Home All Recipes Vegetarian Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer}
By Jess Smith
4.05
Published Jun 21, 2022•Updated Feb 20, 2024
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Crispy chickpeas are are crisp on the outside, and creamy inside. Seasoned with dried spices they make a great snack on their own or try adding them to salads, tacos, or baked sweet potatoes.
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (2) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (2)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-0382.jpg)
Almost every recipe benefits from something with some crunch. I love the crunch of tortilla strips, candied almonds, and wonton strips. But the leader of the bunch might be crispy chickpeas. They’re packed with protein, can be seasoned any way you want, and are easy to make.
I toss my chickpeas in a spice mixture that is sweet, salty, and a bit smoky. I always take a cue from Bon Appétitand finish them with fresh citrus – lemon or lime will work. These are the best right after they’ve been made but can be stored at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Honestly, we usually end up eating these piping hot right after they’re made – it’s hard to resist them for much longer.
Here’s how to cook them using any method you’d like.
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (3) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (3)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-0367.jpg)
How to Make Crispy Chickpeas
- Dry the chickpeas – Rub them dry using a clean dishtowel or paper towels. (They must be very dry in order to get crisp.)
- Toss in oil – Toss dry chickpeas with a neutral oil like grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil.
- Toss with seasoning – Toss chickpeas with dried spices or dried herbs and salt and pepper.
- Cook chickpeas – Cook chickpeas until they are very dry and golden- crisp on the outside. Do this in a skillet at medium-high for 8 to 10 minutes, in the oven at 425°Ffor 20 to 30 minutes, in the air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 16 minutes.
- Add citrus – Top chickpeas with lemon or lime juice and zest.
- Let the chickpeas cool slightly (if you can stand to wait!).
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (4) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (4)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-0363.jpg)
Make sure they are dry
The key to crispy chickpeas is to get them very dry. Dry them well to remove any moisture on the outside of the chickpeas. Next, be sure to cook them until they have released all of the moisture they are holding inside.
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![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (5) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (5)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-0349.jpg)
Oven Instructions
Spread chickpeas out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 425°Ffor 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan a few times during cooking.
Stovetop Instructions
Cook chickpeas in a skillet over medium-high heat with a Tablespoon of oil, shaking the pan every few minutes for 8 to 10 minutes total.
Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat an air fryer to 375°F. Spread chickpeas out in the basket and cook, shaking the basket occasionally, for 12 to 16 minutes.
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (6) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (6)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-0377.jpg)
Why does the cooking time vary?
As the chickpeas cook (using any method), they will release moisture. This is why they pop and sizzle as they release water during cooking. The more water that is cooked out of them, the crispier they will be. Because the amount of moisture inside the chickpeas will vary, they may take more or less time to cook.
FAQs
Can I skip the sugar?
Absolutely. As written, these are not noticeably sweet but they have a hint of sweetness that balances the spices. Feel free to omit the sugar – no other changes are needed.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes. Food52 has great tips for cooking chickpeas from dried. Once they are cooked to tender, dry them well before cooking them to get crispy chickpeas.
How long can I store them?
They will be the most crispy if you eat them right away and will soften as they sit. Store them, covered at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Garbanzos vs. Chickpeas
These are two names for the same thing. Use them interchangeably in recipes that call for garbanzo beans or chickpeas.
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (7) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (7)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fattoush-Salad-with-Spiced-Chickpeas-and-Soft-Boiled-Eggs-9565.jpg)
Ways to Use Crispy Chickpeas
- Serve them as a snack all on their own. (They’re great in lunches.)
- Use them to add some protein to gazpacho.
- Add them to salads, like a Kale Salad, Italian Salad, Greek Goddess Salad or (my favorite) Fattoush.
More Snack Recipes
Strawberry Banana Muffins
Dark Chocolate Almond Energy Bites
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Slow Cooker Ranch Party Mix
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4.05 from 41 votes
Crispy Chickpeas {Oven, Stovetop, and Air Fryer} Recipe
Seasoned with dried spices, crispy chickpeas make a great snack on their own or try adding them to salads, baked sweet potatoes, or serving them over yogurt, whipped feta, or hummus as a vegetarian dish.
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 4
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Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Saute Pan or Skillet
Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil use vegetable, grapeseed, avocado, or another neutral oil
- Zest and Juice from 1/2 Lemon or Lime
Instructions
Rub the chickpeas in a clean dishtowel until they are very dry.
Toss chickpeas with 2 Tablespoons oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle paprika, chili powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper over top and stir gently.
Cook chickpeas using one of the following methods:
Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread chickpeas out on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake, shaking the pan a few times during cooking for 20 to 30 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a Tablespoon of oil (not in ingredients list). Add chickpeas and cook, shaking the pan every few minutes for 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer chickpeas to a paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fryer: Preheat an air fryer to 375°F. Spread chickpeas out in the basket and cook, shaking the basket occasionally, for 12 to 16 minutes.
Top chickpeas with lime or lemon zest and juice.
Allow chickpeas to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead:The chickpeas will be the most crispy if served right away. They will lose their crispness the longer they sit. However, these can be made ahead and stored, covered at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 807IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $4.00
Calories: 171
Keyword: easy side dish, easy snack, gluten free, vegetarian
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This post was originally written in 2013 and was updated with new photos and instructions in June, 2022.
![Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (16) Crispy Chickpeas {Stovetop, Oven, or Air Fryer} (16)](https://i0.wp.com/inquiringchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pan-Fried-Crispy-Chickpeas-with-Lime-Inquiring-Chef-.jpg)
Categorized as:
All Recipes, Vegetarian
About Jess Smith
Jess is the recipe creator and photographer at InquiringChef.com. She spent nearly a decade as the Chief Recipe Developer for the award-winning meal planning app Cook Smarts. Her colorful, healthyish recipes have been featured in popular online publications including Parade, Hallmark, and HuffPost.
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