Fitness / March 7, 2024

Air Fryer Chickpeas

Turn a simple can of chickpeas into a healthy, crunchy snack in only 15 minutes!

Chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are like the unassuming superstar of foods, yet have every right to boast. These tiny beans are full of fiber and protein and help control weight and gut issues. They don’t have a lot of flavor on their own, which makes them perfect for adding to dishes, creating the perfect hummus, or eating alone, covered in any seasoning you choose.

Chickpeas in the air fryer require only a few ingredients, making the recipe a must-have for those days when you want to enjoy something savory and healthy rather than savory and full of empty calories. I keep plenty on hand for a quick snack or to top off my favorite pasta salad.

I love it when a recipe is flexible. This air fryer chickpea recipe suggests the seasoning of your choice and a little olive oil to flavor the chickpeas. How easy is that? What’s your favorite spice? Garlic? Thyme? Oregano? Maybe all three? Whatever flavor satisfies your palate will work well with air fryer chickpeas.

I’m amazed at how the air fryer crisps things up in such a short amount of time. The first recipe I ever tried in mine was roasted air fryer cauliflower. After that, I was hooked, and now this fast chickpea recipe is one I continually make. Having the seasoned chickpeas is so helpful for me in the kitchen. As I strive to eat healthy, it’s essential that I have options on hand that align with what I want to put in my stomach. If not, I’ll grab something I regret.

Are Air Fryer Chickpeas Healthy?

Air fryer chickpeas are one of the healthiest snacks you can grab. As mentioned, they are high in fiber and protein and low in fat (except for healthy fats). They are suitable for your heart and gut and have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they won’t easily affect your blood sugar. The olive oil used to coat the chickpeas is also a healthy fat, loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.

Another great benefit of this recipe is that it’s friendly for every diet, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. I like to make these when serving a crowd since everyone can dig in. They look lovely in a dish amongst a table of healthy gluten-free appetizers or in the middle of a charcuterie board.

Our secret to perfectly crispy chickpeas

When a soft canned garbanzo bean becomes a crunchy, savory snack, it begs the question, “How does it do that?” The air fryer is a must for crisping foods, but the best-kept secret is the paper towels.

As the recipe mentions, thoroughly dry the chickpeas before frying them to get the crispiest results. Any moisture left hinders the crisping process. After rinsing them, I prefer to spread the chickpeas onto a baking sheet. From there, I can quickly pat them dry with paper towels. I gently pat them over and over until they feel dry, which gets me the desired results.

INGREDIENTS

1 15 oz. can chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil divided
1/2 tablespoon your choice of seasoning e.g., garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder
Salt to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Rinse and dry chickpeas thoroughly for the perfect crunch. Coat them evenly with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture.

Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer and cook the chickpeas in a single layer. Shake the basket periodically for even roasting.

Season

Once crisped to perfection, toss the chickpeas with your favorite seasonings and a touch more oil to make them irresistible.

Enjoy

Serve these warm, flavorful bites straight from the air fryer or as a crunchy addition to your meals.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Air fryer chickpeas are handy to have on hand, so it’s essential to store them properly. You can do so by placing the leftover chickpeas in an airtight container (I prefer a glass jar) and keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Why aren’t my air fryer chickpeas crispy?

If your chickpeas aren’t getting as crispy as you like, it might be the drying method. Drying the chickpeas well before putting them in the air fryer is critical. Remember to place them on a baking sheet and gently pat them with paper towels.

Can I use a different kind of bean?

Yes! Black beans or kidney beans roast up nicely as well, and both make a great addition to any power bowl or taco salad.

How do I reheat air fryer chickpeas?

To reheat your crunchy chickpeas, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

Should I look for garbanzo beans or chickpeas?

Garbanzo beans and chickpeas are the same, so feel free to grab either. It gets confusing since the word “pea” is in chickpeas. However, chickpeas are a bean (garbanzo beans).

Serving Suggestions

Serving possibilities with these salty delights are endless. As mentioned, I think they are the perfect salad topping, and I enjoy them regularly on my pasta salad or a Mediterranean salad. Another fun way to use the air fryer chickpeas is to keep some in snack-size baggies in the pantry and then grab a bag as you walk out the door. Fast food and junky snacks always tempt me, and the crunch of a chickpea helps me resist.

Also, throw a handful of chickpeas into any soup you are making. They are especially wonderful in minestrone or lentil soup.

Air Fryer Chickpeas

Turn a simple can of chickpeas into a healthy, crunchy snack in only 15 minutes!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 24kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 15 oz. can chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil divided
1/2 tablespoon your choice of seasoning e.g., garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder
Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

Rinse thoroughly and drain the chickpeas. Pat the chickpeas dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. You need to remove as much moisture as possible to achieve a satisfying crunch.
Toss the dried chickpeas with 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl. Ensure each chickpea is lightly coated with oil.
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. If your model lacks a preheat setting, simply let it run for 3 minutes at the same temperature to warm up.
Carefully place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer.
Air fry the chickpeas for 5 minutes, then shake the basket. Continue air frying for another 5 minutes and shake again. Add another 2-3 minutes if your chickpeas are not crispy enough. A total of 12-15 minutes should give you perfect chickpeas.
Once done, transfer the chickpeas back to the mixing bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle your seasoning blend over the chickpeas (I also like adding a pinch of salt but you don’t have to). Toss to coat evenly.
Serve warm. They make a fantastic snack on their own or are a great topping for salads.