Air fryer chickpeas are a super easy and delicious snack that’s crispy, healthy, and so fun to make. You take canned chickpeas, season them with your favorite spices, and pop them in the air fryer until they’re golden and crunchy (about 15 minutes). They’re like a healthier version of chips but packed with protein and flavor. Plus, you can customize them to taste sweet, spicy, or salty—whatever you’re craving. They’re perfect for snacking during a study session or adding to salads for a tasty crunch!
Ingredients
- 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas) drained and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin. Or Avocado oil
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Optional
- a pinch of cayenne for some heat or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. If you don’t have cinnamon sugar, you can add a teaspoon of pure Maple syrup, brown sugar or honey. I also added a teaspoon of Chinese 5 Spice.
Instructions
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Prep the Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas. Spread them out on a clean kitchen or paper towel and gently pat them dry—removing excess moisture is essential for maximum crispiness. As you rinse, you may notice some translucent shells coming off. This is completely normal, as they naturally separate from the chickpeas during the rinsing process.
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Season the Chickpeas: In a mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. If you’re adding any extra spices, mix them in now.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once the chickpeas are golden and crispy, transfer them to a bowl to cool slightly. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Dry Thoroughly for Maximum Crispiness
After rinsing the chickpeas, make sure to pat them dry completely. Excess moisture leads to steaming instead of crisping, so take the time to remove as much water as possible.
- Remove Loose Skins
If you see any translucent skins peeling off, go ahead and remove them. While it’s not mandatory, taking them off helps the chickpeas crisp up more evenly and avoids chewy bits. - Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Crowding them prevents proper airflow, leaving you with unevenly cooked chickpeas. - Toss with Oil and Seasonings After Drying
Lightly coat the chickpeas with a neutral oil (like olive or avocado) to help them crisp up and hold onto the seasonings. Add spices either before or after cooking, depending on whether they burn easily. - Shake the Basket Midway.
Give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. This simple step prevents hot spots and gives you perfectly crunchy chickpeas every time!
Nutrition
Serving: 50gCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 425mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 3gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition DisclaimerNutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.