Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas from canned are crispy high protein snacks with tons of flavor. Tossed in taco seasoning they cook in no time. Both vegan and vegetarian, everyone will love bringing these to eat on the go. If you have only used these to make our hummus with canned chickpeas you’re in for a new treat.

Have you made canned chickpeas in air fryer yet?? If you’re looking for a crispy crunchy snack that isn’t deep fried like potato chips, these are the answer! One of our favorite easy air fryer recipes here on The Typical Mom blog. (affiliate links present, originally published 2/20)

Air Fryer Chickpeas from Canned

We love to air fry everything I tell you! In between meals is no exception to the rule. You could use from dry, get tender and then go from there but this time we went easy. Just drained a can from the store, seasoned and “fried” to become a sort of Corn nuts treat but healthier.

From breakfast, to dinners and now snacks it just makes everything taste better. Whether you use a Ninja Foodi or other brand of electric air fryer this recipe will work perfectly if you follow our directions below.

Ninja Foodi Chickpeas

You would use the lid that IS attached to cook this using the Ninja Foodi air fryer setting.

Air Fryer Chickpeas from Dry

If you wanted to go all the way this is how to cook dry chickpeas this way or pressure cook using our dry beans timing chart and then drain. From there you would want to allow them to cool a bit before drying and following the next steps further.

Tip #1 – You really need to remove all of the moisture before you proceed any further. An easy way to do this is to drain the can and pour your chickpeas on a few paper towels. Press and absorb all liquid. To get a really crispy air fryer chickpea, transfer to dry paper towels and allow to sit for an additional 30 minutes or more.

This is key to the overall success and just how crispy they will become. If there is any moisture left on the outside it will take longer to cook but there is no real way to get the same crunch as if you took the extra time to dry all the way at the beginning.

How to Air Fry Chickpeas

The drier they are to begin with the crispier they will get on the outside. If you’ve ever eaten bagged dried chickpeas with seasonings they resemble and taste kinda’ like Corn nuts. I first had some in my Graze box and became totally obsessed!

Are chickpeas good for you?

YES! They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chickpeas may offer a variety of health benefits too such as improving digestion, helping to manage your weight, and may reduce the risk of several diseases.

Additionally, as I said before they are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Air Fryer Garbanzo Beans

The only liquid per say we will use to make chickpeas in an air fryer will be some oil. I use olive oil for everything but avocado works just as well. Once you have them nice and try put them into a bowl and stir in your oil so they’re nice and coated.

• Then we’re going to use taco seasoning to bring a BANG of flavor to this chickpea recipe.
  • I buy that stuff in bulk because I make lots of other things with it like Instant Pot taco meat and our air fryer fried shrimp that are to die for!
  • Honestly once you try these and you want another batch, try other flavors like chili seasoning, curry powder and garlic powder, or another others of your choice.

Stir in oil and seasonings, then squeeze half of your lemon on and stir again.

I like to preheat my air fryer to 390 degrees but if you forget, don’t fret. It will be fine either way.

• Dump them into your air fryer basket in one layer (not overlapping) and cook at 390 degrees for 12 minutes.
  • After 6 minutes shaking the basket is necessary, for best results.
  • This will yield tender insides with a crispy chickpeas on the outside
  • If you want them crispy on the inside too increase the time to 14 minutes total, adjust as needed for preference.
• Allow to cool so you don’t burn your mouth and enjoy!

Chickpeas in air fryer

That’s a super quick and easy way for roasting chickpeas right?? In literally 15 minutes you can have them ready to pop right into your mouth and they save great too!

Can you eat chickpeas the next day?

If you want to use an opened can of chickpeas the following days or weeks, treat them like you would treat frozen peas or frozen vegetables. Cook / boil them for a few minutes in hot water and store in airtight containers.

• With air fryer chickpeas however they’ll save nicely in freezer bags with the air removed for up to 2 weeks.
• Of course they are best the fresher they are and honestly these haven’t lasted long enough to really store them beyond one more day.

This way you can make a large batch and take them on road trips with you or put them inside backpacks for a quick snack.

These are great on the go snacks for sure. We love these air fryer sweet potato chips too.

Are chickpeas a protein or carb?

Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. This type of legume is full of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates too. If you fall in love with them even more after this, grab a few more cans and make our air fryer falafel recipe too.

Here is a quick step by step for you but there is a more detailed printable recipe card at the bottom of this post too. Let us know what you think!!

How to Cook Chickpeas

Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas. Pat dry with paper towels well in order to remove as much moisture as possible. You can leave on counter on paper towels for 30 minutes to really dry them out so they get as crispy as possible. Water will keep them from really getting crunchy.

1. Dump them into a bowl and drizzle with your olive oil. Toss so they’re coated nicely.
2. Then sprinkle taco seasoning, or seasonings of your choice on and stir so they’re well coated.
3. Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 degrees.
4. Squeeze 1/2 of lime on to coated chickpeas. Pour them into your air fryer basket.
5. If your basket is small make in two batches so they don’t overlap too much so they get really nice and crispy.

Now cook at 390 degrees for 12 minutes flipping/tossing them in the basket halfway through cook time.
This timing will crisp the outside and leave center tender. If you want the whole thing crispy cook for a few minutes longer. Pour on paper towels and allow to cool before eating, they will be hot.

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