Crunchy roasted chickpeas (kabuli chana) are one of the best high-protein snacks you can make in an air fryer. They’re cheap, filling and endlessly flavourable. The secret to real crunch rather than chewiness is drying them well and cooking them long enough.
| Prep | 10 min (with boiled or canned chickpeas) |
| Air fry | 15–18 min |
| Temperature | 200 °C (400 °F) |
| Makes | About 1½ cups |
Ingredients
- 1½ cups boiled chickpeas (from about ½ cup dried, soaked overnight) or 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp oil
- ½ tsp chaat masala, ½ tsp kashmiri chilli powder, ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
- ¼ tsp amchur, salt to taste
Method
- Dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Spread them on a kitchen towel and rub gently; loose skins will come off. Let them air-dry for 10–15 minutes if you have time.
- Air fry plain first. Air fry at 200 °C (400 °F) for 8 minutes, shaking once. This dries them further before the oil goes on.
- Season. Tip into a bowl, toss with oil and spices.
- Air fry again for 7–10 minutes, shaking every 3 minutes, until they rattle in the basket and are crunchy when bitten.
- Cool completely. They crisp further as they cool.
Flavours
- Masala chana: as above
- Pudina: dried mint, black salt, a little lemon zest
- Peri-peri: chilli flakes, garlic powder, oregano
- Chana chaat: toss with onion, tomato, cucumber, chutney and lemon just before eating (see our summer recipes)
Nutrition note
Chickpeas are a good source of plant protein and fibre: cooked chickpeas provide roughly 8–9 g of protein per 100 g. Roasting removes water, so a bowl of roasted chana is more filling than it looks. Values vary by brand and preparation.
Storage
Store in an airtight jar once fully cool. They’re crunchiest within 2–3 days. In humid weather, re-crisp at 180 °C for 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my air fryer chickpeas chewy?
They weren’t dried enough or need more time. Dry well, use the two-stage method, and cook until they rattle.
Can I use kala chana?
Yes. Boiled black chickpeas work the same way and may need 2–3 extra minutes.
More: paneer high-protein snacks · low-oil snacks · roasted peanuts