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Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe Easy Smoky Lemon Snack

crispy air fryer chickpeas - featured image

A quick and easy snack of crispy chickpeas with smoky paprika and fresh lemon zest, perfect for snacking or topping salads. This recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a crunchy texture without greasiness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
  • Optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water. Spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat dry thoroughly. Let air dry for 10 minutes if possible.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the chickpeas and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Chickpeas should be golden brown and crisp.
  6. Transfer chickpeas to a bowl and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving. Chickpeas will crisp up more as they cool.

Notes

Dry chickpeas thoroughly before air frying to ensure crispiness. Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning and promote even cooking. Add lemon zest after cooking to preserve its bright flavor. Store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chickpeas, crispy chickpeas, smoky lemon snack, healthy snack, vegan snack, gluten-free snack, easy snack recipe