Why You Should Make Roasted Chickpeas In Your Air Fryer
A staple ingredient in vegetarian recipes, chickpeas are a protein-rich legume that even carnivores love. Whether you get them dry or canned, chickpeas are an affordable product during times of inflation with the national average price starting as low as $0.29 per pound (per Selina Wamucii). Chickpeas, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offer a variety of health benefits from aiding in weight loss to improving digestion and reducing your overall risk of disease (per Healthline).
Chickpeas, in all their nutritious glory, are also a waste-free food. Aquafaba, the brine they're canned in, can be whipped into a plant-based alternative for eggs and mayo ensuring that each and every drop of the product is used and consumed.
Whether you're using them to make vegan tuna salad, processing them into hummus, or frying them into falafel patties, chickpeas are a versatile, eco-friendly food that should be a staple in anyone's pantry. Among the many ways of preparing them, air frying chickpeas make for a crunchy, delicious snack perfect as an appetizer or snack between meals.
It's all about the crunch
Naturally, chickpeas are mushy little beans. And while they're perfect as they are, let's be honest, what doesn't taste better after a roast in the air fryer? Air frying chickpeas makes for a crispy, crunchy snack that is a health-conscious alternative to chips which are often loaded with saturated fat. But if you want to make them more sinful, preparing this side dish at home gives you the luxury of controlling your portions and adding your own flair.
The instructions are simple. Drain and rinse your chickpeas (make sure to save the aquafaba), toss them in extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spice blends, then pop them into the air fryer at 390°F for 10-15 minutes. Shake up the basket a few times to ensure all sides of the legume are getting fried evenly. Once they're browned to your liking, make sure to let them cool, then serve accordingly.
Whether you're pairing them with a sandwich, adding to a Mediterranean salad, or popping them into a Ziploc bag for an on-the-go snack, this crunchy chickpea hack is tailored to any dining occasion.