The Perfect Crunchy Snack with Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air fryer recipes are consistently my top request, and I’m not surprised! Because of that, I’ll be sharing at least one new air fryer recipe each week. One of my favorites is Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas, which I make regularly. When air-fried, they become nutty and crunchy, making them the perfect snack or an excellent addition to salads or bowls. You can customize them with any spice blend you prefer—the options are endless. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can follow my Roasted Chickpeas recipe for the oven. For more chickpea-based dishes, try my Air Fryer Falafel, and check out my other snack recipes for more ideas.

While developing my air fryer cookbook, I tested various air fryers and found the 7-quart GoWISE Air Fryer to be my favorite. It’s powerful, affordable, and has a spacious basket that accommodates more food, even a whole chicken.

Why I Love Making Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Nutrition: Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of fiber and protein, keeping you full for longer periods. Plus, they contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, including zinc and folate.

Vegetarian: On days when I want to go meatless, chickpeas are my go-to source of plant-based protein.

Affordability: A can of chickpeas costs just around a dollar, making them a budget-friendly snack. While you can purchase packaged crunchy chickpeas, making them at home is much more economical.

Air Fryer Chickpea Seasoning Ideas

Feel free to experiment with different spices for these crispy chickpeas. They serve as a blank canvas for any flavor combination you desire. Here are some seasoning ideas:

Cajun seasoning
Garlic salt
Blackened seasoning
Montreal steak seasoning
Za’atar
Tajin
Curry powder
Grated Parmesan cheese
Ranch seasoning (a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill)

How to Roast Chickpeas in the Air Fryer

Start with dry chickpeas: To get crispy chickpeas, they must be dry. Rinse and drain them, then spread them out on paper towels to dry. I usually leave them out for an hour while I take care of other tasks.
Air fry: Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket and cook them at 380°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Shake the basket every five minutes for even cooking. Once they’re golden brown and crunchy, they’re ready.
Season after cooking: Transfer the chickpeas to a bowl, spritz them with olive oil, and season with your chosen spices while they’re still hot. If you season them before air frying, the spices may burn.

Crispy Chickpea Tips

For perfectly crispy chickpeas, keep these tips in mind:

Start with dry chickpeas: Canned chickpeas must be air-dried on paper towels before cooking. Chickpeas that are damp or wet won’t crisp up properly, and if they do, they won’t stay crispy. I usually spread them on dry paper towels, then cover them with another towel and gently move it across the chickpeas.
Air dry: Let the chickpeas sit on the counter for at least an hour if you have the time.
Re-crisp: If your leftover chickpeas lose their crispness, pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to bring them back to their crunchy state.

Enjoy these crispy chickpeas as a tasty, healthy snack or a crunchy addition to your favorite dishes!

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Calories: 196 | Protein: 10g | Carbs: 32.5g | Fat: 3.5g | Fiber: 9g

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are a healthy, high-fiber snack or a perfect salad topper. They’re quick and easy to make in the air fryer!

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Equipment

Air Fryer (I love this stylish white one from AllCool)
Colander

Ingredients

15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Extra virgin olive oil spray
1 teaspoon dried spices of your choice (Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, blackened seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, za’atar, etc.)

Instructions

Dry the Chickpeas: Drain the chickpeas in a colander and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them dry completely.
Air Fry: Transfer the dried chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. The chickpeas should be crunchy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Season: Once the chickpeas are done, transfer them to a medium bowl while still hot. Spritz with olive oil and toss with your chosen spices immediately.
Serve: Enjoy the chickpeas as a snack at room temperature or add them to your favorite salad.

Notes

Tip for Crunchy Chickpeas: It’s crucial to start with dry chickpeas. If they’re wet, they won’t crisp up properly, and even if they do, they won’t stay crisp. Make sure to dry them well on paper towels, and if possible, leave them out for an hour to air dry before cooking.

Storage: Store the chickpeas in a jar at room temperature for up to a week. If they become soft, re-crisp them in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Seasoning Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! Here are some options to try:

Cajun seasoning
Garlic salt
Blackened seasoning
Montreal steak seasoning
Za’atar
Tajin
Curry powder
Grated Parmesan cheese
Ranch seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill)