Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas

Crispy and delicious air fryer chickpeas are a fantastic, low-calorie alternative to chips or nuts. They’re also a wonderful addition to salads!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chickpeas

Have you tried perfectly crispy air fryer chickpeas? These little spheres, about the size of a blueberry, are packed with flavor, offering a delightful mix of chewiness and crunch – they’re seriously addictive! They’re a fantastic snack on their own or alongside your favorite beverage.

• Completely Customizable: There are endless ways to season your chickpeas, so you’ll never get bored. Just like potato chips come in countless flavors (barbecue, ranch, salt and vinegar, etc.), you can create crispy chickpeas in any flavor you crave.
• A Healthy Snack: At only about 32 calories per half-cup serving, these are a guilt-free treat. Plus, they offer excellent nutritional benefits. They’re a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Convenient and Affordable: Chickpeas are budget-friendly and take up minimal space in your pantry (unlike those bulky chip bags!).
• Air Fryer vs. Oven: I’ve roasted crispy chickpeas in the oven before, including cinnamon roasted chickpeas. The oven method is good, but it takes longer (20-30 minutes), and I’ve found that the air fryer delivers a superior level of crispness. Air fryers circulate heat and air efficiently, resulting in the best possible crunch.
• Salad Boosters: Crispy chickpeas make a fantastic substitute for nuts or croutons on salads. They’re especially delicious on a Brussels sprouts salad. Kids often love them, too!

How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas

The most important tip: Dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Dry chickpeas = crispy chickpeas! Allow extra time – about an hour – to spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel in a single layer to air dry before seasoning and air frying.

Add Seasoning: Once the chickpeas are dry, toss them with olive oil and your favorite spice blend. I’ve included a great recipe below to get you started.

Air Fry: Put the seasoned chickpeas in your air fryer and “fry” for twelve minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even cooking.

Serve: Crispy chickpeas are delicious served warm, straight from the air fryer, or at room temperature.

What’s in Air Fryer Chickpeas?

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Be sure to rinse and drain them well! Drying them thoroughly is crucial; let them sit on a lint-free towel for an hour or two. Peeling them isn’t necessary, but you can if you prefer. You could make a double batch, but air fry one can at a time. They taste best when fresh.
• Olive Oil: Just one tablespoon is needed!
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Smoked Paprika: We love this simple but flavorful spice mix, but you’ll find lots of variation ideas in the recipe card (keep scrolling!).
• Salt and Pepper: Of course!

Flavor Variations

The seasoning mix in the recipe card below is just a starting point. You can customize chickpeas in many ways. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.

• Cheesy Italian Herb Chickpeas: Omit the smoked paprika. Mix in a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese (don’t be afraid to use the green can Parmesan; its crumbly texture adheres well to the chickpeas). Add a half-teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Air fry as directed.
• Ranch Chickpeas: Skip all the seasonings and add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning to the chickpeas. Air fry as directed.
• Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas: Omit the seasoning and instead mix the chickpeas with a tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Air 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 of teaspoons of nutritional yeast to any of the recipes will give them a buttery flavor.
• I’m sure you’re already thinking of all kinds of ways to create your own unique flavors!

Storage Tips

Store uncovered! After the chickpeas have completely cooled, store them in a jar or bowl without a lid to preserve their crispness. They need some air circulation, but you can lightly cover the top with a paper towel to keep them clean. The chickpeas will stay good for a day or two, but keep in mind that they won’t be quite as crispy as when they’re freshly made.