Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air Fryer Chickpeas are the crispy-crunchy protein-packed snack you need in your life! They’re also great for adding to soups and salads, especially with their irresistible savory, smoky seasoning.

Canned chickpeas aren’t anything to get excited about on their own, but cook them in the air fryer? Now we’re talking! While you can make crispy chickpeas in the oven too, the air fryer is faster and the way the hot air circulates around them helps them get uniformly crispy and crunchy on the outside. 

In addition to being fast, air fryer chickpeas are super easy. Just toss the chickpeas with oil and seasonings and the prep work is done. Once they’re finished cooking, they’re ultra crispy and perfectly snackable, but also a protein-packed alternative to croutons in soups and salads. (Although when I make these, it’s rare that they last long enough to make it to a salad!)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chickpeas

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Chickpeas – AKA garbanzo beans. 
• Olive Oil – Oil is necessary to get that perfect crispy exterior, I like to use extra virgin olive oil but you can use your favorite neutral oil like avocado oil, coconut oil or peanut oil.
• Spices – Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cayenne, and kosher salt combine for a punch of flavor.
• Fresh Herbs – Optional, but these will add some fresh flavor for that extra love.

How to Cook Chickpeas in the Air Fryer

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.

1. Prepare. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry. (If you have time, you can just let the chickpeas air dry in a colander.)
2. Season. Add the chickpeas to a bowl and toss with the olive oil, then add the seasonings and toss again.
3. Air fry. Transfer the chickpeas to your air fryer basket and air fry at 390ºF for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
4. Finish. Add the herbs during the last 5 minutes of cooking time, if you’re using them.

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Tips for Making Air Fryer Chickpeas

Here are some tips for perfect crispy chickpeas in the air fryer!

• Really make sure they’re dry. The drier your chickpeas, the crispier they’ll be. After rinsing them in a colander, use a paper towel to pat them dry before tossing them with the oil and seasonings.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough room for the hot air to circulate around each chickpea—they should be in an even layer.
• Toss regularly. To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, toss the chickpeas every 5 minutes while they are roasting in the air fryer. Just shake the basket or give the chickpeas a stir!

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some ways to put your own spin on these air fryer chickpeas. Omit the seasonings in the recipe and use these instead.

• Sweet and spicy. Combine cinnamon, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of cayenne pepper—or just leave out the cayenne for a milder version.
• Chili lime. Add some lime zest and a sprinkle of chili powder.
• Cheesy. Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the chickpeas for a cheesy flavor. (Grated Parmesan also works, but you’ll want to eat the chickpeas within a day.)
• Other flavor ideas. Try any seasoning blend you have in your pantry, from Taco Seasoning Mix to Homemade Ranch Seasoning and even Cajun Seasoning for a kick.

How to Store Crispy Chickpeas

To maintain the crispiness of your air fryer chickpeas, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Leftover crispy chickpeas will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If they start to lose their crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore their crunch.

Ways to Use Air Fryer Chickpeas

If you want to use these chickpeas as a garnish, try adding them to:

• Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
• Thanksgiving Salad
• Pumpkin Soup
• The Best Hummus
• Crunchy Kale Salad with Apples
• Hummus Avocado Toast

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Crispy Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Margherita Pizza
• Air Fryer French Toast
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

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