Air Fryer Chickpeas

If you weren't aware that you can roast chickpeas in the air fryer, you're in for a treat. Air fryer chickpeas are crispy, snackable, and a big batch is ready to enjoy in 20 minutes or less using canned chickpeas. They're a wholesome alternative to chips or fries!

Jump to:

• Watch the Video
• What You'll Love About Air Fryer Chickpeas
• What are chickpeas, anyway?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Air Fry Chickpeas
• Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
• Try this recipe with...
• Recipe Tips
• Storing Leftover Chickpeas
• Uses for Air Fried Chickpeas
• Why air fry chickpeas instead of using the oven?
• Air Fryer Snack Recipes
• Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
• Feedback

Chickpeas are often overlooked as a snack option, but if you've ever tried roasted crispy chickpeas, you know how delicious they are!

They're more than delicious, too: they're budget-friendly and nutritious. A can of chickpeas typically costs less than two dollars, and they're filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein (source: chickpea nutrition facts).

Our recipe for air fried chickpeas brings out the best flavors of this extra-special legume. You'll have a new appreciation for their snackability once you try it!

Watch the Video

What are chickpeas, anyway?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. They're the core ingredient to dishes like falafel and hummus, but can also be found in a variety of other dishes, including curry. They have a creamy texture and a slightly earthy, nutty flavor, but generally absorb the flavor of whatever they're cooked with, making them a popular plant-based alternative to other proteins.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chickpeas: We're using a 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Canned chickpeas are already cooked, so if you're using uncooked chickpeas you'll need to cook them first. We found this guide to help you, if so.
• Avocado Oil: This is our preferred oil for air frying chickpeas thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can use other types of oil too, like olive oil. See our guide to oils for air frying for more ideas of what oils you can use in your air fryer.
• Chili Seasoning: You can use any seasoning you like best, but we're using our signature chili seasoning, which uses a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper. You can also use cayenne pepper. This seasoning is good on everything - especially these chickpeas. For more seasoning ideas, keep scrolling!

How to Air Fry Chickpeas

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions

The following instructions are for toaster-oven style air fryers with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air. Note that these models take longer to cook than air fryers with a basket.

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. 
2. Drain chickpeas. You can use a colander for this step.
3. Rinse chickpeas and pat dry.
4. Place chickpeas in a medium bowl and toss with avocado oil to coat them completely.
5. Pour chickpeas onto the air fryer tray and spread them into a single layer.
6. Air fry for 20 minutes, stirring them around halfway through the air frying time.
7. Chickpeas are done when they are toasted and crispy to your liking.
8. Carefully remove from the air fryer to a serving bowl. Immediately toss with seasoning, then serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Dry chickpeas get crispier, so don’t skip the drying step or they might not get crispy.
• Our chili seasoning mix already has salt, so when using that seasoning it shouldn’t be necessary to add more salt. But, please feel free to add salt as you see fit.
• Some chickpeas might fall under the air fryer tray. That’s fine, just carefully remove the tray to retrieve the stragglers.
• Crispy air fryer chickpeas are the best day you make them. They lose their crispness as time goes on.
• Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer, as all air fryer models vary and may require different cook times. As always, use the cook time and temperature as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
• If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.

Storing Leftover Chickpeas

Store crispy chickpeas at room temperature in an open bowl or jar to keep them crispy. They are best enjoyed within 2 days, but will keep up to a week. Avoid storing these in the fridge as they will lose their crispiness and become chewy.

Uses for Air Fried Chickpeas

• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a deliciously crunchy snack. Try different seasonings to suit your tastes, such as spices like curry powder, a BBQ rub, or even ranch seasoning.
• In Salads: Sprinkle crispy air fryer chickpeas on top of salads to add crunch and protein. They can replace croutons or nuts in your salad.
• For Soup: Crispy chickpeas add wonderful texture and flavor to soup, so try using them as a garnish!
• In Trail Mix: Mix roasted chickpeas with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a homemade trail mix. It's a satisfying snack for on-the-go, and perfect if you're on a vegan or gluten-free meal plan and want something snackable.
• In Bowls: Include air fryer chickpeas in grain bowls or Buddha bowls along with grains, vegetables, and your choice of protein for a balanced meal.

Why air fry chickpeas instead of using the oven?

Air frying chickpeas provides a quicker, more energy-efficient, and potentially healthier cooking method compared to oven roasting, while still achieving deliciously crispy results.

• Faster Cooking Time: Air frying typically cooks food faster than oven roasting, reducing overall cooking time.
• Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use convection technology to circulate hot air, requiring less energy compared to preheating and maintaining the temperature of a conventional oven.
• Crispier Texture: Air frying creates a crispier exterior on chickpeas compared to oven roasting, thanks to the circulating hot air that evenly crisps the surface.
• Even Cooking: The convection technology in air fryers ensures even cooking, resulting in evenly roasted chickpeas without the need for frequent stirring or flipping.
• Less Oil: Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to oven roasting, making it a generally healthier option (source).
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryers typically have non-stick baskets or trays that are easy to clean, requiring less scrubbing and soaking compared to baking trays used in oven roasting.

Air Fryer Snack Recipes

• Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
• Butternut Squash
• Smashed Potatoes

Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!