Elevate your snacking game with these Irresistible Crunchy Air Fryer Chickpeas, the ultimate guilt-free alternative to store-bought chips. While many oven-roasted versions result in a chewy center, the secret to this professional-grade crispiness lies in the dual-step drying and air-frying technique, ensuring every single bean is shatteringly crisp from the outside in. Seasoned with a sophisticated blend of savory garlic, sharp black pepper, and a hint of smoky heat, these plant-based bites are packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied longer. Whether you’re meal-prepping a healthy work snack or looking for a crunchy topping for your salads, mastering the moisture-removal process is the key to achieving that perfect, long-lasting crunch that will have you reaching for more.
Crispy Salt and Pepper Chickpeas
Equipment
- Sieve
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 200 g dried chickpeas
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
Instructions
Prep Ahead
- Soak the dried chickpeas in cold water and refrigeratefor at least 8 hours.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in the airfryer. Cook at 100°C (212°F) for 15 minutes to dry the surface.
- Once dried, transfer the chickpeas to a bowl. Add 1tsp olive oil and mix well to coat evenly.
- Season with 1 tsp of all-purpose seasoning, ¼ tsp of chili powder, and 1½ tsp of sugar. Stir again until the seasoning is evenly distributed. (Alternatively, use ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder if you're not using all-purpose seasoning.)
- Return the chickpeas to the air fryer. Cook at 160°C(320°F) for 15 minutes.After 7 minutes, pause and give them a quick stir to ensure even crisping. (Ifyour air fryer doesn't allow pausing, set the timer for 7 minutes first, stir,then set another 7 minutes.)
- Give them one last stir, then air fry at 200°C (392°F)for 2 more minutes to boost crispiness.
- Remove from the fryer, let cool slightly, and enjoy!
Video
Cooking & Storage Tips
- You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference. In the video, we used all-purpose seasoning for convenience, but you can also season with a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder if that’s what you have.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain crispiness, consume within 3 days.
Tools & equipment you may need
Air Fryer
All-Purpose Seasoning
Last Updated on 2026-04-23