Air Fried Chickpeas Recipe

I’ve tried a lot of methods for truly crispy chickpeas over the years, and this air fried chickpeas recipe is the game-changer you’re looking for. Forget about soggy or unevenly roasted versions; we’re using a two-stage air frying technique to create a crunchy exterior and soft interior every single time. This method works perfectly for families seeking a healthier snack or a simple, protein-rich addition to salads and bowls. Our smoky date-chili glaze elevates them from basic to irresistible, offering a sweet-and-spicy crunch that will make this a new kitchen staple.

Ingredients for Smoky Date-Chili Air Fried Chickpeas

• Canned Chickpeas (425 g / 15 oz): Drained and thoroughly rinsed. A 15-ounce can is the standard size for this air fried chickpeas recipe. Pat them completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Olive Oil (15 ml / 1 tbsp): Used to coat the chickpeas before air frying, helping them crisp up evenly. A neutral oil like avocado oil works as a good alternative.
• Smoked Paprika (5 ml / 1 tsp): Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the date syrup. Divided use: half for the initial seasoning and half for the final glaze.
• Garlic Powder (2.5 ml / 1/2 tsp): Provides an essential savory base to the seasoning mix. Avoid garlic salt here, as we control the amount of fine sea salt separately.
• Fine Sea Salt (2.5 ml / 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the glaze. Adjust to taste based on personal preference.
• Black Pepper (0.5 ml / 1/8 tsp): A small amount adds a subtle warmth and aromatic finish. Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
• Date Syrup (30 ml / 2 tbsp): The key ingredient for the unique glaze, providing natural sweetness and binding properties. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a close substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Chili Flakes (1 ml / 1/4 tsp): Provides the contrasting heat; adjust the amount according to your spice preference. For a milder version, omit completely or use sweet paprika instead.
• Fresh Parsley (5 g / 1/4 cup): Used as a garnish to add color and fresh, herbaceous notes at the end. Cilantro would offer a bolder, more pungent flavor alternative.

Instructions for Air Fried Chickpeas Recipe with Glaze

1. Prep the Chickpeas: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step removes excess moisture and is essential for achieving a truly crispy result for this air fried chickpeas recipe.
2. Initial Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) of the smoked paprika, 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder, 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) fine sea salt, and 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) black pepper. Toss well to ensure every chickpea is evenly coated in the seasoning mix.
3. First Air Fry (Crisping Stage): Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes during cooking. The chickpeas should be lightly golden and starting to get crispy. If your air fryer basket is small, work in two batches so the air circulates freely. Overcrowding will result in soft, chewy chickpeas.
4. Prepare the Smoky Date-Chili Glaze: While the chickpeas are air frying, whisk together 30 ml (2 tbsp) date syrup, the remaining 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika, and 1 ml (1/4 tsp) chili flakes in a small bowl. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to form a smooth glaze.
5. Glazing: Remove the partially cooked air fried chickpeas from the air fryer and transfer them back to the medium bowl used earlier. Pour the smoky date-chili glaze over the hot chickpeas and toss thoroughly until every single chickpea glistens and is fully coated in the glaze.
6. Second Air Fry (Caramelizing Stage): Return the glazed chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes at 190°C (375°F), shaking the basket once or twice during this stage. Watch carefully, as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly; stop cooking when the glaze is sticky and caramelized and the air fried chickpeas are deeply golden and intensely crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the hot, glazed chickpeas to a serving bowl. Immediately sprinkle generously with the finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve this air fried chickpeas recipe warm immediately as a snack, side, or salad topping.

The Secret to Extra Crispy Air Fried Chickpeas

The Drying Step

The most common mistake is skipping the thorough drying process. To achieve a crunchy air fried chickpea, every bit of surface moisture must be removed before cooking. Pat them down completely with paper towels or a clean dish towel.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

The air fryer works best when air can circulate around each individual chickpea. If necessary, cook in two separate batches to allow for a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding results in steaming, not crisping.

