Air Fryer Chickpeas

These air fryer chickpeas make a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for any time of day. I don’t know about you, but by mid-afternoon, I’m always craving something to nibble on. Just a little snack to get me through until dinner. That’s where these crispy, chickpeas come in! They’re a fabulous little treat to whip up quickly and will keep for a few days in an airtight container. Making them ideal for meal prep or snacking on throughout the week.

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the seasoning to suit your tastes. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or herby, there’s a seasoning mix for everyone. Try adding cayenne pepper and paprika for a bold kick, or toss in some garlic powder and cumin for a more savoury flavour. The possibilities are endless, and it’s so easy to experiment with different combinations.

Not only are these spicy chickpeas tasty, but they’re also packed full of protein and fibre. Making them a filling and nutritious option. The chewy yet crunchy texture makes them completely addictive, and you’ll find yourself reaching for more. The air fryer ensures that they cook to perfection, with a crispy, golden exterior and a soft interior, all while using minimal oil.

This recipe couldn’t be simpler to make: just grab a can of chickpeas, toss them in your chosen spices, and let your air fryer work its magic. You’ll have a healthy snack ready in just a few minutes! These spicy roasted chickpeas are just perfect on their own, but they are also a great addition to salads or as a topping for soups.

PREP 5 minutes

COOK 8 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer, paper towels and mixing bowl.

Ingredients for air fryer chickpeas

A 500g tin of chickpeas, drained

1 teaspoon of Paprika

Light vegetable oil spray

To serve:

1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes

1 teaspoon of dried chilli flakes

Method

All you need to do to start is rinse your canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove any of the brine they were stored in. Once rinsed, drain them well and then take the time to dry them off as much as possible using kitchen roll or a clean tea towel. This step is really important – the drier your chickpeas are, the crispier they’ll turn out after cooking. If you’re not in a rush, I recommend spreading the chickpeas out in a single layer on some kitchen towel and leaving them to air-dry for at least an hour. It makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Once your chickpeas are dry, transfer them into a mixing bowl. Spray them lightly with Fry Light or any cooking spray of your choice. Then sprinkle in about a teaspoon of paprika – smoked paprika works especially well for a deeper flavour. You can also add a pinch of salt or even a little garlic powder if you want an extra kick. Give the bowl a good shake or stir to make sure every chickpea is evenly coated in both the oil and seasoning.

Next, pop the seasoned chickpeas straight into your air fryer drawer. Leave the crisper plate in place to allow the hot air to circulate more effectively. Make sure the chickpeas are spread out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 200°C and cook them for about 8 minutes. Around the halfway point – after 4 minutes – give the basket a good shake to move the chickpeas around.

So once they’re golden, crunchy, and perfectly roasted, I love topping mine with a handful of crispy fried onions and a pinch of crushed dried chillies for an added bit of heat and crunch.

Tips for Air Fryer Chickpeas

1. Choose the right chickpeas
Canned chickpeas work best for air frying. Be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before cooking. If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure they’re fully cooked before air frying.

2. Dry chickpeas well
After rinsing the chickpeas, it’s essential to dry them completely with a paper towel. Moisture will prevent them from getting crispy in the air fryer, so make sure they’re as dry as possible.

3. Toss with oil and spices
To get crispy chickpeas, toss them in a little olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Add your favourite spices for extra flavour like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, or curry powder all work wonderfully. Salt is essential for seasoning, but go easy on it until the chickpeas are fully cooked.

4. Don’t overcrowd the basket
For best results, spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking. If you’re cooking a large batch, do it in batches for even crispiness.

5. Shake the basket
Give the basket a shake every 5-6 minutes to ensure the chickpeas cook evenly and crisp up on all sides. This also prevents them from sticking to the basket.

6. Air fry at the right temperature
Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Cooking at this temperature gives the chickpeas a crispy texture without burning them.

7. Taste test for crispiness
Check the chickpeas after 15 minutes. They should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. If they need more time, continue to air fry in 3-minute intervals.

8. Let them cool
Once done, allow the chickpeas to cool for a few minutes outside the air fryer. This helps them crisp up even more!