Get ready for your new favorite snack! These Air Fryer Chickpeas are crispy, savory, and impossible to stop munching on.
Table of Contents
What are Air Fryer Chickpeas?
Air fryer chickpeas are a super simple, crunchy snack made by tossing canned chickpeas with oil and seasonings before cooking them in the air fryer. The result? A perfectly crisp bite that’s packed with flavor and totally satisfying. They’re great on their own, sprinkled over a salad for texture, or even used as a topping for soups and grain bowls. If you’re a fan of crunchy snacks with big flavor, this one’s for you!
Because the air fryer works by circulating hot air, it gives the chickpeas a crispy outer shell while keeping the inside a little chewy. It’s kind of magical. Unlike roasting in the oven, the air fryer speeds up the cooking time and cuts down on oil. That means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving hits, with minimal cleanup and big rewards in snack form!
Ingredients You Need
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – We love using canned chickpeas for this because they’re quick and convenient. Just rinse and dry them well for the best crispy texture.
- Olive Oil – This helps the seasoning stick and adds richness to every bite. Use extra virgin olive oil if you want a slightly fruitier flavor.
- Smoked Paprika – This spice adds a deep, smoky flavor that gives the chickpeas an irresistible kick. It’s perfect for layering in that subtle barbecue-like aroma.
- Garlic Powder – We add this powder for a savory note that makes the chickpeas extra satisfying.
- Onion Powder – This adds a mellow sweetness and just the right amount of depth. It pairs perfectly with the garlic powder.
- Salt and Pepper – These classic seasonings balance everything out.
- Cayenne or Cumin (Optional) – Cayenne brings a touch of heat that warms things up fast. Cumin adds a toasty, earthy flavor that we can’t get enough of!
How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Prep the chickpeas. Rinse the chickpeas well before patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Toss with seasonings. Place the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the spices and toss everything together until they’re evenly coated and glistening.
- Warm up the air fryer. Give your air fryer a few minutes to preheat while the chickpeas soak in the flavor.
- Cook until crispy. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket every few minutes to make sure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Let them cool. Once they’re done, leave them out for a few minutes to cool. They’ll get even crispier as they rest!
Variations
- Sweet and Spicy – Toss the chickpeas with a little maple syrup and cayenne after cooking for a sweet-heat combo that’s seriously addictive.
- Lemon Pepper – Add lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a fresh take with a citrus twist.
- Ranch Seasoned – Sprinkle with ranch seasoning mix after air frying for a tangy, herb-packed version.
- Everything Bagel – Toss with everything bagel seasoning post-air fry for a savory crunch loaded with sesame, garlic, and onion.
- Curry-Spiced – A little curry powder goes a long way here. Add it with the oil for a warm, fragrant snack that’s full of spice.
- Za’atar-Infused – This Middle Eastern spice blend brings an herby, lemony flavor that’s so good with the crispy texture.
- BBQ Flavor – Use a smoky barbecue seasoning for a flavor-packed batch that’s perfect for picnics and parties.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If stored too long, leftover chickpeas can lose their crispiness and turn a little chewy. They’re best eaten fresh the same day. If not, though, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
If you need to refrigerate them, pop them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. They’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days.
We don’t recommend freezing these — it changes the texture, and they won’t crisp back up the same way.
Common Questions about Air Fryer Chickpeas
If they aren’t getting crispy, they may not be dry enough before cooking. Make sure to pat them really well with a towel before adding the oil and seasonings. Also, be sure to arrange them in the air fryer so that they’re not too crowded together.
Not if you’re using canned chickpeas! They’re already cooked and ready to go. Just rinse, dry, season, and air fry.
You can, but they need to be soaked overnight and fully cooked first. Using canned chickpeas is the faster option.
You can try it, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp. The oil helps the seasonings stick and adds flavor and crunch.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air fryers are one of our favorite kitchen appliances, so ours get plenty of use! Check out more of our quick and easy air-fried dishes!
Za’atar Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes
Air Fryer Nutella French Toast Sticks
Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of cumin for earthiness
Instructions
Dry the chickpeas:
- After rinsing, pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Season:
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Air fry:
- Add chickpeas to the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- Cook longer for extra crispiness.
Cool & crisp:
- Let them cool for 5 minutes after cooking — they’ll crisp up even more.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are my fave for salads, bowls, and snacking!!