air fryer chickpea
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- Other seasoning options: cumin, curry powder, cayenne, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chickpeas
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat them completely dry. Removing as much moisture as possible helps them get crispy in the air fryer.
- (Optional) If you want, remove the skins by gently rubbing the chickpeas between paper towels. This step can make them even crispier, but it’s not necessary.
Step 2: Season the Chickpeas
- In a bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and your chosen seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, etc.).
- Make sure all the chickpeas are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chickpeas
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Add the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as it helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
- Air fry the chickpeas for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking. The chickpeas should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Once done, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes—they will crisp up even more as they cool.
- Serve as a snack or use them as a topping for salads, soups, or grain bowls.
Storage:
- Store any leftover chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh them.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~1g
These Air Fryer Chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious snack, packed with plant-based protein and fiber, and can be easily customized with your favorite spices.
