Our fryer chickpeas with no oil are crunchy, salty, and totally addictive, plus they make the best high protein snack or salad topper. And the best part? You don't even need added fats to make them crispy!
Whether you're looking for a low-fat, high protein high-fiber snack or want to add a little crunch to your favorite salad, this simple recipe comes together in under 25 minutes with just chickpeas and seasoning. No deep frying, no mess.
Why You'll Love Air Fried Garbanzo Beans
- Crispy without oil - still crunchy, even without added fat
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
- Great for meal prep - stays crispy for a couple of days
- Quick and easy - only 3 ingredients and under 25 minutes
- Perfect for snacking or topping salads
You've got to try more of our air fryer healthy snacks like air fryer edamame beans, air fryer kale chips, and pepperoni chips.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - drained and rinsed
- Garlic salt - or use a mix of garlic powder and salt. We love the big containers of garlic salt from Costco.
- (Optional) butter, ghee, or avocado oil or olive oil - if you want extra richness, you can add 1 tsp-1 tablespoon of fats but it's totally not needed!
👉 See the recipe card below for full instructions and quantities.
Tools You'll Need
- Air fryer - we used a Cosori XL basket-style model. Any brand of air fryer will work.
- Tongs or spatula - to shake and stir during cooking
How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas Without Oil
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. No need to dry with paper towels, just make sure they're well drained.
- Toss the garbanzo beans with the seasoning (add any optional ingredients like melted butter, ghee, or a spritz of balsamic vinegar here)
- Add chickpeas to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If using a smaller model, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Remove the basket, toss the chickpeas, then return to the air fryer for 5-7 more minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy! Sprinkle with extra seasoning if needed and serve as a snack or salad topper.
No Oil? No Problem: Tips for Crispy Chickpeas Without Oil
Want to skip the oil entirely? These tips will help you get that addictive crunch:
- Preheat your air fryer - a hot basket starts the crisping process right away.
- Use only dry seasonings - wet ingredients (like sauces or vinegars) will steam the chickpeas instead of crisping them.
- Don't overcrowd - even more important without oil! Keep them in a single layer with space between each bean.
- Let them cool uncovered - this helps prevent steam from softening them as they cool.
- Still not crispy? Pop them back in for another 3-5 minutes until they're just right.
- Store the leftovers uncovered to keep that crisp texture.
Air Fryer Chickpeas Seasoning Ideas
Once you've mastered the basic version, try these seasoning blends:
- BBQ Rub
- Chili Lime or Tajin seasoning
- Curry Powder
- Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning for a spicy kick
- Taco seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Cinnamon Sugar (for a sweet option - add this after air frying since sweetner can burn)
FAQs
Do I need oil to make crispy grabanzo in the air fryer?
Nope! You can skip it completely. As long as your chickpeas are drained and cooked in a single layer, they'll still get crunchy.
How should I store them?
Let them cool completely, then store at room temperature in a glass jar or container with a loose lid for up to 3 days. They are best eaten the same day for crispness.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes-but you'll need to cook and cool them first. Use about 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas for every 15 oz can.
Are chickpeas keto?
Not really. Chickpeas are higher in carbs, so they aren't ideal for strict keto. But they are great for vegetarian, vegan, or high-fiber diets. Each serving has 21 net carbs per serving, so these might work for a high protein low carb health plan for some people
More high protein low fat snacks
Recipe
Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans No Oil)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 oz chickpeas garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt or mix salt + garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
- Drain the can of chickpeas and rinse them. It's not necessary to remove the moisture with paper towels.
- Toss the garbanzo beans with the seasoning.
- Spread the can of chickpeas in the bottom of the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer. Split the batch in two if needed.
- Cook the chickpeas for 10 minutes at 400 F and then shake the basket to stir the beans around. Continue cooking for 5-7 more minutes until they're crisp to your liking.
- Remove the roasted air fryer chickpeas and add more salt or another seasoning to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the chickpeas are spread in an even layer or they won't get as crispy.
- Other seasoning ideas include powdered Ranch mix, curry powder, BBQ rub seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- These are delicious as a snack and also as a salad topper!
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