One of my favorite salads is a chopped salad inspired by a restaurant I used to frequent when I lived in Chicago. But after a while don't you get bored with the same old salad? So one summer, I set out to update some of my favorite recipes, including that chopped salad I mentioned. These crispy chickpeas were born out of my quest to add something new to spice up the salad!
If you are looking for a salad using crispy chickpeas check out this Chopped Salad in a Jar and if sandwiches are more your thing try this Herbed Chickpea Wrap.

These crispy chickpeas are seasoned with spices and herbs and then cooked in an air fryer to make an amazing addition to salads, hummus or even sandwiches!
Contents:
Notes from the Kitchen
Most crispy chickpea recipes I've seen roast the chickpeas in the oven, which works great except who wants to turn on your oven, even on low heat, for over an hour on a hot summer day? Not me - that's something I try to avoid whenever it's hot out! So I set out to make them without roasting them for hours, and I gotta admit, it took a couple of tries to get these right. But it was worth the effort, as the end result is a super tasty way to add some protein to a variety of different dishes. They make a great snack too!
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
People sometimes ask me if a recipe will taste as good with canned beans. My answer is a resounding yes! I mean, if you are really into it, you can go through the process of using dried beans, but these days you can find good, organic canned beans with little or no added salt - just beans and water.
How to Make this Recipe
So, what's the plan? Well, it's pretty simple, drain & dry some chickpeas, toss them with some seasonings and then cook them up in your air fryer. In about 15 minutes you've got that great salad topping you've been looking for!
Click here to subscribe to Urban Foodie Kitchen's Newsletter for free and fresh small batch recipes right to your inbox!
If you try this recipe, be sure to let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below.
You can also take a photo & tag @urbanfoodiekitchen on Instagram.

Crispy Air Fried Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp dried greek oregano
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- pinch of dried lemon peel
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas. Spread the chickpeas onto a plate lined with a paper towel and pat dry.
- Season the chickpeas. Add the chickpeas to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Toss until all of the chickpeas are coated.
- Air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add the chickpeas in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Check them after 10 minutes and then add time as needed until the chickpeas are crispy. Repeat if necessary.
- Cool. Remove them from the air fryer and let cool slightly.
Notes
- Exact cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you use.
- You may hear some popping as the chickpeas cook, this is normal.
This post was originally published in October 2016. It was updated in December 2024 with some new information and photos. Several changes were made to the original recipe.
Debi at Life Currents
Mmmm, this looks and sounds so good.I love chickpeas, and can't wait to try this recipe.
Platter Talk
The very first Maggiano's that I ever tried was the one in Chicago. Do they still have the corner bakery next door?
Thanks for the chickpea recipe. I've been thinking of making some for a long time but just haven't. I believe that your recipe is the prompt that works! Thanksl
FoodieGirlChicago
Glad to hear I might have provided some inspiration! I totally know that Magliano's but Corner Bakery isn't next door any longer.
Veena
Love the idea of chrispy herbed chickpeas.. Must trh. Pinned for later. thanks
Amanda | Chew Town
Crisp chickpeas are delicious but I've never tried to make them. I'm loving your addition of lemon peel it would add a delicious brightness to the herbed chickpeas!