Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas: An Easy Snack Recipe
Are you looking for a simple and tasty snack that will not ruin your diet? You might have just found your new favourite treat. Roasted air fryer chickpeas are crunchy, full of flavour and incredibly easy to make. When you cook them in an air fryer, they become lovely and crispy in less time than cooking them in a standard oven.
If you often find yourself reaching for crisps or biscuits in the afternoon, it is completely normal to want something with a good crunch. The problem is that many shop-bought snacks are highly processed. Cooking your own snacks at home means you know exactly what is going into your food.
Here I will share how to make perfect air fryer chickpeas. The best seasoning ideas for air fryer chickpeas and how to make them crispy and store them so they stay fresh. Grab a tin of chickpeas next time you go shopping and give it a try.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Chickpeas
Using an air fryer changes the way we cook. If you are still deciding which model to buy, you might want to read my Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer Review to see if a larger model suits your family. Once you have your gadget ready, chickpeas are one of the best foods to test out.
High in Protein and Fibre
Chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and dietary fibre. This combination keeps you feeling full for longer. If you want to stop snacking between meals, this is the perfect food to keep you satisfied.
Quick and Cost-Effective
A tin of chickpeas costs very little at the supermarket. With the rising cost of living, finding cheap and cheerful snacks is always good. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer takes less than 20 minutes and uses far less energy than turning on your main oven. For more ideas on simple snacks, take a look at my guide to 10 Easy Healthy Air Fryer Dishes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chickpeas
You only need three basic ingredients to make this recipe work. You can then add any extra spices you like.
- One tin of chickpeas: A 400g tin is perfect, but if you can only find smaller cans, don’t worry.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: You just need a tiny amount to help the spices stick and to encourage the crisping process.
- Salt: A pinch of sea salt brings out the natural flavours.
- Spices: Read on for some ideas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Air Fryer Chickpeas
Getting the perfect crunch is all about the preparation. Follow these steps carefully to avoid soggy chickpeas.
Step 1: Drain and Rinse
Open your tin of chickpeas and pour them into a sieve or colander. Don’t throw away the liquid that is in the can with them until you have read about Aquafaba below. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes the starchy liquid they are stored in, which can stop them from crisping up properly.
Step 2: Dry Them Thoroughly
This is the most important step of the whole recipe. If your chickpeas are wet, they will steam instead of roasting. Pour the rinsed chickpeas onto a clean tea towel or a sheet of kitchen paper. Gently rub them until they are completely dry. You will notice that some of the clear skins start to peel off. You can pick these out and throw them away, as this helps the chickpeas get even crispier.
Step 3: Add Your Oil and Seasoning
Transfer the dry chickpeas into a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle half a teaspoon of olive oil over them, or use a few squirts of low-calorie cooking spray. Toss them well so every single chickpea is lightly coated. Next, add your salt and any spices you have chosen. Stir everything together until the chickpeas are evenly covered in flavour.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 200°c for about three minutes. Once hot, pour the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket. Spread them out into a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to do this in two batches.
Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes. You must shake the basket every five minutes. This stops them from burning and ensures they cook evenly on all sides. When they look golden and feel hard to the touch, they are ready.
Top Tips for Air Fryer Chickpeas
Cooking can sometimes be a bit of trial and error, but these tips will save you from making common mistakes.
First, do not skip the drying process. Water is the enemy of a crispy snack. Take an extra minute to roll them in a towel until they are bone dry.
Second, wait before you eat them. It is tempting to eat them straight out of the basket, but chickpeas actually get crispier as they cool down. Let them sit on a plate for about ten minutes before you dig in.
Third, avoid using too much oil. A heavy coating of oil will make them greasy rather than crunchy. You only need enough to make the spices stick. If you are interested in forming better habits around food prep, my post on the power of healthy eating habits for women is a great read.
Fun Flavour Variations to Try
Chickpeas have a very mild taste so they soak up whatever flavours you put on them. Here are a few ideas to try.
Smoked Paprika and Garlic
Mix half a teaspoon of smoked paprika with half a teaspoon of garlic powder. This gives a lovely savoury flavour with a tiny hint of smokiness. It is perfect to enjoy with a cold drink on a Friday night.
Spicy Chilli and Lime
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli powder and a dash of cumin. When they come out of the air fryer, squeeze a tiny bit of fresh lime juice over them.
Sweet Cinnamon
For a sweet treat, skip the salt and oil. Instead, spray them lightly with cooking spray and toss them in a mix of cinnamon and a little sweetener or sugar. These taste amazing sprinkled over a bowl of porridge or yoghurt.
How to Store Your Roasted Air Fryer Chickpeas
If you do not eat them all at once, you will need to store them properly so they stay crunchy.
Always wait until they are completely cold before putting them away. If you put warm chickpeas in a container, they will release steam and go soggy immediately.
Store them in a container with the lid slightly open, or keep them in a paper bag. Do not put them in the fridge. The moisture in the fridge will ruin the crunch. They are best eaten within two or three days. If they do lose their crunch, you can pop them back in the air fryer for three minutes to crisp them back up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of tinned?
Yes, you can, but you must cook them first. You will need to soak dried chickpeas overnight and then boil them until they are tender. Once they are cooked and cooled, you can follow the steps in this recipe. Using a tin is much faster and easier.
Why did my chickpeas pop in the air fryer?
Chickpeas can sometimes pop like popcorn when they get very hot. This is completely normal. Shaking the basket regularly helps to stop them from sticking and popping too much.
Are air fryer chickpeas suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. Chickpeas are a wonderful vegan ingredient. Just make sure any flavourings or spices you buy do not contain hidden dairy or meat products.
Can I use the liquid from the tin?
Yes, do not throw it down the sink. The liquid is called aquafaba. You can whip it up just like egg whites to make vegan meringues or mayonnaise.
Ready to Try Air Fryer Chickpeas?
Now that you know the secrets to getting them perfectly crispy, it is time to try it yourself. Grab a tin from your cupboard, choose your favourite spices and let your air fryer do the hard work. Let me know in the comments how you get on and if you make any other tasty flavours.
