The beauty of air-fried chickpeas lies in their versatility, allowing you to experiment with endless flavor combinations while providing a satisfying crunch that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re craving the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar, the tangy kick of ranch, the smoky depth of BBQ, or the zesty spice of chili lime, these crispy chickpeas are the perfect snack for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and the power of your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these crunchy delights in under 20 minutes, making them an ideal go-to snack or salad topper.
Ingredients: For base chickpeas:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For each flavor:
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
Ranch:
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
BBQ:
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Chili Lime:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for a few minutes while preparing the chickpeas.
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas well. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Removing moisture helps them get crispy. If you have time, let them air dry for 10–15 minutes.
- Season the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt to your taste.
- Air fry the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure they cook evenly. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Divide into four portions: Once the chickpeas are done, remove them from the air fryer and divide them into four equal portions in different bowls.
- Flavor the chickpeas:
- Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Toss the chickpeas with melted butter, then coat them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Ranch: Toss the chickpeas with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- BBQ: Mix the BBQ seasoning, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Toss the chickpeas in the spice mixture until well coated.
- Chili Lime: Toss the chickpeas with chili powder, cumin, lime zest, and a touch of lime juice for a zesty flavor kick.
- Cool and serve: Let the chickpeas cool slightly to enhance their crispiness. Serve immediately for the best texture, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
