Air fryer chickpeas are a quick and tasty snack made by roasting chickpeas in an air fryer. All you have to do is rinse and dry a can of chickpeas, toss them with a little oil and your favorite spices, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden and crispy.
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I love how air-fried chickpeas are crunchy, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to chips or other fried snacks. They’re perfect for munching on during a movie, adding to salads, or just eating straight out of the bowl because they’re that good. They are super easy to make and taste way better than store-bought snacks!
I went with canned garbanzo beans for this recipe because they’re super easy and save a ton of time. Since they’re already cooked, all you have to do is rinse and dry them before seasoning and tossing them in the air fryer. It’s perfect for when you need a quick, crispy snack. Canned chickpeas are always the right texture and easy to find, so they’re basically a no-brainer. It’s kinda like keeping canned potatoes around for whipping up Canned Potato Chips in the Air Fryer, whenever you’re craving something crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz (440g)) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ 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.
How to Make Chickpeas in Air Fryer
Prep the Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing the canned 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.
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.
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.
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.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas
If you want to switch up the flavor of your air fryer chickpeas, there are so many cool ways to do it! For a fresh twist, toss them with lemon juice and herbs like parsley or thyme. If you’re into spicy snacks, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on them for a kick, or go sweet by adding some cinnamon and sugar. You can even make them cheesy by mixing in some nutritional yeast or Parmesan. These chickpeas aren’t just great on their own—they’re perfect for topping a salad to add some crunch or tossing on a bowl of soup. Seriously, they’re the perfect snack or side for pretty much any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! You can use dry chickpeas, but they’ll need to be soaked and cooked first. Once they’re cooked and cooled, you can follow the same steps to air fry them.
To cook dry chickpeas, start by soaking them in plenty of water for 8-12 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, add them to a pot with fresh water, making sure the water covers the chickpeas by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender. You can also cook them in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for faster results. Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and they’re ready to use!
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Of course! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-40 minutes, shaking them halfway through.
What kind of seasoning can I use?
Feel free to get creative with seasonings! Some popular options are garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, turmeric powder, or even a bit of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
How long do air-fried chickpeas stay fresh?
Air fryer chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They might lose some crunch after a while, but they’ll still taste great! Crisp them up in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
What are these clear skins on my canned Garbanzo beans?
Seeing clear shells on your canned garbanzo beans is actually pretty common and completely harmless. These clear or translucent skins are just the outer membrane of the chickpeas. Sometimes, when the beans are canned, the skins don’t fully come off, and you’ll notice them during cooking. While they might look a bit odd, they won’t affect the flavor or texture of your chickpeas. If you don’t mind them, you can leave them on, or you can gently rub the chickpeas between your hands or in a towel to remove some of the skins before cooking.
Are chickpeas low-carb?
Chickpeas are not considered low-carb, as they are a legume rich in carbohydrates. A half-cup serving of cooked chickpeas contains about 20–25 grams of carbs, making them a better fit for moderate or high-carb diets rather than strict low-carb or keto plans. However, chickpeas are packed with fiber, which can help offset some of the carb content by slowing digestion and supporting blood sugar control. They’re also a great source of protein, making them a nutritious option if your diet allows for higher carb intake.
More Crispy Snack Ideas
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Dehydrated Strawberries in the Air Fryer
- Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Onion Fritters
- Air Fryer Fried Sweet Plantains
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Easy Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe. Crispy and Crunchy
Equipment
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
