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Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe – quick and simple way to prepare seasoned, super crispy, crunchy and delicious chickpeas to snack on, add to salads, grain bowls or soups. All you need is just a can of chickpeas, olive (or vegetable) oil, lemon juice, seasoning of your choice and 15 minutes to make. The result – a great fiber and protein rich food.
I’ve been using my Air Fryer (Phillips XXL) a lot lately. Air Fryer recipes are often, quick, easy, mess free and food always tastes delicious. Since I live in an apartment now, I rarely do grilling and I avoid using the oven too much in the summer (it gets too hot inside). My Air Fryer is my best friend these days – I like to set it up on my balcony, while it is in use.
It is not a secret, that I love chickpeas. I use them in salads, soups, pasta or quinoa bowls. I have a very popular recipe for The Easiest Roasted Chickpeas, but now there is even an easier way to cook these – in your Air Fryer.
Air Fried Foods
If you are not familiar with the whole Air Fryer craze, all I can tell you is that this is a great kitchen appliance, food tastes amazing and it saves me a lot of time. Air frying is generally healthier than deep frying. You use less oil, but the taste of the food is not compromised. A lot for foods like chicken, seafood and vegetables can be prepared in the Air Fryer and it may take less time, than cooking the same dishes in the oven or deep fryer.
Air fryers do have some disadvantages like for example they are difficult to clean, expensive and foods can easily be burned. Having said that, I still don’t regret getting one, because it is perfect for my current “apartment situation” in Europe.
How to make this Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
The ingredient list is minimal – chickpeas from a can, olive oil, lemon juice (optional) and seasoning of your choice.
- Canned chickpeas – I’ve only tested the recipe with canned chickpeas (either a 14 or 19 ounce can). There is no need to peel the skins off (like we do for hummus), because they help the chickpeas stay whole and crispy. Home cooked chickpeas will also work here, just make sure they are “fully cooked”, drained and at room temperature.
- Olive oil – while adding oil to Air Fryer recipes is “optional”, I always do it. It helps everything cook and taste better. Olive oil is ok in this case, since the chickpeas are air fried at 350 F ( 180 C), but you can use vegetable or grapeseed oil instead.
- Lemon juice – adds great flavor to these chickpeas.
- Seasoning – I used a mix of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin and Cayenne pepper. This is pretty much the same seasoning, that I use for the oven roasted version. Of course you can use any seasoning of your choice (Taco, Chili Lime, Ranch or Lemon pepper are good options)
How To Make
Open the can of chickpeas and drain the water. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer (or colander) and wash with cold water to remove the sticky layer covering the chickpeas. Drain, pat dry very well with paper towel and place in a bowl.
Add the oil, lemon juice and seasoning.
Stir to combine and evenly coat the chickpeas in seasoning and oil.
Spray the Air Fryer basket with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 F (180 C) for 12-15 min, until crispy and golden, shaking the Air Fryer basked 2-3 times, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
There is no need to spray chickpeas with extra oil, while cooking.
Note: Cooking time may vary, depending on the amount of chickpeas and the type of Air Fryer used (brand and capacity). Start checking for doneness after 12 minutes of cooking. I’ve found that the Air Fryer I currently use (Philips XXL) tends to cook slightly faster compared to other brands.
How to store?
Keep in a bowl at room temperature for up to 1 day. After that you’ll need to transfer to an air tight container at (keep room temperature) for up to 5 days. Chickpeas will start getting too hard to eat after 1 day uncovered at room temperature.
What to use air fried chickpeas for?
- Snacking
- Soup toppings or instead of croutons
- Salads
- Grain (or grain-free) bowls
Serving size
This super crispy Air Fryer chickpea recipe is tested with a 14 oz can of chickpeas. The serving size is about 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas and the recipe makes about 4 servings.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- These Keto Air Fryer Croutons from Thyme and Joy are the perfect addition to salads and soups for everyone, who is on low carb diet.
- The Perfect Air Fryer Pecans, great for snacking.
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs – quick to make, juicy, flavorful and delicious. Perfect for lunch or dinner, paired with your favorite side.
Air Fryer Chickpeas
Video
Ingredients
- 14 oz chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cumin
- Pinch of Cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
Instructions
- Open the can of chickpeas and drain the water. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer (or colander) and wash with cold water to remove the sticky layer covering the chickpeas. Drain, pat dry very well with paper towel and place in a bowl.
- Add the oil, lemon juice and seasoning.
- Stir to combine and evenly coat the chickpeas in seasoning and oil.
- Spray the Air Fryer basket with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 F (180 C) for 12-15 min, until crispy and golden, shaking the Air Fryer basked 2-3 times, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- There is no need to spray chickpeas with extra oil, while cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Never thought to do it in the air fryer, but made it and it turned out amazing!