CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS

If you’re looking for a healthy, high-protein, crunchy snack that’s simple to make and full of flavor, look no further than these crispy air fryer chickpeas! Simple ingredients like parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning take them to the next level. We love adding these crispy chickpeas to a Caesar salad for that extra crunch. But honestly, they’re so good that we often find ourselves snacking on them straight from the bowl! 

Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Whether you like them savory, spicy, or even a little sweet, we’ve included plenty of flavor variations so you can customize them to your taste. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Chickpeas

• Quick & Easy: The cooking time is fast, they’re perfect for a last-minute snack or topped on a salad.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Snack: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Minimal Oil: The air fryer works magic, turning chickpeas into crispy, golden bites with little oil required.
• Customizable Flavors: You can stick with our classic recipe or customize the seasonings according to your taste.
• Satisfying Crunch: Enjoy that perfect crunchy texture with every bite! They’re a delicious alternative to chips, crackers, or other snacks.
• Versatile: Whether you’re snacking on them solo or adding them to salads, bowls, or roasted vegetables, they’re the perfect addition to any meal!

Ingredients Needed

• Chickpeas: Use one can of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans.
• Olive Oil: So the chickpeas become crispy and the seasonings stick.
• Seasonings: We seasoned them with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt for the ultimate flavor.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese adds a delicious, cheesy flavor that is not to be missed!

Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions

• Less Oil Option: If you want to reduce the oil, simply use a light mist of olive oil spray instead. This helps the seasonings stick while keeping the chickpeas crispy and delicious!
• Parmesan Swap: For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Flavor: Get creative with your seasoning! You can try out different flavor combos such as garlic parmesan, smoky BBQ, ranch, spicy chili lime, or sweet cinnamon sugar (check out our full list of variations below!).

Flavor Variations

Experiment with these flavor-packed combinations to make your chickpeas uniquely yours! Here are a few of our favorites. Use one teaspoon of olive oil or olive oil spray when making so the seasonings stick.

• Garlic Parmesan: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, a pinch of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
• Smoky BBQ: Use ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon brown sugar (or sugar substitute), and an optional ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Taco Seasoning: Give your chickpeas a bold, zesty kick with 1-2 teaspoons of store-bought taco seasoning, or take it up a notch with our homemade taco seasoning.
• Ranch: For a classic ranch taste, use 1-2 teaspoons of powdered ranch dressing mix, or make your own by combining ¼ teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
• Chili Lime: For a chili lime flavor, season with ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon cumin, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Toss with the zest of one lime after air frying.
• Lemon Herb: Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Toss with the zest of one lemon after air frying.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet flavor variation, use ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon and 1-2 teaspoons sugar, brown sugar, or sugar substitute 
• Pumpkin Spice: Use ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, brown sugar, or sugar substitute.

How To Make Air Fryer Chickpeas

Step 1: Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas. Then, let them dry thoroughly. This step is essential for achieving a crisp texture. Pat the dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.

Step 2: Add the chickpeas to a large bowl. Next, add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and sea salt to the bowl.

Step 3: Toss the chickpeas in the bowl until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Transfer the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step 5: Air fry the chickpeas, shaking the basket every 5-6 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 6: Add the Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Once the chickpeas are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

How Long To Cook Chickpeas In The Air Fryer

Cook chickpeas in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-6 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. For this recipe, add the parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn. The chickpeas should be crispy and golden when done.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer chickpeas are so versatile that they can be enjoyed in many different ways! Here are some ideas on how to serve them.

• Snack: Enjoy them as a protein-packed snack on their own.
• Hummus: Pair them with classic hummus, white bean hummus, or your favorite dip.
• Salads: Add them to salads for a crunchy topping. They are especially delicious with our classic Caesar salad, chicken Caesar salad, and kale Caesar salad.
• Vegetables: Sprinkle them over roasted vegetables.
• Bowls: They are a great savory addition to grain bowls.

Expert Tips

• Shake The Basket: Don’t forget to shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes. This helps the chickpeas crisp up evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If you are making more chickpeas, make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. They need enough room for the hot air to circulate so they get crispy.
• Dry the Chickpeas Well: For maximum crunch, the chickpeas must be as dry as possible before seasoning them. Let them sit on a towel for a few minutes to help them dry out more.
• Serve Warm: Let the chickpeas cool slightly after air frying, then enjoy them while they’re at their crispiest and most flavorful!

Storage Instructions

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. While they may lose some crunch after a few hours, they’re still delicious! To restore crispiness, quickly reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Re-Crisp: To make leftover chickpeas crispy again, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes! You can double this air fryer chickpeas recipe. Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if you make a larger amount, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Are Air Fryer Chickpeas Crispy?

Absolutely! To ensure your chickpeas are crispy, make sure they are completely dry before seasoning. The air fryer works magic on chickpeas, giving them a crispy, crunchy texture without deep frying. They are most crispy when they are warm after air frying. 

More Recipes To Try Next!

• Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
• Air Fryer Carrot Chips
• Slow Cooker Charro Beans Recipe
• Spicy Black Bean Soup With Chipotle
• Easy Parmesan Cheese Crisps

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.