Crunchy, savory, and strangely addictive—crispy air fryer chickpeas are the kind of snack that sneaks up on you. Imagine popcorn’s mischievous cousin, but with a nutty twist and a whisper of spice. On lazy Sundays, I find myself munching on these, wondering if they could ever replace chips (probably not, but they try).
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). While it’s heating, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, but don’t worry about drying them.
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with a tablespoon of olive oil, then add ? teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- Pour the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Once the chickpeas reach your desired level of crunchiness, remove them from the air fryer. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- For storage, place the crispy chickpeas in an open container to maintain their crunchiness. Enjoy them as a snack or as a topping for salads.
Ingredients
- 19 oz can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ? teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1004kcal | Carbohydrates: 144g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 1564mg | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 15.6mg
FAQ
- Can I alter the seasoning for air fryer chickpeas?
- Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends. However, avoid seasonings with sugar as they tend to burn in the air fryer.
- How long can I store air fryer chickpeas?
- These chickpeas can be kept in the cupboard for a week or longer, although they’re so tasty they might get eaten faster!
- What are some serving suggestions for air fryer chickpeas?
- Apart from enjoying them as a snack, these chickpeas make a delicious topping for salads, such as a Kale Caesar.
- Can I skip drying the chickpeas before air frying?
- Yes, one of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you can skip the drying step, and they will still turn out crispy.
- Is it possible to double the recipe?
- You can try doubling the recipe, but be aware that the cook time might differ, so it’s best to monitor the chickpeas towards the end of cooking.
Tips
- Skip Drying the Chickpeas: Unlike traditional oven roasting, there’s no need to dry the chickpeas before air frying them. This step saves time and still results in ultra-crispy chickpeas.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Since all air fryer models vary slightly, use the suggested cook time as a guideline and check the chickpeas often during the last few minutes to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.
- Storage for Crunchiness: To maintain their crispiness, store the cooked chickpeas in an open bowl or jar, which helps keep them crunchy.
- Seasoning Tip: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, but avoid those with sugar, as it can burn easily in the air fryer.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: This is essential for achieving the crispy texture in a short amount of time.
