These Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chickpeas are a tasty snack! Full of flavor and crunch, they make a perfect healthy treat for any time of day.
Making them is super easy! Just toss chickpeas with ranch seasoning and pop them in the air fryer. They disappear fast at my house—everyone loves to munch on them! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super easy to use. If you prefer fresh, you can cook dried chickpeas, but remember they’ll need soaking and a longer cooking time. I find canned chickpeas really convenient!
Olive Oil: This adds nice flavor and helps the seasoning stick. If you’re out, avocado oil or coconut oil can work too! Both have a high smoke point suitable for air frying.
Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought ranch seasoning is a time-saver. If you want to make your own, mix equal parts dried dill, parsley, and onion powder with a touch of garlic powder and buttermilk powder. You can also try Italian seasoning as an alternative!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love heat, add cayenne pepper! Also, if you don’t have smoked paprika, you can skip it or use regular paprika for a milder flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chickpeas Get Crispy?
Getting chickpeas perfectly crispy can be tricky, but it’s all about moisture and space! Here’s how I suggest you do it:
- Pat the chickpeas dry really well with a paper towel after rinsing. This step is essential because excess moisture will keep them from getting crunchy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. A single layer with space in between allows hot air to circulate, creating that crispy texture.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. This little step makes a big difference!
Let them cool slightly after cooking – they’ll crisp up a little more as they cool. Enjoy your snacking!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a quick and tasty snack! In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chickpeas get nice and crispy when you cook them.
2. Prepare the Chickpeas:
After you drain and rinse your chickpeas, it’s important to get them as dry as possible. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step helps them crisp up better in the air fryer!
3. Season the Chickpeas:
In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil until they’re well coated. Next, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Air Fry the Chickpeas:
Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. This helps them cook more evenly and become super crispy. Cook them in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they don’t stick and to help them brown evenly.
5. Cool and Garnish:
Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy ranch-flavored chickpeas as a healthy snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first! Soak about 1/2 cup of dried chickpeas overnight, then boil them until tender (about 1-2 hours) before proceeding with the recipe. Make sure to dry them well after cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer!
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make a homemade version by mixing equal parts of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste, or try using a different seasoning blend like taco seasoning for a fun twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Chickpeas?
For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, so if they start to lose their crunch, you can re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Air Fry Other Vegetables with This Recipe?
Absolutely! Veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli can be seasoned similarly and air-fried alongside the chickpeas. Just ensure the cooking times are similar, and keep an eye on them, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking!
