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.

Bowl of crispy air fryer chickpeas

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!)

Overhead view of ingredients for air fryer chickpeas

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.
Chickpeas in bowl with seasonings

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.

I love this Air Fryer because it’s easy to use, easy to clean and has 9 different cooking modes. The price is right, too!

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Crispy chickpeas in air fryer basket

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.
Bowl of crispy air fryer chickpeas

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:

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Bowl of crispy air fryer chickpeas

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air Fryer Chickpeas are the crispy-crunchy protein-packed snack you need in your life! They're great for adding to soups and salads too.
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Ingredients

  • 15 ounce can chickpeas
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, optional

Equipment

  • air fryer

Instructions 

  • Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas. Lightly pat dry and transfer to a bowl.
  • Add the olive oil and toss to coat.
  • Whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and salt.
  • Add the seasoning to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F.
  • Arrange the chickpeas in the basket of the air fryer in an even layer.
  • Air fry at 390°F for 16-18 minutes being sure to pause and toss every 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle on the fresh herbs, if using, in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Notes

If you don’t have chickpeas, you can use cannellini beans with great results.
Experiment with your favorite seasonings, we love coating our chickpeas in a blend of sumac, Zatar and garlic powder. 
Calories: 229kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 884mg, Potassium: 342mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 428IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 81mg, Iron: 3mg