Air Fryer Chickpeas

Name: Air Fryer Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
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))

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Air Fryer Chickpeas are the addictingly crispy, ‘cheesy’, healthy snack you need! Ready in just 13 minutes, they take only 4 simple ingredients. This easy recipe comes with lots of additional flavor combinations to try, to make your go-to vegan and gluten-free snack.

completed air fryer chickpeas scattered on a white surface and in a bowl

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Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe!
Why Use the Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?
Ingredients for Roast Chickpeas in Air Fryer
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas
Toni’s Tips
Flavor Variations for Roast Chickpeas in Air Fryer
Serving Suggestions
Storage Instructions
FAQs for Crispy Chickpeas in the Air Fryer
More Creative Ways to Use Chickpeas
Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe!

Looking for a healthier snack alternative? Look no further than these easy air fryer roasted chickpeas, including our favorite Organic Garbanzo Beans from our friends at Sprouts. This is one case where the healthier the snack is, the LESS expensive it is! These budget friendly crispy roasted chickpeas take just a few minutes to make with a few budget-friendly, pantry-staples.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, deliver a nutty flavor with earthy tones. They are perfect for any salty-snack lovers, especially after seasoned with a bit of salt and nutritional yeast. It transforms them into a salty, ‘cheesy’ snack that you won’t be able get enough of. But that’s ok! These air fryer chickpeas are super nutritious! They are protein-rich, fiber-loaded and boast an impressive lineup of vitamins and minerals.

Why Use the Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

Air-fryers are getting more and more popular and for good reason. Fast and easy, this kitchen appliance can cook practically anything, from snacks like these, to your main entrées.

Time-saving: No more pre-heating! And because air fryers circulate the hot air, they can cook the food faster. Everything is cooked quickly and easily with the touch of a button.
Energy-saving: Air fryers are also a way to save energy, by only heating up a small device for the batch of food you need, instead of the entire oven. This saves money, too!
Space-saving: Its sleek design is perfect for those with a smaller kitchen or those who want to save 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 for Roast Chickpeas in Air Fryer

Garbanzo beans or chickpeas: This recipe can be made using freshly cooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas. I 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.

air fryer chickpea ingredients on a white marble surface

How to Make Air Fryer Roasted 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.

process of chickpeas being placed in an air fryer

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). Finally, serve them immediately.

Toni’s Tips

Keep the chickpea ‘water’: 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.
Adjust timing as needed: 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.
Don’t use too much oil: This recipe does not require a lot of oil, just enough to get that crispiness we like. Too much oil will make them soggy.
Spread out the chickpeas: 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 in a single layer will allow them to cook evenly and be crispier.

Flavor Variations for Roast Chickpeas in Air Fryer

Aside from salt and nutritional yeast, you can use other spices, seasoning, and herbs to make these yummy treats! Here are some suggestions:

Spicy roasted chickpeas: If you like to add a punch of heat, you can use paprika, chili powder, or cayenne powder.
Garlic roasted chickpeas: Go for the classic favorite by coating them with garlic and onion powder.
Cinnamon sugar chickpeas: If you want a sweeter version, you can toss them with some cinnamon sugar or maple syrup.
Savory roasted chickpeas: A tablespoon of Italian seasoning will also make a delicious treat!
Ranch flavored chickpea snacks: Perfect for game day! Use ranch seasoning before cooking or try adding ranch dressing after cooking.
BBQ chickpeas: Another game day favorite. Use your favorite BBQ rub, before cooking, or BBQ dressing after cooking.

scattered completed air fryer chickpeas on a white surface

Serving Suggestions

Snack Rotation: Include on a snack rotation, with other healthy options like sweet and salty popcorn, apple and granola snacks, chocolate chip banana bite, peanut butter stuffed dates, or no-bake peanut butter cups.
Game Day Snacks: Make as part of a vegan game day (or movie night!) spread with bagel bites, vegan pigs in a blanket, and buffalo cauliflower wings.
Sweet & Salty: To balance the savory, serve these with chocolate covered chickpeas or chickpea chocolate chip cookies.
Can’t get enough crunch?: If crispy & salty are your thing, try mixing it up with rosemary crackers and spinach artichoke dip, tortilla chips & guac (or vegan nacho cheese!), or veggie chips (like zucchini or kale).
Crispy Topping: Use as a hearty crouton of sorts to add crunch on top of soups and salads!

Storage Instructions

Store chickpeas in an unlidded glass jar or paper bags at room temperature. They 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.

FAQs for Crispy Chickpeas in the Air Fryer

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.

More Creative Ways to Use Chickpeas

Vegan Dinners

Potato and Chickpea Tacos

Vegan Dinners

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad [With Lentils]

Vegan Dinners

Chickpea Sweet Potato Boats

Vegan Lunches

Plant-Based Chickpea Tuna Salad

Also, you may be interested in this list of 30 Delicious Chickpea Recipes!

If you tried this air fryer chickpeas recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

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