BEST AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS RECIPE
In case you haven’t heard, I finally bought an air fryer! After hearing so many wonderful things about them, I just had to try one for myself. And what’s the first thing I cooked in my air fryer? Crispy air fryer chickpeas! …because I already had a can of chickpeas, they’re so easy, and I’ll never say no to a delicious crunchy snack. ,
WHAT ARE AIR-FRIED CHICKPEAS LIKE?
Air-fried chickpeas are crunchy little snacks with a slightly dense and chewy center. You can season them with any seasoning mix you like and, honestly, they are ADDICTIVE. And not only are they high in fiber and protein, these crunchy little chickpeas are inexpensive too, making them a great budget-friendly snack.
DO I HAVE TO DRY THE CHICKPEAS?
If you’re used to roasting chickpeas in the oven, you probably know that drying chickpeas thoroughly first is the key to getting crispy chickpeas. But with an air fryer, the quickly circulating dry air works to dry the chickpeas quickly so they get nice and crunchy without taking the extra step ahead of time. That being said, your chickpeas will be extra-super crispy if you take the time to dry them first.
HOW TO SEASON AIR-FRIED CHICKPEAS
We used everything bagel seasoning for these chickpeas because it’s such a delicious all-purpose seasoning, but there are so many different options. Here are a few ideas for flavoring your air fryer chickpeas:
Cajun seasoning
Seasoning salt
Steak seasoning
Curry powder
Ranch seasoning
Italian seasoning
Garlic herb seasoning
Cinnamon and sugar
Taco seasoning
DO THEY STAY CRISPY?
Air-fried chickpeas will slowly absorb ambient moisture from the air and soften slightly as they’re left out (similar to a cracker going rancid), so they’re best to eat right away. But if you don’t, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS
Chickpeas in the air fryer are so crunchy, and they only take a few minutes to prepare, they’re a crunchy, high-fiber snack!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
1 15oz. can chickpeas ($0.88)
3 tsp cooking oil, divided ($0.04)
1/2 Tbsp seasoning of choice* ($0.15)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse the can of chickpeas and drain well. For a more crunchy hummus, press the hummus between some paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel to dry.
Add the drained chickpeas to a bowl and spray with 2 teaspoons of cooking oil. Stir until covered.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if the air fryer does not have a preheat function, let it run empty for 2-3 minutes at 400°F).
Add chickpeas to the basket of the air fryer and spread them out in a single layer. Air fry chickpeas for 5 minutes, then shake to stir. Air fry for an additional 5 minutes and shake again. Check that the chickpeas are done and add another 2-3 minutes or until they reach the desired level of doneness (13 minutes total).
Transfer the air-fried chickpeas to a bowl, spray with the second teaspoon of oil to help the seasoning stick and stir until firm. Add your favorite seasonings and salt, if needed, then stir to coat again. Enjoy while warm and crunchy!
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS – STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Clarifying rinse 15 oz. Chickpea can. If you like, you can take the extra step of towel drying the chickpeas for maximum crispiness.
Place the chickpeas in a bowl and spray 2 teaspoons of the cooking oil over the chickpeas. Stir the chickpeas well so that they are evenly coated with the oil.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply let it run with an empty basket for about 3 minutes at 400°F). Add chickpeas to the basket and spread it out in a single layer.
In the air fryer, cook the chickpeas for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes.
After ten minutes, shake the basket again and test the maturity of the chickpeas. Add 2-3 minutes of cooking time or until the desired level of crispness. We loved hummus at 13 minutes when it was crunchy, flavorful, and slightly open like a popcorn kernel.
Add the air-fried chickpeas to a bowl, add 1 teaspoon of the oil and stir until combined. Add spices and/or salt to your liking and stir to coat again. Enjoy!
