Why are my air fryer chickpeas not crunchy?

If your chickpeas aren't crunchy, they might not have been dried thoroughly before seasoning. Be sure to pat them dry before tossing them with oil and spices. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—give them room to crisp up!

Why are my chickpeas popping in the air fryer?

Popping happens when moisture inside the chickpeas turns to steam and expands. Drying them well and removing any loose skins can reduce popping.

Do chickpeas lose nutrients when air fried?

Air frying preserves most of the chickpeas' nutrients, including protein and fiber, while reducing the need for added oils. It's a win-win for health and taste!

How long to air fry chickpeas?

Cook at 200°C/390°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Monitor them closely after the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas - Cook it Real Good

Crispy air-fried chickpeas are a great snack and can be used as a salad or soup topper. Use the suggested Mexican spice mix or play around with your favourite spices to create something new. You can get roasted chickpeas at home without even turning on the oven!

These crispy air-fried chickpeas are 100% snack goals! Crunchy and spiced to perfection, they're super easy to make. I've made roasted chickpeas in the oven many times, but the result was never quite what I was hoping for. That all changed with the air fryer. My chickpeas are now super crispy every single time.

While I love eating roasted chickpeas as a snack, I also use them as a salad topper or add them to soups for extra crunch. I generally use a classic mix of Mexican spices, but feel free to play around with your favourites. The opportunities are endless!

Why you'll love this recipe...

Quick and easy: These crispy air fryer chickpeas come together in no time. With just a few simple steps and a short cook time, you've got a healthy snack that's ready to munch on.
Delicious snack: Packed with protein and fiber, these crispy bites will keep you full and satisfied between meals. They're the perfect alternative to chips or other processed snacks.
Different flavours: Whether you love a bold curry powder kick or the cool tang of ranch seasoning, these chickpeas are a blank canvas for whatever flavours you crave.

New to air frying? Be sure to get your free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart filled with cooking times & temperatures for all your favourite foods, plus tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your air fryer.

INGREDIENTS FOR DELICIOUS AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS

One of the things I love about crispy chickpeas is that I always have the ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need (full measurements listed in the printable recipe card below).

ingredients for crispy air fryer chickpeas.

400g / 15oz Canned Chickpeas
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon Onion Power
¼ teaspoon Cumin
½ teaspoon Paprika
⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
¼ teaspoon Salt

HOW TO MAKE THIS CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS

Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then dry in between sheets of paper towel. It's okay if some of the skins fall off during this process (don't worry about removing each one individually).

Pour the chickpeas into a bowl with the oil, spices, and salt and mix well.

Pour the seasoned chickpeas into your air fryer basket and cook at 200°C/390°F for around 15 minutes or until they are nice and crispy. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure they all cook evenly. Watch them carefully from the 10-minute mark onwards, as you don't want to overcook, and every air fryer acts differently.

crispy chickpeas in an air fryer basket.

Serve immediately, or pour onto a plate until cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. Enjoy!

TIPS FOR MAKING AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS

Rinse and dry thoroughly: Start with rinsed garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas) and pat them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Keep an eye on cook time: Air fryers can vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
Store smart: Once cooled, store your chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they'll keep their crunch for up to 3 days.

AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS SEASONING IDEAS

Spice up your chickpeas with these delicious flavour combinations:

Ranch: Mix ranch seasoning with a little olive oil for a cool and savoury snack.
Curry powder: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm, slightly spicy flavour.
Lemon and black pepper: Toss with fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper for a tangy, refreshing twist.
Smoked paprika: Combine smoked paprika and garlic powder for a bold, smoky vibe.
Cinnamon sugar: If you're feeling sweet, go for a cinnamon-sugar blend—it's surprisingly addictive!

STORAGE TIPS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS

Got any leftover chickpeas? No worries. Here are some tips to enjoy them later:

Cool completely: Allow chickpeas to cool entirely before storing to prevent trapped moisture, which can make them soggy.
Store in an airtight container: Place cooled chickpeas in a tightly sealed container and keep them at room temperature. They'll stay crispy for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing: Air-fried chickpeas don't freeze well, as the moisture from thawing can ruin their crispy texture.
Reheat for crunch: If your chickpeas lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 190°C/375°F. This will revive their crispiness.

FAQs

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RECIPE

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are a great snack and can be used as a salad or soup topper. Use the suggested Mexican spice mix or play around with your favourite spices to come up with something new. Get roasted chickpeas at home without turning on the oven!

5 Stars (18 Reviews)

servings

1

Scale

Instructions

1

Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then dry in between sheets of paper towel. It's ok if some of the skins fall off during this process but don't worry about removing them all individually.

2

Pour the chickpeas into a bowl with the oil, spices and salt and mix well.

3

Pour the seasoned chickpeas into your air fryer basket and cook on 200C / 390F for around 15 minutes, or until they are nice and crispy. You'll want to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure they all cook evenly. Watch them carefully from the 10 minute mark onwards as you don't want to overcook and every air fryer can act differently.

4

Serve immediately, or pour onto a plate until cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days.

Notes

Rinse and dry thoroughly: Start with rinsed garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas) and pat them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Keep an eye on cook time: Air fryers can vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.

Store smart: Once cooled, store your chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they'll keep their crunch for up to 3 days.