Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are an easy, versatile snack that also make a crunchy, gluten-free topping for salads, soups and grain bowls. With just a can of chickpeas, a little oil and a few seasonings, you can have perfectly crisp chickpeas in under 25 minutes using an air fryer. They’re great for quick meal prep, a salty snack, or to add texture to vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Air fryers are excellent for achieving a crunchy exterior without much oil, and they generally cook faster than a conventional oven. These chickpeas come out browned and crisp on the outside while staying slightly tender in the middle, unless you prefer them completely crunchy throughout. They’re a simple way to upgrade a plain salad or to serve alongside a bowl of soup for added heartiness.
Ingredients
- 1 can (about 540 ml) no-salt-added chickpeas
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado/canola oil)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or preferred seasoning)
How to air fry chickpeas
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. Removing as much surface moisture as possible helps them crisp up in the air fryer. If you prefer, gently rub the chickpeas between two towels to loosen and remove some skins — this step is optional but can reduce small burnt bits.
- Transfer the dried chickpeas to a medium bowl. Add the oil, salt and garlic powder (or your chosen spices) and toss until every chickpea is evenly coated.
- Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through (about 8–9 minutes in). They are done when browned and crisp. If any are still soft in the center, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes until they reach your desired texture.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or cool slightly and store at room temperature in an airtight container for a short time.
Recipe FAQs
How should I store crispy chickpeas?
These chickpeas are crispiest right after air frying and while they are still warm. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Note that they will gradually lose some crispness over time.
How long will they stay crispy?
For best texture, enjoy them the same day. They remain pleasant for a day or two but will soften the longer they are stored. Re-crisping briefly in the air fryer or a hot oven can help.
Do I need to remove the skins?
Removing the skins is optional. Some people peel a portion of the skins to avoid very small burnt bits and to improve overall texture, but it adds a few minutes to prep time.
What other seasonings work well?
Beyond garlic powder and salt, try smoked paprika, chili-lime seasoning, oregano, everything bagel seasoning, curry powder, za’atar or even a touch of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet snack variation.
Key recipe tips
- Air fryer models vary. Start with the recommended time and check early to avoid over-browning; adjust time and temperature based on your appliance.
- If using canned chickpeas that already contain salt, reduce the added salt to taste.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point if you prefer (avocado or canola work well), though extra virgin olive oil adds flavor.
- For evenly crisp results, spread chickpeas in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- To re-crisp leftovers, heat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes just until they crunch again.
More air fryer recipes to try
- Air-fried butternut squash
- Air-fryer baby potatoes
- Air-fryer tortilla chips
- Roasted pumpkin seeds in the air fryer
- Crispy kale chips
- Pan-to-air-fryer gnocchi
If you try these Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas, feel free to leave a comment describing how they turned out and any seasoning variations you enjoyed. They’re a simple, flexible snack that’s easy to customize and perfect for upgrading salads, soups and bowls.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
A quick, healthy snack with a crunchy texture perfect for topping salads, soups and bowls. Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Leanne Combden
Ingredients
- 1 can (540 ml) no-salt-added chickpeas
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Drain, rinse and pat the chickpeas dry. Remove skins if desired.
- Toss chickpeas with oil, salt and garlic powder until coated.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through. Cook until browned and crispy.
- Serve immediately or cool and store in an airtight container for short-term use.
Notes
- To remove skins, rub chickpeas between two towels until loose and discard skins.
- Adjust cook time based on your air fryer model and how crispy you like them.
- If using salted canned chickpeas, reduce added salt.
- Other oils such as avocado or canola work well if you prefer.
- Chickpeas are best the same day; reheat briefly to refresh the crunch.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Calories: 137 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Fiber: 6 g | Sodium: 670 mg
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on brands and substitutions.