Spicy Air-Fried Chickpeas are a crunchy, flavorful, and healthier snack that’s packed with protein and fiber. The chickpeas are perfectly seasoned with a combination of spices, including paprika, cumin, and cayenne, for a savory and spicy kick. Air-frying them results in a crispy texture without the need for excess oil, making this snack guilt-free and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a crunchy salad topping, these spicy chickpeas are the perfect choice!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (or about 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice (for freshness)
Directions:
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas (or use cooked chickpeas). Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them become crispier.
- Season the chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat them evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air-fry the chickpeas: Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Spread them out evenly in a single layer for maximum crispiness. Air-fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for crispiness: After the cooking time, check the chickpeas. They should be golden brown and crispy. If you want them even crunchier, air-fry for an additional 2-5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Serve: Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer. Optionally, squeeze a little lemon juice over them for a fresh burst of flavor before serving.
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Servings:
- This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on portion size.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and the exact ingredients used.
Key Notes:
- Dry the chickpeas: To get the crispiest texture, make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Adjust spice level: You can adjust the level of heat in the recipe by adding more or less cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can omit the cayenne and stick with paprika.
- Storage: These air-fried chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Extra flavor: If you prefer a tangy kick, sprinkle the chickpeas with a little lime juice or a dash of hot sauce after they’ve been cooked.
These Spicy Air-Fried Chickpeas are the perfect snack to munch on during movie nights or as a crunchy addition to salads and bowls! They’re flavorful, easy to make, and super satisfying.