Crispy Chickpeas (Oven or Air Fryer)

DifficultyBeginner

These little golden nuggets are healthy, high-protein, and addictively snackable — perfect as a standalone munch, salad topper, or even a crunchy garnish for creamy soups.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time5 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time40 mins
Base
 1 can chickpeas
 1 tbsp olive oil
 ½ tsp kosher salt
 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Seasonings (Choose 1–2 or mix)
 ½ tsp smoked paprika
 ¼ tsp ground cumin
 ¼ tsp garlic powde
 ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder
 ½ tsp za’atar or curry powde
 1 tsp nutritional yeast
Prep the Chickpeas
1
  1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water.

  2. Pat dry very well using a clean towel or paper towels. Remove any loose skins (optional, but helps crisp them).

  3. Let them air dry for a few minutes while you preheat the oven or air fryer.

Toss with Oil & Seasoning
2
  1. Transfer chickpeas to a mixing bowl.

  2. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toss to coat.

  3. Sprinkle with:

    • Salt and pepper

    • Your choice of spices (avoid sugar-based ones at this stage; save sweet options for post-bake)

Option A: Oven-Roasted Crispy Chickpeas
3
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or leave it bare for max crisp.

  3. Spread chickpeas in a single layer, spacing them out.

  4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring every 10–15 minutes.

  5. Remove when golden, crunchy, and just starting to darken.

  6. Cool on the pan — they crisp further as they cool.

Option B: Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
4
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if your model requires it.

  2. Add chickpeas to the basket in a single layer.

  3. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

  4. Check for doneness — golden and crunchy all over. Adjust time as needed.

Post-Bake Flavor Boost (Optional)
5
  • Once out of the oven/air fryer, toss warm chickpeas with:

    • Extra sea salt

    • A dash of lemon zest

    • Sweet toppings (like cinnamon sugar)

    • A drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot honey (if serving right away)

Tips & Variations
6
  • Make them extra crispy: After rinsing, remove as many chickpea skins as possible.

  • Batch it up: Double the recipe — just use 2 trays or air fry in batches.

  • Want it oil-free? Toss with seasoning only and roast dry — less crisp, but still tasty.

  • Want a sweet version? Roast plain with oil + salt, then toss warm chickpeas with cinnamon and coconut sugar post-bake.

Serving Suggestions
7
  • As a crunchy snack (on their own)

  • Over salads in place of croutons

  • On soups like tomato, butternut squash, or lentil

  • Tossed with popcorn for a savory-salty snack mix

  • As part of a mezze board with olives, hummus, and pita chips

Ingredients

Base
 1 can chickpeas
 1 tbsp olive oil
 ½ tsp kosher salt
 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Seasonings (Choose 1–2 or mix)
 ½ tsp smoked paprika
 ¼ tsp ground cumin
 ¼ tsp garlic powde
 ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder
 ½ tsp za’atar or curry powde
 1 tsp nutritional yeast
Crispy Chickpeas (Oven or Air Fryer)
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