Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chickpeas

$To make Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chickpeas, you need just a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot or your favorite brand) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish With these ingredients, you can whip up a crunchy snack in no time. The chickpeas bring protein, while the spices add flavor. When it comes to hot sauce, I love using Frank's RedHot. It has a great balance of heat and flavor. You can also try other brands if you like a stronger kick. Some good options include: - Cholula - Tabasco - Sriracha Pick a sauce that matches your taste. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on how spicy you want your chickpeas. If you can't find canned chickpeas, you can use dried ones. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender. You can also try other beans like black beans or kidney beans. They won't taste the same, but they will add a nice crunch. These simple swaps help you make this recipe fit your pantry. Enjoy the process and get creative! First, open your can of chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well under cold water. This helps remove the salty liquid. Next, dry the chickpeas with a paper towel. Removing moisture is key. It leads to a crispier texture when cooking. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry chickpeas. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then add ¼ cup of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well. You want each chickpea coated evenly with the tasty sauce and spices. Place the coated chickpeas in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. If they are piled, they won’t cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 15-18 minutes. Importance of Shaking the Basket Halfway through cooking, shake the basket. This step is important. It lets the hot air circulate around the chickpeas. This ensures they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy. After cooking, let the chickpeas cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy your crunchy buffalo chickpeas! To get your chickpeas super crispy, start with drying them well. After rinsing, use a paper towel to remove moisture. Next, make sure you coat them evenly with oil and spices. Air fryer settings matter too. Preheat at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer in the basket. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect crunch. Avoid using wet chickpeas. If they're damp, they won't crisp up. Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. This can lead to uneven cooking. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get crispy. Don’t skip the seasoning either; it adds great flavor. Use enough spices to coat each chickpea well. When seasoning, mix the spices and oil in a bowl first. This helps the flavors stick better. Use fresh spices for a bolder taste. If you like it spicy, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a twist, try adding lemon zest or herbs. Don't forget to taste your mixture before you coat the chickpeas. Adjust the seasoning to fit your palate. {{image_2}} You can make your buffalo chickpeas extra spicy. Add more hot sauce to the mix. Try using a spicy blend like sriracha or habanero sauce. Mix in some cayenne pepper for an added kick. You can also toss in chili flakes when cooking. These tweaks elevate the heat and flavor. Olive oil gives great taste, but you can use other oils too. Avocado oil is a good choice for health. It has a high smoke point and great flavor. Coconut oil can add a sweet touch to your chickpeas. Use whichever oil you prefer or have on hand. Add more depth to your chickpeas with extra seasonings. Consider mixing in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also try smoked salt for a unique taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the dish. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect blend. After you make your crispy buffalo chickpeas, let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh there for about a week. To bring back the crunch, reheat the chickpeas in the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chickpeas for 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps make them crispy again. You can also use an oven at the same temperature if needed. You can freeze crispy chickpeas for easy snacks later. Just make sure they cool completely first. Spread them out on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer for a tasty treat! Cooking crispy chickpeas in an air fryer takes about 15 to 18 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) first. Place the chickpeas in a single layer, and shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. When they turn golden brown, they are ready to eat. You can use dried chickpeas, but they need extra work. Soak them overnight and then cook them until soft. After that, rinse and dry them before seasoning. Canned chickpeas are faster and easier. They save time and still taste great. Yes, air fryer chickpeas are both gluten-free and vegan. Chickpeas are legumes and are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe snack for many diets. You can enjoy them without worrying about gluten or animal products. They are healthy and delicious! Crispy Buffalo chickpeas are easy and fun to make. Start with essential ingredients like chickpeas and hot sauce. Follow the step-by-step guide for perfect results. Remember, shaking the basket is key for fast cooking. Use the tips for maximum crispiness and avoid common mistakes. Try different flavors and store leftovers well. These chickpeas are tasty snacks and healthy options. You can enjoy them anytime. Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispiest chickpeas!$

Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chickpeas

A delicious and crunchy snack made from chickpeas, seasoned with buffalo sauce and spices, perfect for enjoying on their own or adding to dishes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup hot sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
optional Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
After rinsing and draining the chickpeas, pat them dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them become crispy when cooked.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with olive oil, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure even coating.
Place the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded for optimal crisping.
Air fry the chickpeas for about 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should become golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly; they will crisp up even more as they cool.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads or bowls for some extra crunch!

Notes

Patting the chickpeas dry is crucial for achieving crispiness.

Keyword air fryer, buffalo, chickpeas, snack, vegan