These Air Fryer Chickpeas are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Using just a handful of seasonings, you can transform a can of chickpeas into a crunchy, protein-packed snack in just 15 minutes. Perfect for healthy snacking, salad toppings, or meal prep, these air-fried chickpeas can be customized with five different seasoning variations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Crispy & Crunchy – A healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
- Customizable – Choose from five different flavor variations.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free – A great snack option for various diets.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Store them for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Chickpeas
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture ensures crispier results.
2. Season the Chickpeas
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Air Fry the Chickpeas
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even crispiness.
4. Cool and Serve
- Let the chickpeas cool for a few minutes to become even crunchier. Enjoy as a snack or add to salads, soups, or grain bowls.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
5 Different Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Chili Lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of ½ lime (add after cooking)
2. Ranch Seasoned
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
3. Sweet & Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (add after cooking)
4. BBQ Chickpeas
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
5. Lemon Herb
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon (add after cooking)
Storage & Reheating
Storing:
- Store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! Soak dried chickpeas overnight, cook until tender, drain, and follow the same steps.
Why are my chickpeas not crispy?
Make sure they are completely dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
What’s the best way to serve these chickpeas?
Enjoy as a snack, toss them in salads, or sprinkle over soups for added crunch.
Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Try taco seasoning, Cajun spices, or everything bagel seasoning.
How do I prevent the chickpeas from burning?
Shake the basket every 5 minutes and check for doneness around 12 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for even crispiness.
Are these chickpeas keto-friendly?
Chickpeas contain some carbs, so they may not be ideal for strict keto diets.
Can I use olive oil instead of dry seasoning?
Yes! Toss chickpeas with 1 teaspoon of olive oil before adding spices for a richer flavor.
Do air-fried chickpeas stay crispy?
They are crispiest on the first day but can be reheated in the air fryer to restore texture.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Chickpeas are an easy, crunchy, and healthy snack you’ll love! Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or herby flavors, there’s a seasoning variation for everyone. Perfect for meal prep or quick munching, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, guilt-free snack. Try it today and enjoy crispy, flavorful chickpeas in just minutes!
Print
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are a quick, healthy, and protein-packed snack ready in just 15 minutes! Tossed with garlic, onion, paprika, and cumin, they’re crunchy, flavorful, and completely addicting. Plus, try 5 different seasoning variations to mix things up! Perfect for vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
-
1. Prep the Chickpeas:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up!).
2. Season the Chickpeas:
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, but helps with crispiness) and mix well.
3. Air Fry the Chickpeas:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy as a snack or salad topper!
-
5 Different Flavor Variations
- Spicy Chili Lime: Add ½ tsp chili powder + zest of 1 lime after air frying.
- BBQ: Toss with ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp brown sugar, and ½ tsp chili powder.
- Ranch: Mix with ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp parsley, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Sweet Cinnamon Crunch: Swap seasonings for 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp maple syrup.
- Everything Bagel: Toss with 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning after frying.
Notes
- Best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 2-3 days.
- Extra Crunch? Let chickpeas cool completely before storing.
- No Air Fryer? Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Healthy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan