fryer: The key appliance for cooking the chickpeas to a crispy, golden perfection with minimal oil.
  2. Strainer: To rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly before cooking.
  3. Cutting Board & Knife: For any optional cutting or prepping, such as slicing vegetables or herbs to add as toppings.
  4. Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings to ensure even coating.
  5. Spoon or Tongs: To handle the chickpeas and stir them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
  6. Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure out the spices, oil, and seasonings.
  7. Serving Plate: To serve your crispy chickpeas as a snack or topping for your favorite dishes.

Directions & Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they will get.
  2. Season the Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper. Make sure the chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Chickpeas: Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
  5. Check for Crispness: Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, air fry for a few more minutes.
  6. Serve: Let the chickpeas cool slightly, and enjoy them as a snack or sprinkle them over your favorite dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 1g

These Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious snack option that helps keep you full for longer.

Variations

  • Spicy Chickpeas: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika to make these chickpeas extra spicy.
  • Lemon & Herb: Toss the chickpeas with lemon zest, dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme), and a pinch of sea salt for a fresh, flavorful twist.
  • Sweet Cinnamon: For a sweet version, sprinkle cinnamon and a little sugar over the chickpeas after they’ve finished cooking for a caramelized, dessert-like treat.
  • Cheese Flavor: Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they will need to be cooked before air frying. Soak and cook the dried chickpeas, then follow the rest of the recipe.

2. Can I make these chickpeas in advance?
Absolutely! These Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are perfect for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

3. How can I make these chickpeas extra crispy?
To achieve the crispiest chickpeas, make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. Also, be sure to toss them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness.

Pro Tips By Emma

  • Dry the chickpeas thoroughly: The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will get in the air fryer. Spend some extra time patting them dry with paper towels for the best result.
  • Shake the basket: Make sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even crisping and a uniform texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook the chickpeas in batches if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas with:

  • Dips: Pair them with hummus, guacamole, or a creamy yogurt dip.
  • Salads: Add them as a crunchy topping for salads or grain bowls for extra protein and texture.
  • Snacks: Enjoy them as a healthy snack on their own or with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced treat.

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas : A Healthy, Crunchy Snack

Emma
Looking for a healthy, crunchy snack that’s packed with flavor? Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are your perfect solution! These crispy, golden chickpeas make a fantastic snack or salad topping and are so easy to make in the air fryer. With minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy treat that’s high in protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free option to satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you're trying to reduce your intake of unhealthy snacks or looking for a new way to use chickpeas, this air fryer recipe is a game-changer. You can enjoy them as a standalone snack or sprinkle them over salads, grain bowls, or soups for added texture and protein. With customizable seasonings, you can create a sweet, savory, or spicy version to suit your taste buds. Best of all, the air fryer makes it super easy to achieve that perfect crispness without excess oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. Let’s dive into how to make these Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Air Fryer: The key appliance for cooking the chickpeas to a crispy, golden perfection with minimal oil.
  • Strainer: To rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly before cooking.
  • Cutting Board & Knife: For any optional cutting or prepping, such as slicing vegetables or herbs to add as toppings.
  • Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings to ensure even coating.
  • Spoon or Tongs: To handle the chickpeas and stir them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure out the spices, oil, and seasonings.
  • Serving Plate: To serve your crispy chickpeas as a snack or topping for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional seasoning variations:
  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder
  • Sweet: Sprinkle with cinnamon and a little sugar
  • Herbed: Add dried rosemary thyme, or oregano

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they will get.
  • Season the Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper. Make sure the chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Cook the Chickpeas: Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
  • Check for Crispness: Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, air fry for a few more minutes.
  • Serve: Let the chickpeas cool slightly, and enjoy them as a snack or sprinkle them over your favorite dish!

Notes

To make your Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas even more delicious, try these tips:
Add extra spices: Experiment with seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or curry powder for a deeper flavor profile.
Toss with fresh herbs: After cooking, toss the chickpeas with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Lemon zest: Sprinkle lemon zest over the chickpeas for a bright, citrusy kick that complements the savory seasonings.
Cheesy flavor: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or Parmesan for a cheesy, umami-rich twist.
Sweeten them up: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet version, or toss with cinnamon and sugar for a dessert-like treat.