Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Unbelievably crispy and flavorful, these easy air fryer chickpeas can be made in just 20 minutes using canned chickpeas (no need to dry or peel the skins)! These addictively crunchy chickpeas are perfect for adding texture to salads, topping your favorite soups, or a healthy protein-rich snack! Naturally gluten-free and vegan, you’ll want to have this recipe on hand at all times!

My Love for the Air Fryer

Since we bought an air fryer last year, we’ve been floored by the air fryer recipes that we can make with it. Of all the different kitchen appliances that we’ve purchased over the years, the air fryer is definitely one of our favorites and most used (apart from the high-speed blender that no kitchen should be without!).

From our absolutely favorite air fryer French fries, to crispy air fryer chicken wings, air fryer zucchini fries, to air fryer chicken tenders, to air fryer Brussels sprouts, the amount of deliciousness that comes out of the air fryer is just endless.

The Perfect Healthy Snack

Today I’m sharing this easy chickpea recipe that can be made in your air fryer in just 20 minutes from start to finish! Flavored with paprika and salt, these air fryer chickpeas always turn out amazingly crispy and tasty, and we love eating a handful of these whenever we feel hungry.

These chickpeas are great for sprinkling on top of salads for some additional texture, for topping soups, or even as a healthy snack by themselves. You can make a big batch of these for your Super Bowl party or game day gathering, and these crunchy little protein-rich chickpeas are sure to go fast!

Why This Recipe Works

Making chickpeas in the air fryer takes half the time need to roast them in the oven, and very little oil is required!

In this case, you don’t need dry the chickpeas before air frying them, while you definitely need to dry the chickpeas if you plan to roast them in the oven (an extra step that I’d rather not take)!

I also recommend using canned chickpeas in this case as the chickpeas are already cooked and ready to be air-fried (which makes this snack all the more convenient). However, if you prefer to cook your own chickpeas from scratch, go ahead and do so!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ingredient Notes/Substitutes

• Chickpeas: I used canned chickpeas for this chickpea recipe for convenience, but feel free to cook your own chickpeas from scratch if you prefer!

• Olive Oil: I used extra virgin olive oil in this recipe, but feel free to use other vegetable oils or even coconut oil if you prefer!

• Salt: I like using finely ground pink Himalayan salt, but go ahead and use any salt that you have or prefer.

• Paprika: Ground paprika gives the chickpeas a bit of heat and color, but you can also use other spices such as turmeric, garlic powder or onion powder instead. You can also add a tinge of sweetness to the chickpeas by adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice if you prefer!

How to Cook Air Fryer Chickpeas (step by step)

1. Preheat

Preheat the air fryer to 390F (200C).

2. Drain and Rinse

Drain and rinse the chickpeas (no drying required).

3. Condiment the Chickpeas

Toss the chickpeas with the olive oil, salt and paprika.

4. Cook Until Crispy

Transfer chickpeas to the air fryer basket, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes (shaking the basket every 5 minutes) until chickpeas are crispy enough for your liking.

5. Add More Salt to Taste

Remove from the air fryer once ready, then taste and add more salt as desired.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks

• No Air Fryer? Roast the Chickpeas in the Oven: If you don’t own an air fryer, no worries! You can also roast the chickpeas in the oven; it will just take a little more time and effort. Make sure to dry the chickpeas with paper towels first, and remove any loose skins. Next, spread the dried chickpeas out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and roast them at 425F (210C) for 20 to 30 minutes, until crispy enough for your liking.

• Flavor the Chickpeas According to Your Preference: If you’re not a fan of paprika, you can also use other spices such as turmeric, garlic powder or onion powder instead. You can also add a tinge of sweetness to the chickpeas by adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice if you prefer!

Recipe FAQS:

Other Chickpea Recipes to Enjoy:

• Easy Chickpea Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Easy Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Chickpea Flour Chocolate Chunk Cookies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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