The Two-Stage Cooking Process

For glazed chickpeas, cook them plain first to build the crispy exterior before adding the wet glaze. Adding the glaze too early prevents crisping and risks burning the sugar before the chickpea is cooked through.

Serving Ideas and Meal Prep Tips

Salad Topper

Replace croutons with these crunchy, flavorful chickpeas on a fresh green salad. They add protein and a satisfying texture.

Soup Garnish

Add a spoonful to the top of creamy vegetable soups like butternut squash or tomato soup for an unexpected spicy-sweet kick.

Snack Bowl

Serve them warm on their own in a rustic bowl for a healthy, protein-packed snack. I always make a double batch when I prep my lunches for the week to ensure I have enough for snacking.

Meal Prep

Make a double batch and store in an airtight container for quick lunches throughout the week. This easy air fried chickpeas recipe is a great high-protein snack for busy days.

FAQs about Air Fried Chickpeas Recipe

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

A: Yes, but you must cook them first. Soak and cook dried chickpeas according to package directions, then dry them thoroughly before proceeding with step 2 of this air fried chickpeas recipe. The cooking time will vary depending on your starting material.

Q: How do I store leftover air fried chickpeas?

A: Store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Q: My chickpeas turned out chewy, not crispy. What went wrong?

A: This almost always means the chickpeas were not dry enough before the first air fry. Ensure they are completely dry, and avoid overcrowding the basket during cooking. For a truly crispy result, ensure you follow all steps of this air fried chickpeas recipe.

Q: Can I make this air fried chickpeas recipe without an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can roast them in an oven. Spread them on a baking sheet at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, then add the glaze and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as uniformly crispy as the air fryer method.

Q: Can I substitute honey for the date syrup?

A: Honey has a stronger flavor, but can be used. Maple syrup or agave nectar are closer substitutes in terms of consistency and mild flavor profile for this air fried chickpeas recipe. Be sure to use a liquid sweetener for the glaze.

Q: How long do these keep their crispiness?

A: These are best enjoyed warm immediately after cooking. While they will still be tasty later, the crispiness will fade over time due to the glaze. For best results, plan to eat them fresh.

Conclusion

This air fried chickpeas recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a healthier, high-protein snack that truly satisfies. The smoky, sticky, spicy glaze makes these chickpeas irresistible, and the two-stage cooking ensures perfect crispiness every time. Make a big batch this week for meal prep and add them to your salads and bowls for an instant upgrade. Save this air fried chickpeas recipe on Pinterest now to keep it handy for healthy snacking and quick meals.

air fried chickpeas recipe

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• Author: Elina Mirkle
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This two-stage air frying technique creates perfectly crispy chickpeas coated in a smoky date-chili glaze. It’s a healthy, high-protein snack that’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep or a salad topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 425g (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and thoroughly dried
• 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 5ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika (divided)
• 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
• 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) fine sea salt
• 0.5ml (1/8 tsp) black pepper
• 30ml (2 tbsp) date syrup
• 1ml (1/4 tsp) chili flakes
• 5g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chickpeas: Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas, then pat them completely dry using a clean towel.
2. Season Chickpeas: In a medium bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, half of the smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. First Air Fry: Transfer seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Glaze: While chickpeas air fry, whisk together the date syrup, remaining smoked paprika, and chili flakes in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze.
5. Glaze Chickpeas: Remove the partially cooked chickpeas from the air fryer and transfer them back to the medium bowl. Pour the glaze over the hot chickpeas and toss until fully coated.
6. Second Air Fry: Return the glazed chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes, shaking once or twice during cooking. Watch carefully to ensure the glaze caramelizes without burning.
7. Serve: Transfer the hot, glazed chickpeas to a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure chickpeas are completely dry before air frying; moisture prevents crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for proper air circulation. Serve immediately after cooking for optimal crispness as the glaze will soften over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Fry
• Cuisine: General

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: air fryer, chickpeas, snack, healthy, high protein, appetizer, side dish, vegetarian, vegan, smoky, date glaze, gluten free