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Crisp Mediterranean Air-Fryer Chickpeas

A crunchy, golden chickpea snack seasoned with warm spices, lemon zest, and just a pinch of salt. Extra-virgin olive oil is the only fat, and the batch yields six snack-size servings.
Course Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired
Keyword healthy air fryer recipes, heart-healthy snack ideas, Mediterranean air fryer chickpeas
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 116kcal

Ingredients

  • cups cooked no-salt-added chickpeas well-drained and thoroughly dried (about 370 g)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

  • Dry the chickpeas very well on a clean kitchen towel until their surfaces feel matte and not damp.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, sea salt, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper (if using), and lemon zest.
  • Add the chickpeas and toss vigorously until each one is lightly and evenly coated with the spice mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the basket.
  • Air-fry for 8 minutes. Shake the basket to redistribute, then continue cooking for 4 to 6 minutes, until deep golden and crisp.
  • Transfer to a bowl and let rest 5 minutes to set the crunch. Taste and, only if needed, add a tiny pinch of extra salt.

Notes

Serving & Storage: Enjoy warm as a snack or salad topper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 of 6 (calculated from USDA data)
  • Calories: 116
  • Total Fat: 3.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4.9 g
  • Total Sugars: 3.0 g
  • Added Sugars: 0 g
  • Protein: 5.6 g
  • Sodium: 53 mg
Estimates based on 370 g cooked, no-salt-added chickpeas; 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil; ⅛ tsp fine sea salt; listed spices and lemon zest.