Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy snacks, then you’re going to love making chickpeas in the air fryer. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also make for a healthy and delicious snack option. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed snack or a tasty addition to your salads and bowls, air-fried chickpeas are the way to go.
To make chickpeas in the air fryer, start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, season the chickpeas with your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook the chickpeas for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent them from burning.
Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Transfer them to a bowl and enjoy them as a snack on their own, or use them as a topping for salads, soups, or grain bowls for an added crunch.
Air-fried chickpeas are a versatile and nutritious snack option that can be enjoyed anytime. They are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making them a filling and healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
Preparing Chickpeas for Air Frying
Before you can start air frying chickpeas, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure a delicious and crispy result. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your chickpeas ready for the air fryer:
1. Rinse and Drain the Chickpeas
The first step is to rinse the chickpeas under cold water in a colander to remove any dirt or debris. Once they are rinsed, let them drain completely to ensure they are dry before air frying.
2. Remove the Skins (optional)
While not necessary, removing the skins from the chickpeas can help enhance their crispiness after air frying. To do this, gently rub the chickpeas between your fingers or use a kitchen towel to remove the loose skins.
3. Season and Coat the Chickpeas
Next, it’s time to add flavor to your chickpeas. In a bowl, combine your desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or any other spices you prefer. Toss the drained chickpeas in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.
Pro tip: For an extra crunch, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the seasoning mixture and mix well before coating the chickpeas.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Before adding the chickpeas, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the chickpeas cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
5. Air Fry the Chickpeas
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
Note: If you have a larger batch of chickpeas, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the chickpeas in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking or burning.
Pro tip: Every air fryer is different, so adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed based on your specific model.
Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They make a delicious and healthy snack or a versatile ingredient for various dishes.
Choosing the Right Chickpeas
When it comes to making chickpeas in the air fryer, choosing the right type of chickpeas is crucial. While you can certainly use canned chickpeas, many people prefer to cook them from scratch for a fresher and more flavorful result.
Canned Chickpeas
If you decide to use canned chickpeas, it’s important to drain and rinse them thoroughly before cooking. This will help remove any excess salt or preservatives that may be present, giving you more control over the flavor of your dish.
Keep in mind that canned chickpeas are already cooked and often softer in texture compared to freshly boiled chickpeas. As a result, they may not hold up as well in the air fryer and can become mushy or overly dry. However, they are a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Freshly Cooked Chickpeas
If you have the time, cooking chickpeas from scratch is the preferred method for many. This allows you to have more control over the texture and flavor of the final dish.
To cook chickpeas from scratch, you will first need to soak them overnight. This helps to soften the chickpeas and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then transfer them to a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the chickpeas simmer for about 1 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them and let them cool before using them in the air fryer. Freshly boiled chickpeas have a firmer texture and can hold up better to the heat of the air fryer, resulting in a crispier and more satisfying snack or ingredient for other recipes.
Whether you choose canned chickpeas or cook them from scratch, the key is to give them a good shake in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. This will help to achieve that perfect crunch while preserving the softness on the inside.
Remember, the choice between canned and freshly cooked chickpeas ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the time you have available. Both options can yield delicious results in the air fryer, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
Soaking and Draining the Chickpeas
Before cooking chickpeas in the air fryer, it is important to soak them first. Soaking helps to soften the peas, making them easier to cook and more digestible. Follow these simple steps to soak and drain the chickpeas:
Step 1: Start by measuring the desired amount of chickpeas. Keep in mind that they will double in size after soaking.
Step 2: Rinse the chickpeas under cold water, removing any dirt or debris. Then, transfer them to a bowl.
Step 3: Fill the bowl with enough water to fully submerge the chickpeas. The water should cover the chickpeas by at least an inch or two.
Step 4: Let the chickpeas soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. You can also use the quick soak method by bringing the water to a boil, covering it, and letting it sit for 1 hour.
Step 5: After soaking, drain the chickpeas using a colander or sieve. Rinse them again under cold water to remove any remaining starch.
Step 6: You can now proceed to use the soaked and drained chickpeas in your air fryer recipe. Enjoy!
Air Frying the Chickpeas
Air frying chickpeas is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, golden brown results. Follow these simple steps to make delicious chickpeas in your air fryer:
- Preparation: Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and let them air dry for about 15 minutes. This will help them get even crispier in the air fryer.
- Seasoning: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s heated, add the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will affect their ability to crisp up. Cook the chickpeas for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Checking for Doneness: After the initial cooking time, check the chickpeas for doneness. They should be crispy and golden brown. If they’re not quite there yet, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, checking them regularly.
- Serving: Once the chickpeas are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will become even crispier as they cool. Serve the air-fried chickpeas as a snack on their own, or use them as a topping for salads, soups, or bowls.
Air frying chickpeas is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires little to no oil. The result is a satisfyingly crunchy treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free. So fire up your air fryer and give this simple and delicious recipe a try!
Seasoning the Chickpeas
Once the chickpeas are dry, place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the chickpeas evenly.
In a separate small bowl, combine your desired seasonings. Classic options include paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
Slowly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chickpeas, tossing as you go to make sure all the chickpeas are evenly coated.
If you like spicy chickpeas, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mixture.
Once the chickpeas are well seasoned, transfer them to the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your chickpeas in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature and helps to ensure even cooking.
Here’s how to preheat your air fryer:
- Place the air fryer on a heat-resistant and stable surface.
- Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
- Set the cooking time to 5 minutes. This will allow the air fryer to preheat and reach the desired temperature.
- Press the power button to start the preheating process.
- Once the preheating time is up, the air fryer is ready to use.
It’s important to note that preheating times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to consult the user manual for specific instructions.
FAQ
How long do I need to cook chickpeas in the air fryer?
You need to cook chickpeas in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for this recipe. Just rinse and pat them dry before cooking in the air fryer.
What seasonings can I use to flavor the chickpeas?
You can use a variety of seasonings to flavor the chickpeas, such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavor.
