If you’re looking for an effortless snack that’s actually good for you, look no further. All you need is a can of chickpeas, oil, and your favorite seasoning to make these super crispy and addicting chickpeas in the air fryer or oven. Pantry staples for the win!

Why I Love This Recipe

Crunchy, satisfying, savory, and cheap… That’s what snack dreams are made of, right? These super easy, crispy chickpeas tick all of the snack boxes.

I use a few secret steps to make these chickpeas extra crispy. You can air fry these chickpeas or make them in the oven – this recipe features both methods!

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ultra-processed snacks like potato chips, these nutrient-dense little bites of goodness have you covered. They’re high in fiber and protein, making them more filling than your typical snack. You can also totally customize this recipe to include your preferred level of salt and your favorite seasonings.

Plus, a can of chickpeas costs less than $1. I’d say that’s pretty darn affordable.

hand reaching into bowl of crispy chickpeas

Nutrition Tidbits

Chickpeas are a part of a family of plant foods called pulses (i.e. beans, peas, and lentils). Pulses are nutritious and friendly to the environment and your wallet, making them an ideal pantry staple.

Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Other Pulses

High in protein (helps you build tissues)
High in fiber (aids with digestion, lowering cholesterol, & controlling blood sugar)
Contains folate (important for development and DNA-building)
Good source of iron (needed to support growth and the creation of healthy blood cells)
Source of potassium (supports healthy blood pressure and fluid balance)
…and many others, depending on what variety you’re eating

Environmental Benefits of Pulses

It takes less water to grow pulses than other proteins.
Unlike many other crops, pulses don’t rely on nitrogen fertilizers to grow. They are able to pull nitrogen from the air and use it in their roots, which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions created during growing and leaves behind nutrient-rich soil for other plants.

How To Make Crispy Chickpeas

No matter which cooking method you’re using (air fryer, oven, or even stovetop), the way that you prepare chickpeas for cooking is key.

Here’s the secret – for crispier chickpeas, get them as dry as possible and peel off their little jackets!

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Huh? What the heck is a chickpea jacket? Have they been wearing them all along?” let me explain.

Chickpeas have a thin outer coating that covers the starchier inside. When you leave that coating on, it traps some of the moisture near the chickpea, which prevents it from getting super crispy.

Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas, then rub them with a paper towel to dry. As you dry the chickpeas, the “jackets” will start to come off. You can discard them or keep them with the chickpeas when cooking – up to you!

How to Air Fry Chickpeas

Set your air fryer to 390°F and set the timer for 20 minutes.
Drain, rinse, and thoroughly dry the chickpeas with a paper towel. Remove outer coatings of chickpeas if desired.
Add the chickpeas to the air fryer and drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add the lemon pepper seasoning.
Serve immediately or store in an open/semi-open container at room temperature. For extra lemony flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon before eating.

air fryer chickpeas preparation steps - assemble ingredients, rinse and dry chickpeas, air fry, then store

How to Roast Chickpeas in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thoroughly rinse and dry 1 can of chickpeas.
Spread the chickpeas out on the prepared baking sheet, then drizzle with just a bit of olive oil and toss to coat.
Bake for 35 minutes, tossing occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and/or your favorite spices, and enjoy!

Recipe Modifications:

Use dried chickpeas instead of canned – If using dried chickpeas, be sure to soak, cook, and thoroughly dry them beforehand. (See this helpful chickpea guide from Inspired Taste for more information.)
Pan fry instead of using the air fryer or oven – If you don’t have an air fryer and you don’t feel like heating up your oven, no problem! You can also make crispy chickpeas in a pan. Just heat a pan over medium-high heat, add chickpeas and oil, and stir frequently until you achieve your desired crispiness.
Spice it up – It’s so easy to add flavor to this recipe! A handful of my favorite spice combos for chickpeas are: garlic pepper, paprika and dill, parsley + parmesan, cajun, everything bagel, taco seasoned, turmeric + black pepper, seasoned salt, jerk spices, and ranch.
Double it – Making a large batch with two cans of chickpeas? No problem! You may just need to use a larger baking sheet so it doesn’t get crowded or increase your cooking time for the chickpeas.

Print Recipe

No ratings yet