Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly in a colander. This removes excess sodium and the slightly slimy liquid they’re packed in.
- Dry completely: This is the most important step! Spread the chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or layer of paper towels. Pat them very dry, then let them air dry for 5-10 minutes. Remove any loose skins that come off—they’ll burn in the air fryer. The drier your chickpeas, the crispier they’ll become.
- Season: Transfer the dried chickpeas to a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss again until all chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Air fry: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed. Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping.
- Check for doneness: The chickpeas are done when they’re golden brown and crunchy. If they’re not crispy enough after 15 minutes, continue cooking in 2-minute increments, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool for 5 minutes—they’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Drying is crucial: The drier your chickpeas before air frying, the crispier they’ll be. Don’t skip the drying step!
- Don’t overcrowd: Give chickpeas space in the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around each one.
- Shake regularly: Shaking the basket every 5 minutes ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Cool completely before storing: Any residual heat creates moisture, which makes them soggy.
- Seasoning variations: Try ranch seasoning, curry powder, cinnamon sugar, Buffalo seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ⅓ cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg