Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 26, 2026

Crispy air fryer chickpeas make a healthy, crunchy snack and are a fantastic salad topper, adding protein and a satisfying texture to any meal. Using canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and just a little oil, this recipe is quick and easy, with minimal cleanup. Season them any way you like, or enjoy them plain for a delicious snack that's high in plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

From the Cook

1/5

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil (1 tablespoon / 15 ml) and salt (½ teaspoon / 2.5 ml) until evenly coated.

Add any seasonings if using (see notes below for ideas).

Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chickpeas are golden and crispy.

Let cool slightly - they'll get even crispier as they cool.

Notes (Flavor Combination Suggestions)

Smoky Paprika and Garlic: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5 ml), ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml), and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml).

Zesty Lemon and Herb: Zest of 1 lemon, ½ teaspoon dried thyme (2.5 ml), ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (2.5 ml), and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Spicy Maple Sriracha: 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15 ml), 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (5 ml), ½ teaspoon ground cumin (2.5 ml), and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (1.25 ml).

Za'atar Spice: 1 teaspoon za'atar (5 ml), ½ teaspoon ground coriander (2.5 ml), and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (1.25 ml).

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My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Moisture Removal Magic 💧
Pat chickpeas completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness in the air fryer. Excess moisture prevents proper crisping and can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Seasoning Secret Weapon 🌶️
Toss chickpeas with seasonings and oil in a separate bowl, ensuring each chickpea is evenly coated for consistent flavor and crunch throughout the batch.
Shake and Rotate Technique 🔄
Shake the air fryer basket every 3-4 minutes during cooking to promote even browning and prevent any chickpeas from burning or sticking together.
Single Layer Perfection 📏
Spread chickpeas in a single, loose layer without overcrowding to allow maximum air circulation and ensure each chickpea gets crispy and golden.
Cooling Crunch Hack ❄️
Let chickpeas cool completely on a wire rack after air frying to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess from trapped steam.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.