Crispy air fryer chickpeas are the tastiest and crunchiest snack you will find. Using the air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15 minutes, and they are so much crispier than in the oven! Vegan and gluten-free, these crispy roasted chickpeas are an awesome healthier snack.
We have been absolutely loving the air fryer to make Honey Lime Air Fryer Shrimp, and Breaded Air Fryer Chicken, but my favorite thing might just be these air fryer chickpeas!
I have always loved the concept of crispy roasted chickpeas, but I have often failed in execution. It always seems like some of them get crispy while others are still chewy. And still others are burned.
Not only that, but you have to wash and dry the chickpeas before roasting, and you have to roast them for quite awhile.
Well, enter the air fryer. GAME CHANGED. No need to dry these chickpeas, and they are ready for your snacking pleasure in 15 minutes. Yup. 15 minutes!
Reasons you’ll ♡ these air fryer chickpeas
Video tutorial
Wondering how this recipe comes together? Watch the 1-minute video below! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
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Let's talk ingredients
For this air fryer chickpeas recipe you will need:
- chickpeas- use 1 can drained & rinsed OR cook your own Instant Pot chickpeas
- oil- I like to use avocado oil because it has a high smoke point, but extra virgin olive oil works as well
- spices- I am using an adaptation of my favorite homemade fajita seasoning. I advise against using a rub with sugar as during testing, the sugar burned
That's it! Super duper simple.
These air fryer chickpeas are a great meal prep snack. Here are some tips to help with your prep: Find my kitchen equipment in my shop!Meal prep tips
Can I change the seasoning?
Absolutely! Try one of these 7 dry rub recipes, but do stay away from anything with sugar as in my experience the sugar can burn easily in the air fryer.
How long do these chickpeas last?
You can store them in the cupboard for 1 week or more! Bet they won't last that long 😉
How can I serve air fryer chickpeas?
We enjoy them as a snack but they are yummy as a salad topper, too. They would be great on this Kale Caesar salad!
More Air Fryer Recipes
This post was originally published in 2018. It has been republished in 2020 with new recipes tips + a video.
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 19 oz can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- Heat air fryer to 390°F / 200°C.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas (no need to dry). Toss with olive oil and spices.
- Dump the whole batch of chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking a couple of times.
- When chickpeas are cooked to your liking, remove from air fryer, taste and add more salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in an open container.
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.
Kirsten Zakielarz says
Amazing! I cut some of the oil because I’m on weight watchers and used salt and vinegar powder on top because that’s my preference, but they were just as incredible using the spices you listed when I made them again. Delicious! Next time I might use salt and vinegar powder and garlic with paprika. Thanks for a great recipe!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Kirsten, we are so happy that you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your ingredient variations/ swaps, and for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Marina says
I’d love to make these as a healthy snack for traveling. Is there a way to store them the day of travel so they don’t get soggy?
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Marina, these chickpeas are best stored in an open container (or in a container with some air flow) to keep them crisp. If storing in a closed container, I wonder if you could put the lid on loosely, or add a piece of paper towel to the container to soak up any moisture and prevent them from going soggy! I hope these suggestions help.
Leticia says
Hi
Sorry if it's a repeated question. I have chickpeas (not canned).
Can I make it? Do I cook in the pressure cooker before?
Thank you!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Leticia - you can absolutely use chickpeas that are not canned. Check out this guide to cooking chickpeas in the Instant Pot for directions. I hope you enjoy!
Patty says
Love them!!! I agree with the folks that doubled the seasoning. I didn’t but will next time. Also I used Hungarian Paprika and nixed the cayenne. I’d like to try the smoked paprika next time too. Sounds great! Thank you so much!!!!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Patty, we are so glad that you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
gwen says
Great recipe! I can finally have my favorite snack all summer long - thank you! We try to avoid the oven during our 90+F days so this is perfect. We have a small Ninja Foodi that, as another commenter mentioned, takes a little less time to cook. I did go the full 12 minutes because we like ours extra crispy. I can't wait to try this with all of my other spice blends I made for recipes then never used again.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Gwen, so glad to hear you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Jacqueline says
Oh these are so good. I used sesame oil and everything but the bagel seasoning with garlic. They are delicious and addictive. Thanks for the recipe!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Jaqueline, we are so glad that you enjoyed! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review.
Jane Ball says
Hi Denise
I have just finished making these, I am in the UK and found this recipe while looking for a healthier weekend snack alternative to nuts and crisps (I do love snacking on crisps and stuff at the weekend, but trying to loose some weight!!)
I have enjoyed reading this blog especially some of the comments!! Anyhow I have a Breville Actifry Dura Ceramic, a 400 gm of chickpeas and I doubled up on the spices (although I think I should have held back on the extra hot cayenne !!). I rinsed and spun dry in a salad spinner, fried off for about 4 mins, oiled and spiced. It then took 30 mins to get them nice a crispy. But wow they are so nice and easy to do!! I will be making these most weekends and experiment with the spices, so nice to nibble on while watching a movie. I will be trying to make the Kale crisps tomorrow.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Jane, thank you so much for your kind words, we're so glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe post! If you loved these, you will definitely enjoy the kale chips as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Jordan says
Trying this out right now! Such a great recipe
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Jordan, thank you - we hope you enjoy! Please report back and let us know how your air fry chickpeas turned out!
Ashley says
The method worked well for crispy chickpeas but we found the seasoning mix to be extremely bland. I even added in additional salt and Piri Piri seasoning. We could barely taste anything. I’d do it again but use my own spice mix. Even my 10 year old thought it was bland. We spritzed with a bit of oil after and added some spicy salt and they were just ok.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Ashley! Thanks for your feedback.
