Crispy Air Fried Chickpeas (Gluten Free)

Looking for an easy gluten free snack that’s cheap, healthy, and seriously moorish? These crispy air fried chickpeas are just delicious. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they turn a humble tin of chickpeas into something crunchy, salty, and totally snackable, perfect for lazy Sundays, lunchbox fillers or topping off your favourite salad.

Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans, if you’re feeling fancy) have been around for thousands of years, with their roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. Today, they’re a go to in gluten free foods high in fibre, full of plant-based protein and totally coeliac safe. If you’ve got a tin lurking in the back of the cupboard and an air fryer at the ready, you’re halfway there.

Whether you’re new to air fryers or just looking for a fresh way to use them, this recipe is a brilliant way to jazz up your gluten free snacks without faff. And yes, they’re naturally gluten free, just be sure to check your spices if using pre mixed seasonings, as some blends sneak in gluten containing fillers.

Crispy Air Fried Chickpeas

Ben Haggerty

Tinned chickpeas turned into a crunchy snack with smoked paprika and garlic. Naturally gluten free, ready in about 20 minutes, and dangerously easy to eat the whole bowl in one sitting.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 2

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Clean tea towel (or kitchen paper)

Ingredients

  

• 1 tin 400g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic granules
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• pinch chilli flakes optional
• pinch ground cumin optional

Instructions

 

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then dry them really well with a clean kitchen towel. This is the bit that matters. Wet chickpeas steam instead of crisp, so get them as dry as you can.
• Tip them into a bowl with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic granules and salt. Add the chilli or cumin now if you’re using them. Toss until everything’s evenly coated.
• Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through so they colour evenly.
• Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes once they’re out. They firm up and get crunchier as they cool.

Notes

Flavour swaps: curry powder for something warmer, za’atar if you want it a bit fancy, or cinnamon and a little sugar for a sweet version.

Storage: honestly they’re best the same day while they’re still crunchy. They’ll keep in an airtight container for a couple of days but they do soften, so a quick blast back in the air fryer brings them round.

Keyword air fryer chickpeas, gluten free chickpeas

FAQ – Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chickpeas

Are chickpeas gluten free?

Yes! Chickpeas are naturally gluten free and safe for people with coeliac disease (check the labels when you buy) and double-check any seasonings you use to avoid hidden gluten.

Can I make air fryer chickpeas without oil?

You can, but they may not crisp up quite as well. A small amount of oil helps them get golden and crunchy.

How long do air-fried chickpeas stay crispy?

They’re best eaten the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes if needed.

What other flavours work well with crispy chickpeas?

Try gluten-free curry powder, za’atar, ranch-style seasoning (GF of course), or even a sweet mix of cinnamon and sugar.