I adore the crunch of these chickpeas in my air fryer. The blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a whisper of cumin with a dash of cayenne pepper creates a unique flavor medley. My Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipes Spicy are my favorite healthy snack when I need something quick and flavorful.

I’ve been experimenting with air fryer recipes lately and I have to say, these crispy chickpeas are a game changer. I was tired of the same old snacks, so I decided to try something new that is both delicious and healthy.
Using a can of chickpeas that I drained and rinsed, a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika, and even a quarter teaspoon of ground cumin, I quickly discovered a new favorite. If you love a little extra kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
In just 15 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crunchy delight that makes for a perfect vegan and gluten free snack. I’ve seen some airfry chickpea recipes that promise crunch without sacrificing health and flavor, but nothing compares to the satisfying crunch of these roasted chickpeas.
Try it and see for yourself why its become my go-to recipe!
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s super quick and easy to make. I mean, using just a can of chickpeas and a few simple spices means I can whip up this snack in no time.
I also like how crunchy and flavorful these chickpeas turn out when I air fry them. They get that perfect crispy texture that is way better than when I make them in the oven, which makes snack time more fun.
Another thing is that it’s healthy. Since it’s vegan and gluten free, I feel good eating them whether I munch on them by themselves or add them to my salad.
Lastly, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is. I can enjoy these crunchy treats anytime, and it’s a cool meal prep option when I want something quick during the busy week.
Ingredients

- Chickpeas: They are loaded with fiber and protein, which helps keep you full and active.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and a rich taste that ties everything together.
- Salt: Boosts the overall flavor, making every bite more satisfying and balanced.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a bold, savory flavor and enhances the aroma of the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky taste and a lovely vibrant color.
- Ground Cumin: Brings an earthy, robust flavor that makes the mix more interesting.
- Optional Cayenne Pepper: Offers a spicy kick for those who like a bit of heat in their food.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Optional pinch cayenne pepper for an extra kick
How to Make this
1. Drain the chickpeas and give them a good pat down with a paper towel so they ain’t too wet.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. If your air fryer needs preheating, set it to 400°F.
4. Spread the chickpeas out in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that they cook evenly.
5. Cook them for about 15 minutes, but shake the basket well halfway through cooking to help them crisp up.
6. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to make sure they don’t burn since air fryers can sometimes run a bit hot.
7. When they’re done, the chickpeas should look nice and crunchy.
8. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before snacking; they tend to crisp up a bit more on cooling.
9. Enjoy these crunchy little treats as a snack or add them to your salads for extra crunch!
Equipment Needed
1. Can opener (if your chickpeas aren’t pre-opened)
2. Colander to drain and rinse the chickpeas
3. Paper towels for patting the chickpeas dry
4. Large mixing bowl for tossing the chickpeas in oil and spices
5. Measuring spoons for accurate spice and oil measurements
6. Air fryer (including its basket) that’s preheated to 400°F
7. Tongs or spatula to shake the basket halfway through cooking
FAQ
AIR FRYER CRISPY CHICKPEAS Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Olive oil: Try using coconut oil or avocado oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
- Salt: You could swap sea salt or a pinch of garlic salt in place of regular salt.
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works too, though you might want to use a little less because it’s stronger.
- Smoked paprika: If you dont have smoked paprika, use regular paprika mixed with a dash of chipotle powder for that smoky flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Instead of cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili powder can give you that extra kick.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you pat the chickpeas real good with a paper towel before tossing them in the oil and spices so they crisp up better. If they’re too wet they won’t get as crunchy.
2. Don’t be scared to give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway though—it helps with even cooking but I’ve seen folks forget and end up with unevenly cooked bits.
3. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes; air fryers can sometimes run hotter than expected and you don’t wanna burn your chickpeas.
4. If you like a little extra spice, a tiny pinch extra of cayenne pepper can really amp up the flavor without overpowering the normal smokey taste.

AIR FRYER CRISPY CHICKPEAS Recipe
I adore the crunch of these chickpeas in my air fryer. The blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a whisper of cumin with a dash of cayenne pepper creates a unique flavor medley. My Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipes Spicy are my favorite healthy snack when I need something quick and flavorful.
2
servings
195
kcal
Equipment: 1. Can opener (if your chickpeas aren’t pre-opened)
2. Colander to drain and rinse the chickpeas
3. Paper towels for patting the chickpeas dry
4. Large mixing bowl for tossing the chickpeas in oil and spices
5. Measuring spoons for accurate spice and oil measurements
6. Air fryer (including its basket) that’s preheated to 400°F
7. Tongs or spatula to shake the basket halfway through cooking
Ingredients
-
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
-
Optional pinch cayenne pepper for an extra kick
Directions
- Drain the chickpeas and give them a good pat down with a paper towel so they ain't too wet.
- In a large bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If your air fryer needs preheating, set it to 400°F.
- Spread the chickpeas out in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that they cook evenly.
- Cook them for about 15 minutes, but shake the basket well halfway through cooking to help them crisp up.
- Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to make sure they don't burn since air fryers can sometimes run a bit hot.
- When they're done, the chickpeas should look nice and crunchy.
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes before snacking; they tend to crisp up a bit more on cooling.
- Enjoy these crunchy little treats as a snack or add them to your salads for extra crunch!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 130g
- Total number of serves: 2
- Calories: 195kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 2g
- Monounsaturated: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 575mg
- Potassium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg









