Air fryer chickpeas are so easy to make and are ready in less than 20 minutes! The result is crispy, golden chickpeas that are great as a healthy snack. They're also a quick & easy way to add protein to meals!
Why this recipe works
If you've ever roasted chickpeas in the oven, get ready for a surprise! Air frying takes half the time with less oil and results in even crispier, crunchier chickpeas.
- dietary-features: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free
- quick & easy: ready in just under 20 minutes using 3 main ingredients
- customizable: includes 3 seasoning mix ideas
- versatile: add to bowls or tacos for quick protein or enjoy as a healthy snack
The result? Chickpeas that turn crispy and golden in less than half the amount of time that it takes to roast chickpeas in the oven!
Main ingredients
- Chickpeas: I use one 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas but you can use an equal amount of chickpeas cooked from dry.
- Olive oil is my go-to but any neutral oil works.
- Salt is optional but recommended. I use kosher salt.
- Seasonings: Air fryer chickpeas are honestly delicious with just salt, but I do have a few seasoning ideas down below.
Step by step instructions
Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 2 teaspoons seasonings of choice. Toss to combine.
Transfer chickpeas to the air fryer tray/basket. The chickpeas should be in a single layer and not overcrowded.
Air fry at 390F for 12-15 minutes. I recommend checking the chickpeas at 12 minutes and adding on the extra time if you prefer crisper chickpeas.
Note: Cook at 400F if you're not able to control this fine of a temp on your air fryer. My Cuisinart air fryer doesn't adjust to 390F but the Instant Pot lid does so I have tested both temps.
Remove from the air fryer and add toss with the remaining 1 teaspoon of seasonings.
Expert tips and FAQ
- Air fryer brand: There are many different kinds of air fryers and I can't promise the exact same results in every kind, which is why I include a range of times. I tested this recipe in my Cuisinart toaster oven/air fryer combo and in my Instant Pot air fryer lid. I did not notice a substantial difference between the two brands.
- Cook time: I personally love very dry roasted chickpeas (15 minutes), whereas some people prefer mostly dry with a few crunches (12 minutes). This is one reason why I recommend checking on the chickpeas at 12 minutes.
- Oil amounts: I recommend using only 1 teaspoon of oil to lightly coat the chickpeas. Adding too much oil can actually burn the seasonings on the chickpeas.
- Warning: Depending on the type of air fryer you use, you might hear a popping noise while the chickpeas are cooking. The sound can be a little startling but this is just the chickpeas literally popping like popcorn.
One of my favorite parts about air fryer chickpeas is that you don't need to pat the chickpeas dry before cooking them. I tested it both ways and there is not a noticeable difference between towel-dried chickpeas and chickpeas straight out of the can.
Air fryer chickpeas keep best at room temperature for 2-3 days. Store in a jar with a paper towel rubber-banded on as the lid to allow for airflow. Storing in the fridge will soften the chickpeas.
I don't recommend cooking two cans of chickpeas at once because there likely won't be enough room for airflow, resulting in less crispy chickpeas.
Chickpea seasonings
I included a few different chickpea flavors in the base recipe. All of these flavors are salt-free. You can add ¼ teaspoon salt to each seasoning as desired.
- Cheesy: nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder
- Taco-seasoned: chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, cayenne, coriander (or just use my homemade taco seasoning recipe)
- Cajun-seasoned: paprika, smoked paprika, onion powjder, garlic powder, black and white pepper, cayenne, oregnao, thyme
- Salt & pepper: just like it sounds!
- Don't want to make your own seasoning blends? Try using an equal amount of storebought taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
The Cajun seasoning and taco seasonings make enough for leftovers to use on roasted potatoes or with black beans.
Serving ideas
Air fryer chickpeas are great on their own as a snack, but they are also the perfect way to add plant-based protein to any dish.
- Salad: Use in place of oven-roasted chickpeas in this vegan caesar salad
- Tacos and burritos: Add to cauliflower tacos for extra protein
- Soups: Use as a soup topper in this broccoli soup or vegan potato soup
- Croutons: Try in this everyday kale salad in place of plain chickpeas
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Air Fryer Chickpeas
Ingredients
Air Fryer Chickpeas
- 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or other neutral oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 and ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adds heat
Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas to a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and salt. If using a seasoning mix, add just 2 teaspoons. Toss to combine.
- Transfer to the air fryer rack, leaving as much space between chickpeas as able.
- Air fry at 390F for 12-15 minutes. Check chickpeas after 12 minutes. Return to the air fryer to further crisp the chickpeas if desired.
- Remove from the air fryer. Add 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix. Toss to combine. Enjoy!
Seasoning Blends
- To make each seasoning blend, simply whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Store extra seasonings in an airtight container.
Notes
- Chickpeas: This recipe is written for 1 can of chickpeas. You can use an equal amount of chickpeas cooked from dry, about 1 and ½ cups.
- Salt: Omit salt in the recipe if using a store-bought seasoning blend that contains salt.
- Oil: Olive oil is my go-to but canola, vegetable, avocado oil, grape seed oil, peanut oil, etc. all work.
- Seasonings: Feel free to use an equal amount (1 tablespoon) of store bought seasoning blends. The taco seasoning and Cajun seasoning make more seasoning than needed. You can easily double the recipes to have extra seasonings on hand for all kinds of cooking.
- Leftovers: Air fryer chickpeas keep best at room temperature for 2-3 days. Store in a jar with a paper towel or clean cloth rubberbanded to the top to allow for airflow. Storing in the fridge will soften the chickpeas.
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