Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas with Smoked Paprika
In short: Canned chickpeas dried well and air fried until crunchy, then tossed in smoked paprika and garlic for a cheap, high-fiber snack. It takes about 26 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 16 min
- Total
- 26 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 195 kcal
Crunchy roasted chickpeas have become a favorite snack for anyone who wants something salty and satisfying that is not a chip. The air fryer dries and crisps them in about fifteen minutes, far faster than an oven. The two keys are drying the chickpeas thoroughly and letting them cool before judging the crunch, since they firm up as they stand. Keep them in a jar and eat them within a couple of days.
Instructions
- Spread the drained chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and rub them dry. Discard any loose skins, which would otherwise burn.
- Toss the chickpeas with the olive oil and salt in a bowl until lightly coated.
- Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Tip the chickpeas into the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 to 4 minutes, until the chickpeas look dry and begin to split.
- Sprinkle over the paprika, garlic powder and cumin, shake well, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more until deep golden and crunchy.
- Tip the chickpeas onto a plate and let them cool for 10 minutes so they crisp fully. Add a squeeze of lemon if you like.
Tips
- Add spices late in the cooking so they do not scorch. For a sweet version, toss the hot chickpeas with cinnamon and a little sugar instead.
- If your batch comes out chewy, return it to the air fryer for 3 more minutes. Too much water on the chickpeas at the start is the usual cause.
Questions and answers
How long do air fryer chickpeas stay crunchy?
They are best the day they are made. Store them in a jar that is not fully sealed for up to 2 days, as a sealed lid traps moisture and softens them.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them until tender first, then drain and dry them very well. Use about 250 g (1 1/3 cups) dried chickpeas to replace two cans.
Are air fryer chickpeas healthy?
They are a good source of fiber and plant protein, and they use only a spoonful of oil. Watch the salt if you eat them in large amounts.
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas with Smoked Paprika?
About 26 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 16 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas with Smoked Paprika?
About 195 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 195 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