Jessica Sullivan says
This was incredible! This is now my number one go to snack. So easy and worked perfectly
Beth says
Hey! This recipe sounds amazing! I’m thinking of using it as low fat substitute for nuts or croutons in a salad for added crunch. Do you think you could use aquafaba or something else in place of the oil? I’m trying to maintain a WFPB SOS WOE. Thanks!
Denise Bustard says
Hi Beth! Unfortunately I think the oil is essential to keep the chickpeas from drying out. With that being said I have not tried using any alternatives, would you let me know how it goes if you give any options a try?
Katelyn says
I used Aquafaba instead of oil and it worked just fine! Probably a little less crunchy than with oil, but worth it to be wfpb no sos
Donna says
I've never had roasted chickpeas before. As a new air fryer owner, I was anxious to try some. I did 390 for 12 minutes in my Power XL Vortex 7 qt. I shook them once halfway through. They came out awesome! The texture is perfect! I did double the garlic powder and onion powder, but other than that, I made the as directed. I will be making these often!
(Note: I do find that with my brand and model of air fryer, I have to go with the lower range of time with most recipes).
Denise Bustard says
Hi Donna! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the chickpeas! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to come back and leave a review, I really appreciate it 🙂
Amy Mencer says
Turned out perfect. I cooked 20 minutes in the Ninja air fryer. Trader Joe’s everyday seasoning works really well on these too!
Denise Bustard says
Hi Amy! I'm so happy to hear they worked well for you in the Ninja, I've been wanting to try one out! Thank you so much for taking the time to report back <3
Siobhan says
Hands down the best thing I've made yet in my air fryer! I've tried a few times making roasted garbanzos in the oven, but they we not as crispy as I would like. These are absolutely perfect! Love the popping sound they make, letting you know they are almost done. 😊
Denise Bustard says
WOW! This is so great to hear, Siobhan! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to report back, I really appreciate it! <3
Anne says
I am new to the air fryer an my first attempt was Chicken tenders from Portillo’s reheated for my picky nephews on thanksgiving. It was not a great success ( I know I should stop now). My air fryer is a ninja food digital fry space saver.
I tried these today. They are good, followed recipes exactly might add more spice next time, cooked @ 390F 15 MIN A COUPLE small ones burned, , they were just about perfect. I will try marinating at some point and definitely experiment with spice options. . I have to laugh at 0 points for WW, chick peas have calories, about a 100 calories per 1/4 cup which is why it has 4 portion..but they are nutritious and a great snack. I love chick peas in many dishes. I am calorie aware. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes. I was worried the air fryer would only be for frozen foods. I enjoyed the background but do know where the jump to recipe button is., sorry Sean
Denise Bustard says
Hi Anne! Glad to hear the chickpeas worked for you. I have been wanting to try out a Ninja Foodi! Thank you so much for reporting back and leaving a review, I really appreciate it!
James Cross says
I followed the recipe exactly. Had to cook a bit longer (understood not all fryers are the same), but the main issue was that the peas had almost no flavour. I will try these again, but will likely double the amount of seasoning on them.
Denise Bustard says
Hi James, sorry to hear you didn't enjoy. It sounds like the seasoning didn't stick properly to your chickpeas. May I ask which air fryer model you use?
James Cross says
It's Power Air Fryer Elite.
Andrea says
LOVE this. I used a 15 oz can as I have never seen a 19. I also used smoked paprika and Chipotle instead of cayenne. Will be making these A LOT!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Andrea, we are so glad to hear that you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Brian Lewis says
Gonna try this recipe with fresh garbanzos. We can buy them on the street at this time of year; on the stalk, off the stalk but still in their skins or cooked in their skins on a comal over a fire (Smoky roasty skin with a soft bean inside). Yummo people! So, I'm hoping that by using this recipe we can approximate the street food heaven that comes fresh off the comal.
Vicki says
These are easily my new favourite snack!
I used my instant pot duo crisp + air fryer 6qt. It easily did he batch. It took a little longer (20-23 mins), but they are perfectly crispy. I did hear the “popping” others are referring to, but it didn’t harm anything. It’s a little harder to shake with having to take the lid off and grabbing the air fryer basket with an oven mitt, but oh so worth it. 🤤
Denise Bustard says
Hi Vicki, I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed! Thank you for reporting back with the different cook time for the Instant Pot lid, I've just purchased one and can't wait to play around with it 🙂
Sean says
My wish is for a recipe that doesn't start with a life story. Just tell us at the beginning how to make the damn thing.
then after you have the recipe you can say and anybody who wants to hear my life story how I came to like this recipe why it's so important you can read it here.
Unless freaking pop ups by the way.
Jenn says
& my wish for Sean is that he finds the jump to recipe button like a big boy one day & that he learns to control his unwelcome rage .
Denise Bustard says
Thank you, Jenn. And Sean, the only life story in this post is the life story of how to make the chickpeas, which Google requires in order to show it to you in Google search results. 🙂
Shawna says
This is the best comment I have read all day long! Also, great recipe!
Lori Seaman says
Sean,
Please note that at the top there is a button you can press that says jump to recipe. That will enable you to skip all the rhetoric.
Rick Dickman says
Sounds like based on the date that you had nothing to do on Xmas. So sorry for the attitude. I hope you recovered.
Marion says
Wow, you got off the wrong side of the bed. 🤪🤪
Brandi ROSE says
This isn't a genie in a bottle,, no wishes granted
Pankaj says
I tried and the recipe worked just great.No issues. I fried only for 10 min as I wanted them to be crispy on ouside and soft inside. Thank you for the joy.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Pankaj, I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review, I really appreciate it!