Healthy Snacking
Irresistibly crispy and delicious, these roasted chickpeas are a perfect snack right out of a bowl, or use as a topping for a fresh green salad, over hummus or sprinkled over soup or pasta.
What a fabulous, fun way to get a healthy home-made, unprocessed protein-filled snack! Make a double batch and store them (after they are completely cooled) in an airtight container. A great way to add crunch to soups, salads, grazing boards and more.
My favorite thing about this recipe, other than it allows me to get a healthy crunchy snack in no time, is that you can BE BRAVE and change out the seasonings each time you make it. Add a little curry powder for an Indian inspired snack, za’taar for a Mediterranean version, or some Smoky BBQ seasoning and brown sugar, shawarma spices, everything bagel seasoning or even a little pumpkin spice!
OOOH who said you can’t snack all day!
Chickpea Snackers
Ingredients
(* indicates my preferred ingredients – see notes for alternatives)
2 cans chickpeas (14 oz) drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons O&V Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil *
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Seasoning
1½ teaspoons O&V Tuscan dipper *
½ teaspoon O&V Smoked Paprika *
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon lemon zest
Preparation
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Lay out on a kitchen towel and gently rub to remove the outer skin. Allow to air dry for minimum of 30 minutes (preferably 1-2 hours)
Preheat an air fryer to 390F for five minutes.
Toss the chickpeas in the Garlic EVOO and salt. Place in the heated air fryer in one layer (you may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
Cook for 5 minutes, open, shake to toss the chickpeas, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Open and toss. Cook for an additional 2-5 minutes till crispy.
In the meantime, in a dry, small saucepan, combine the Tuscan Dipper, Smoked Paprika, garlic powder and onion powder and toast gently over a medium flame for 1-2 minutes till aromatic. Remove from heat and add in the grated lemon zest.
Remove the chickpeas from the oven, and season immediately with the spice mix. Taste, and adjust saltiness with a little sprinkle of salt if needed.
Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container
Serves: 6-8 snack sized servings
Active time 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes (plus time for drying the chickpeas)
Chef Note
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can heat an oven to 425F and place a large rimmed baking tray in the oven to preheat as well.
Toss the chickpeas with the EVOO and sprinkle with salt. Place the chickpeas on the heated baking tray (do not use foil or parchment paper on the tray).
Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes shaking every 10 minutes to allow for even cooking.
This will not make them quite as crispy as the air fryer, but is a good option.
Notes
* The Garlic EVOO adds a garlicky flavor and the Smoked Paprika adds depth and color to the chickpeas. The Tuscan Dipper is a fabulous flavoring, but you can use your favorite spices or spice mixes as well. You can use an Unflavored EVOO and add more garlic powder and another high-quality paprika.
All highlighted products are available at Oil & Vinegar stores
Categories: Snacks & Sides, Crispy Chickpeas, Snacking on the Mediterranean Diet, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Plant Based, Healthy Snack
