Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas: The Ultimate Healthy Snack Recipe
Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack? Look no further! This recipe for Crispy Chickpeas, made in either an air fryer or roasted in the oven, is the answer. These crunchy little morsels are packed with protein, fiber, and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to this addictive, guilt-free treat!
Imagine transforming a simple can of chickpeas into an incredibly delicious, crunchy, and protein-rich snack in under 15 minutes. It’s not a dream! With just a few basic spices and either your air fryer or oven, you can create these irresistible crispy chickpeas. Often labeled as garbanzo beans, these humble legumes become little nuggets of crispy goodness when tossed with olive oil and seasonings.
I’m a huge fan of snacks that deliver a satisfying crunch and a nutritional punch, and these crispy chickpeas certainly fit the bill. While I love indulging in sweet and spicy roasted nuts, or a batch of homemade barbecue potato chips, sometimes I crave something lighter and healthier. These crispy chickpeas are the perfect alternative, offering a similar level of satisfaction without the added guilt. And let’s not forget the best savory Chex Mix, another great snack to make!
This crispy chickpeas recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted for both the oven and the air fryer. It’s so simple that even my kids can prepare a batch with minimal assistance. These crunchy chickpeas are ideal for a quick grab-and-go snack before soccer practice or a hike. They also add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and so much more. Keep reading for my favorite ways to use them!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chickpeas
What makes these crispy chickpea bites so irresistible? For starters, you can easily customize them with your favorite dried spices and seasonings, from zesty taco seasoning to simple salt and pepper. The possibilities are endless! Here are even more reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses only 7 basic ingredients, making it a convenient and budget-friendly snack option.
- Quick Cooking Time: In the air fryer, these chickpeas cook in just 12 minutes, making them perfect for a fast snack.
- Healthy and Kid-Friendly: Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making this a nutritious and satisfying snack that kids will enjoy.
- Perfectly Spiced and Crunchy: The combination of spices and the cooking process creates a flavorful and incredibly crunchy texture.
Ingredients for Crispy Chickpeas
This recipe is all about simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Can You Make Roasted Chickpeas from Canned Chickpeas?
Absolutely! This recipe relies on canned chickpeas for convenience. Simply rinse and drain them thoroughly before tossing them in the air fryer or oven. Using canned chickpeas makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy to prepare.
- Chickpeas: The heart of our snack, providing a hearty, nutty flavor and satisfying crisp texture. It’s crucial to rinse and drain them well – the drier they are, the crispier they’ll become in the oven or air fryer.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil assists chickpeas in roasting to a golden, crunchy perfection. I prefer olive oil, but you can use a neutral, plant-based oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Garlic Powder: The mellow, yet pungent flavor of garlic becomes a real powerhouse in this spice blend.
- Cumin: Ground spices tend to lose their flavor after a few months, so check that your cumin is fresh and flavorful. Give the jar a sniff: if the aroma is weak, it might be time to replace it.
- Smoked Paprika: Made by smoking and drying pimentón peppers, smoked paprika gives an earthy, smoky flavor. I also use it in my Homemade Chex Mix recipe.
- Kosher Salt: Because every good crunchy snack is a little salty!
- Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a hint of spice.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Cooking Methods: Air Fryer vs. Oven
Crispy chickpeas can be made in either the oven or the air fryer. The oven takes longer, but you can cook multiple batches at once. The air fryer achieves crispier chickpeas in less time.
How to Make Crispy Chickpeas in the Air Fryer
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss well. Sprinkle with seasonings and toss again.
- Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F (199°C) for 12 to 14 minutes. Shake the basket halfway for uniform crispness.
- Remove the chickpeas when they are golden brown and crispy and serve hot or at room temperature.
Kelly’s Tip: Mixing all the dry seasonings together in a small bowl before sprinkling them onto the chickpeas will distribute the flavors more evenly.
How to Make Crispy Chickpeas in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven preheats, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place them in a bowl, toss with olive oil, and sprinkle evenly with seasoning.
- Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for 45 minutes. Toss the chickpeas in the pan and cook another 5 to 10 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Kelly’s Recipe Tips for Perfect Chickpeas
- For the crispiest chickpeas, start with chickpeas that are as dry as possible. Drain the chickpeas well in a colander and pat them dry with paper towels after rinsing.
- Experiment with seasonings! Try different dry herbs and spices to alter the flavor. You’ll need around a teaspoon of dry seasonings. Consider trying chili powder, curry powder, or Italian herbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet. Spread chickpeas in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Roasted Chickpeas
My three favorite ways to enjoy roasted chickpeas are as a simple snack (it’s hard to eat just one handful!), as a topping for salads, or as a crunchy addition to soups.
They were a star ingredient in one of my favorite salad recipes, Kale Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. The combination of leafy greens, crispy bacon, shredded Parmesan, and crispy chickpeas creates a guaranteed dinner winner!
See how the crunch and flavor of these crispy snacks enhance these recipes:
- Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
- Quinoa Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
- Iceberg Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
- Quick Cauliflower Soup
Storage Tips for Crispy Chickpeas
Store roasted chickpeas at room temperature in an airtight container for two to three days. Make sure they’re cool before storing. They will crisp up with a few minutes in the air fryer or oven at the original cooking temperature if the chickpeas get soft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chickpeas
What’s the difference between garbanzos and chickpeas?
The answer is nothing! Garbanzos and chickpeas are the same thing. “Garbanzo” is the Spanish name, while “chickpea” is the English name.
Why aren’t my roasted chickpeas crunchy?
Ensure maximum crunchiness by drying the drained and rinsed chickpeas thoroughly before tossing in oil. Blot them dry with a paper towel. Give the chickpeas space on the baking sheet or air fryer basket. Finally, try adding time to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure they are completely cool before storing. They’ll keep for two to three days and can be reheated to crisp up.
More Snack Recipes to Try
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots
- Easy Pizza Dough Soft Pretzel Knots
- Homemade Barbecue Potato Chips
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips
- Oyster Cracker Toffee Bark
- Parmesan Pasta Chips (Air Fryer or Oven)
Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Crispy Chickpeas (Air Fryer or Oven)
Add a pop of crunchy protein to snacks, soups, salads and more with a quick-fix recipe for Crispy Chickpeas made in an air fryer or roasted in the oven.
Author: Kelly Senyei
5 from 2 votes
Cook Time 12 mins
Total Time 17 mins
Print Recipe
1x 2x 3x
1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas
1 Tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
In an air fryer:
Drain and rinse the chickpeas then add them to a large bowl.
Drizzle the chickpeas with the oil, then toss to combine. Sprinkle with all of the seasonings and toss well.
Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 390˚F for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and serve.
In an oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas then spread them on paper towels and pat well to dry.
Add the chickpeas to a bowl then drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss well to combine.
Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake them for 45 minutes then toss and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until crispy.
Remove the chickpeas from the oven and serve.
Drying the chickpeas as much as possible will help them become extra-crispy.
Experiment with dry seasonings — you’ll need about a teaspoon total.
Stir together the dry seasoning ingredients in a small bowl before sprinkling over the chickpeas for the most uniform distribution.
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a comment below with your star rating!