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For those on the lookout for healthier snack alternatives, then this vegan and gluten-free Air Fryer Chickpeas will be your best bet! You will have these crispy and ‘cheesy’ treats ready in just 13 minutes using 4 simple ingredients, including our favorite Organic Garbanzo Beans from our friends at Sprouts. Plus, you can use the same base recipe but bring something new to the table by playing around with different flavor combinations!
Air Fryer Chickpeas – The Ultimate Vegan Snack
There is this common misconception that the healthier a snack is, the more expensive they are. While that may be true for some store-bought treats, these homemade air-fried chickpeas are anything but! All you need is a can of chickpeas and pantry basics, and you can make this game-changing snack with hardly any effort.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have a nutty flavor with earthy tones. They are delicious as they are, but once you season them with a bit of salt and nutritional yeast, they transform into salty, ‘cheesy’ snacks that you will not get enough of. Plus, they are super nutritious! They are protein-rich, fiber-loaded and boast an impressive lineup of vitamins and minerals.
It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to ideal snacking – delicious, healthy, budget-friendly, diet-sensitive, and super easy to make using your air fryer.
Why Use the Air-fryer instead of the Oven?
Air-fryers are getting more and more popular as a handy kitchen appliance to have. Fast and easy, this stylish gizmo can cook practically anything – from appetizers to your main entrées.
- Time-saving. No more pre-heating! Everything is cooked quickly and easily with the touch of a button.
- Space-saving. Its sleek design is perfect for those with a smaller kitchen or those who want to save more kitchen space. They are also portable and easy to clean!
- Minimal to oil-free dishes. A few sprays of cooking oil will do the trick. Only a minimal amount of oil is needed to achieve the crispy taste and texture.
Ingredients Used
- Garbanzo beans or chickpeas – This recipe can be made using freshly cooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas. We used low sodium Organic Garbanzo Beans from Sprouts for this recipe! Before cooking, drain and dry them with paper towels. It will yield you crispier chickpeas.
- Oil spray or oil – A relatively small amount of any neutral oil or spray oil is necessary for this recipe. This will be enough to crisp up the chickpeas.
- Salt – to taste
- Nutritional yeast – It provides the chickpeas with a ‘cheesy’, nutty, and umami taste. You can also use vegan parmesan as a replacement to get the same yummy flavor.
How to Make the Air Fryer Chickpeas
There is really nothing to it! It should take you just 5 minutes to get everything ready for your air-fryer.
Preparations:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Remove any extra liquid, then blot them dry with a paper towel.
Steps:
1) Place the beans in a single layer in the air fryer and spray them with oil. If you do not have a sprayer, you can place the chickpeas in a bowl first, then pour 1 teaspoon of oil over them. Mix until they are coated.
2) Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the chickpeas for 4 minutes. Give the basket a little shake then cook for another 3-4 minutes until barely crispy.
3) Season with salt and nutritional yeast (if using). Serve them immediately.
Cooking Tips
- Do not throw away the chickpea brine. This liquid is called aquafaba, and you can use it as a thickener and egg replacement in many dishes like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and Vegan Meringue.
- Keep an eye on your chickpeas because they can quickly burn. Some air fryers will cook faster than others, or settings may vary. So, it’s a good idea to shake the air fryer basket every now and then during the cooking period.
- This recipe does not require a lot of oil, just enough to get that crispiness we like. Too much oil will make them soggy.
- It is best not to overcrowd the chickpeas in your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a smaller gadget. Placing them on a single layer will allow them to cook evenly and be crispier.
Air Fryer Chickpeas Flavor Variations
Aside from salt and nutritional yeast, you can use other spices, seasoning, and herbs to make these yummy treats! Here are some suggestions:
- If you like to add a punch of heat, you can use paprika, chili powder, or cayenne powder.
- You can also keep it classic by coating them with garlic and onion powder.
- If you want a sweeter version, you can toss them with some cinnamon sugar or maple syrup.
- A tablespoon of Italian seasoning will also make a delicious treat!
- Making some for game day? Try adding vegan Ranch or BBQ dressing to keep things exciting!
Storage Notes
Store chickpeas in an unlidded glass jar or paper bags at room temperature. It can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to crisp them up. Leftover cooked chickpeas (not air fried) will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored in a tightly closed container. You can use them for other dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which are better for air frying, canned or dried chickpeas? Although both give good results, canned chickpeas are more convenient to use. On the other hand, dried chickpeas are less expensive and have a more natural flavor than canned chickpeas.
- Why aren’t my chickpeas crispy? It could be for several reasons, including not being dry before cooking, undercooking them, or storing them while still hot or warm. As long as you follow the instructions above, you’ll have crisp and delicious chickpeas every time!
- Can I double the recipe? Sure, but you will have to cook them in batches so you do not overcrowd your basket.
Here are More Chickpea Recipes for you:
- Oil-Free Chickpea Salad – This vegan salad will satisfy your tuna salad cravings. The flavor and texture are both superb. It’s like having a party with chickpeas and veggies all on one plate. Give this Air Fryer Chickpeas a shot, and you’ll see what I mean.
- Chickpea Sweet Potato Boats – This dish simply has three ingredients – chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and marinara sauce are all on the menu. During those busy days or nights, or when a family or friend visits right before lunch or dinner, this is the perfect solution. It’s so convenient!
- Lentil Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing – This will certainly be on your top list of Beans Recipes. Yes, there is indeed bean overload! Chickpeas and lentils have a terrific flavor and are filling without making you feel stuffed.
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Air Fryer Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce
- Oil spray or 1 teaspoon of oil
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon of nutritional yeast or more to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pat dry your garbanzo beans with a towel to remove excess water.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes, shake up the basket, and then cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, until barely crispy.
- Sprinkle with salt and nutritional yeast (if using).
Notes
- If you like to add a punch of heat, you can use paprika, chili powder, or cayenne powder.
- You can also keep it classic by coating them with garlic and onion powder.
- If you want a sweeter version, you can toss them with some cinnamon sugar or maple syrup.
- A tablespoon of Italian seasoning will also make a delicious treat!
- Making some for game day? Try adding vegan Ranch or BBQ dressing to keep things exciting!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Additional Info
I use air fried chickpeas all the time but had not thought to season them with Nutritional Yeast. Thanks so much for the idea!
The nutritional yeast gives it such a nice touch! So yummy!