Crispy Yet Tender Air Fryer Chickpeas
Looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful way to add crunch to your wraps or salads? These crispy yet tender Air Fryer Chickpeas are exactly what you need!
Roast the chickpeas in a ceramic oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket.
Add bell peppers, mild spring onions (or other onions), spices, extra virgin olive oil and fresh thyme for a quick side dish to your meal.
Unlike other chickpea recipes that often leave them dry and hard, these chickpeas are coated in olive oil and spices, air fried to perfection, and come out crunchy on the outside but tender and moist on the inside.
They’re the perfect addition to my Creamy Tahini Chickpea Wraps, where they add just the right amount of texture without overwhelming the creamy, smooth tahini. Whether you’re using them in wraps, salads, or enjoying them as a snack, these chickpeas are sure to satisfy.
This actually works out so good if you have any bits of fresh veggies, simply add them to the chickpeas and you have a colorful crunchy and delicious dish. Which was how this speedy air fryer chickpeas recipe came about for my wraps.
3 Reasons to Love This Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe
- Tender Yet Crunchy Texture – Unlike many recipes that leave chickpeas overly dry and hard, these air fryer chickpeas are crunchy on the outside but stay tender and juicy inside, making them a perfect addition to wraps or salads.
- Quick and Easy – With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can make these chickpeas in no time!
- Flavorful and Versatile – The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and olive oil makes these chickpeas super flavorful, and they can be used in a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Chickpeas: (drained and dried) You can use any type of chickpeas that you prefer.
Extra virgin olive oil: We use these extra virgin olive oils.
Salt and black pepper: To taste. I am always over anxious about giving seasoning quantities because we all taste differently. Kosher salt, sea salt or your preferred salt.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika. Change it up to your favorites, we just really love cumin with chickpeas.
Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon (for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas
Prep the Chickpeas: Drain the canned chickpeas and place them in a colander. Let them sit for a few minutes to fully drain. Then, use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to gently pat them dry. The drier they are, the better they will crisp up in the air fryer—but don’t worry, these will still stay tender!
Season the Chickpeas: Transfer the dried chickpeas to any oven-safe ceramic dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. Add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, cumin, and smoked paprika.
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Combine: Toss everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Air Fry the Chickpeas: Preheat your air fryer (affiliate link) to 190°C (375°F). Place the dish in air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Serve: Once the chickpeas are golden and crispy on the outside but still tender inside, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving. For an added optional fresh touch, squeeze a little lemon over them if you’re serving them in wraps or salads.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Over-air fry: These chickpeas aren’t meant to be super dry and crunchy. The key here is to make them crunchy on the outside while keeping them tender and juicy inside. Air fry them enough so they crisp up, but not too much!
- Add Lemon for Freshness: If you’re using these chickpeas in wraps (especially with tahini), a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top really helps brighten the flavors.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste! Add some garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for a new twist.
Want to add the bell peppers? Add the bell peppers and onion halfway through and give them a toss to combine.
Variations To Air Fyer Chickpeas
- Spicy Chickpeas: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give these chickpeas a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Chickpeas: Toss them with garlic powder and grated Parmesan after air frying for a savory flavor.
- Herb-flavored Chickpeas: Add dried oregano or rosemary to the spice mix for a herby twist.
- Vegetables: Add diced fresh veggies for more of a filing side dish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chickpeas
These crispy yet tender air fryer chickpeas are perfect for:
- Wraps: Add them to your Creamy Tahini Chickpea Wraps for a great crunchy texture that complements the smooth tahini and tender veggies.
- Salads: Toss them on top of salads for a protein-packed, crunchy topping.
- Bowls: Add them to grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini for a satisfying meal.
- Snacks: Enjoy them on their own with a squeeze of lemon or a dip!
Serving idea with wraps (image below) and the recipe here.
More Chickpea Recipes
- Creamy Smashed Chickpeas
- Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
- Baked Beans and Chickpeas Curry
- Spinach, Chickpeas and Egg Bake
Crispy Tender Air Fryer Chickpeas
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 oven safe dish
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 400 grams Chickpeas, drained and dried
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, taste and adjust
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin spice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- a squeese of fresh lemon for serving, optional
Instructions
- Prep the Chickpeas: Drain the canned chickpeas and place them in a colander. Let them sit for a few minutes to fully drain. Then, use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to gently pat them dry. The drier they are, the better they will crisp up in the air fryer—but don’t worry, these will still stay tender!400 grams Chickpeas, drained and dried
- Season the Chickpeas: Transfer the dried chickpeas to a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, cumin, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, taste and adjust, 1/2 teaspoon cumin spice, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Air Fry the Chickpeas: Preheat your Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer (or any air fryer) to 190°C (375°F). Place the seasoned chickpeas in an oven-friendly dish that fits into your air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Once the chickpeas are golden and crispy on the outside but still tender inside, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving. For an added fresh touch, squeeze a little lemon over them if you’re serving them in wraps or salads.a squeese of fresh lemon for serving, optional
Nutrition
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