Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious air fryer roasted chickpeas, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. These roasted chickpeas are a healthy, crunchy snack that can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – Drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps the chickpeas crisp up and allows the seasonings to stick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste, depending on how salty you like your snacks.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a smoky flavor, but feel free to substitute with regular paprika or another spice of your choice.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle garlic flavor that complements the chickpeas.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin – This adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chickpeas.
Preparation:
- Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a crispy texture.
- Step 2: Once the chickpeas are dry, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes while you finish preparing the chickpeas.
Cooking instructions
Step 4: Once your air fryer is preheated, spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping up evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation.
Step 5: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chickpeas for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent any chickpeas from burning. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chickpeas.
Step 6: After 12-15 minutes, check the chickpeas for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they need more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments, shaking the basket in between, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Step 7: Once the chickpeas are perfectly roasted, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will continue to crisp up slightly as they cool.
Tips for perfect crispiness
Achieving the perfect crispiness for your air fryer roasted chickpeas can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to get that irresistible crunch every time.
- Dry thoroughly: One of the most important steps is to make sure the chickpeas are as dry as possible before seasoning and cooking. After rinsing, pat them down with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. If you have time, let them air dry for 10-15 minutes. Excess moisture will cause the chickpeas to steam rather than roast, resulting in a softer texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: For even crisping, it’s crucial to spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will block the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in smaller batches to ensure each chickpea gets crispy.
- Shake the basket frequently: Shaking the basket every 5 minutes helps to ensure that the chickpeas cook evenly on all sides. This also prevents any chickpeas from sticking to the basket or burning in one spot.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking: While it’s important to season the chickpeas before cooking, adding a little extra seasoning after they come out of the air fryer can enhance the flavor. This is especially true for spices like salt or chili powder, which can lose some potency during cooking.
- Cool completely before storing: If you’re planning to store the roasted chickpeas for later, make sure they cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Storing them while still warm can trap moisture, making them lose their crispiness. Once cooled, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Re-crisp if needed: If your chickpeas lose their crunch after a day or two, you can easily re-crisp them by popping them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will bring back their crunchy texture without overcooking them.