Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas Recipe

Experience the irresistible crunch of these air fryer chickpeas. Perfectly spiced with garlic, paprika and a hint of cumin, every bite bursts with flavor while keeping calories low. These crispy delights elevate salads or serve as a satisfying snack, proving that healthy can be delicious and with a smoky twist.

I recently tried this amazing air fryer chickpea recipe and I gotta say its a game changer for a healthy snack. This dish uses just a can of drained chickpeas tossed with a tablespoon olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika with a bit of cumin if you’re feelin adventurous.

I love how it’s both crispy and nutritious while being super low on calories. These air fryer chickpeas come out like chips, so its perfect if you’re lookin for a snack that isnt loaded with calories like typical chips or nuts.

I even added some to my salad a couple times and they added such a nice crunch. Its a foolproof, healthy airfryer recipe that makes snacking fun and nutritious without any extra fat.

Definitely a must try air fryer recipe if you’re into healthy dry fryer recipes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy and quick to make – I can throw it together in just about 15 to 20 minutes and still have something tasty to munch on.

I also love how these crispy chickpeas pack a great flavor punch thanks to the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and all the other spices. Its crunchy texture is just satisfying when I need a snack that isn’t too heavy.

Another thing I like is that it’s a healthier alternative to calorie-heavy chips or nuts. I feel good about eating something that’s low in calories yet still really delicious.

Lastly, I appreciate that I can use them in different ways, like sprinkling them over my salad. It adds a cool crunch and makes even a basic salad feel more special.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas: a great source of protein and fiber that keeps you feeling full throughout munching.
• Olive Oil: provides heart healthy fats while lending moisture and a subtly rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder: intensifies the dish with a savory punch that perfectly balances milder spices.
• Smoked Paprika: imparts a smoky, tangy taste and a vibrant red color for appeal.
• Salt: enhances and intensifies flavors across the board, ensuring every single bite tastes balanced.
• Black Pepper: delivers a gentle kick that elevates the overall spiced sensation in this dish.
• Cumin (Optional): introduces earthy warmth that naturally deepens the flavor complexity without overpowering texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas then pat them really dry with a paper towel.

3. Put the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle over 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

4. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin if you’re using it.

5. Toss everything together until all the chickpeas are evenly coated.

6. Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

7. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes, giving the basket a shake every 5 minutes so they crisp evenly.

8. Keep an eye on them near the end so they dont burn.

9. Once they look golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer.

10. Let them cool a little before eating, then enjoy them on their own or sprinkle them on a salad.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with its basket)
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Paper towels
4. Measuring spoons
5. Strainer (if needed)
6. Spoon or spatula for tossing the chickpeas

FAQ

Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have olive oil, you could try using avocado oil or even a little melted butter
• Instead of regular salt, sea salt or kosher salt works fine
• If you’re out of garlic powder, some fresh minced garlic can do the trick
• For smoked paprika, you might use regular paprika or a sprinkle of chipotle powder for that smokey taste
• If there is no cumin, a pinch of coriander makes a nice alternative

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you pat the chickpeas super dry before tossing them in oil – even a bit of moisture will like stop them from getting crispy.

2. Dont pile too many chickpeas in the air fryer at once. More space means they get crispier because they can get an even amount of heat on all sides.

3. Give the basket a good shake throughout the cooking process. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any that might get stuck from burning.

4. Feel free to tweak the spices to your likin. Sometimes a tiny bit more paprika or a pinch less salt can make your air fried chickpeas even tastier.