Air Fryer Garlic Pepper Chickpeas
These crispy, crunchy, little bites are a healthy alternative to chips. When roasted in the air fryer, chickpeas become a delightful treat that’s flavored with Member’s Mark™ Garlic Pepper. You can try any seasoning you’d like, but we think this combo is sure hard to beat!
Air Fried Chickpeas are a Nutritious Snack
Air-fried chickpeas are considered good for you because they pack nutrition into a crunchy, lower-fat snack. Here’s why:
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High in protein & fiber – Chickpeas are naturally rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which help keep you full, support digestion, and stabilize blood sugar.
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Lower in fat than deep-fried snacks – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to traditional frying, so you still get crunch without the excess saturated or trans fats.
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Nutrient dense – They’re a good source of iron, folate, manganese, magnesium, and B-vitamins, which support energy and metabolism.
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Supports heart health – The combo of fiber, plant protein, and healthy carbs can help manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
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Gluten-free & versatile – A naturally gluten-free snack that you can season any way you like (savory, spicy, or even slightly sweet).
Why Cook Them in the Air Fryer?
Roasting chickpeas in the air fryer is popular because it’s quick, easy, and gives you a healthier crunchy snack. Here’s why people like to do it:
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Faster than the oven – Air fryers circulate hot air, so chickpeas roast in about 12–18 minutes instead of 30–40 in the oven.
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Crispier texture – The air fryer helps dry them out evenly, giving you that addictive crunch.
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Uses less oil – You only need a light coating of oil (or none at all), which keeps the snack lower in fat and calories compared to pan- or deep-frying.
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Customizable flavor – Once roasted, you can season them with spices, herbs, or even sweet coatings (like cinnamon and honey).
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Convenient cleanup – No baking sheet needed; just toss them in the basket and you’re done.
Basically, it’s the fastest way to turn canned or cooked chickpeas into a crunchy, protein-packed snack.
Other Great Flavor Combos to Try
Here are some tasty seasoning blends you can toss air-fried chickpeas in—either before cooking (with a tiny bit of oil so it sticks) or right after they come out hot:
Savory & Spicy
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Smoky Paprika Blend – smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, pinch of salt
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Chili-Lime – chili powder, cumin, lime zest (squeeze fresh lime after frying)
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Buffalo Style – cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, drizzle of hot sauce after frying
Herby & Zesty
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Italian Herb – oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, parmesan (sprinkle cheese after air frying)
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Za’atar – Middle Eastern spice mix with sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, and salt
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Lemon Pepper – lemon zest, cracked black pepper, a little garlic powder
Global-Inspired
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Curry Blend – curry powder, turmeric, cumin, dash of cinnamon
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Taco Seasoning – chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder
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Everything Bagel – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, salt
Sweet Options 🍯
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Cinnamon Sugar – cinnamon, a little brown sugar (toss after air frying)
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Pumpkin Spice – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, pinch of sugar
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Maple Spice – drizzle of maple syrup plus cinnamon and a dash of cayenne for heat
Air Fryer Garlic Pepper Chickpeas
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can Chickpeas rinsed and drained
- Extra virgin olive oil spray
- 1-2 tsp Member's Mark™ Garlic Pepper Seasoning
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them dry completely. This step is important!
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Cook until the chickpeas are crisp, golden brown, and not moist.
- Transfer the chickpeas to a medium bowl while they're still hot. Coat them with the olive oil spray, and immediately toss with Member's Mark™ Garlic Pepper Seasoning.