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In a world where healthy snacking is becoming increasingly important, the need for nutritious yet delicious options has never been greater. Enter chickpeas, a versatile legume that has found its way into various cuisines around the globe. Whether it's hummus, stews, or salads, chickpeas are celebrated for their ability to absorb flavors and provide a satisfying texture. With the growing popularity of air fryers, preparing wholesome snacks has become simpler and more accessible. This article presents a delightful recipe for Crunchy Air-Fried Chickpea Croutons—an ideal addition to your snacking repertoire or as a salad topper that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Crunchy Air-Fried Chickpea Croutons

Looking for a healthy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Try Crunchy Air-Fried Chickpea Croutons! These versatile morsels not only pack a protein punch but also add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, or can be enjoyed straight out of the bowl. With simple ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and your favorite spices, you can whip up a batch in no time using an air fryer. Discover the joy of snacking healthier today!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the chickpeas start cooking immediately when placed in the basket.

    Prepare Chickpeas: After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help achieve that perfect crunch.

      Season Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss until the chickpeas are well-coated with the seasoning mix.

        Air Frying: Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark to avoid burning. The chickpeas should be golden brown and crispy when done.

          Cool and Serve: Once out of the air fryer, let them cool for a few minutes to further crisp up. Transfer to a serving bowl and, if desired, garnish with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

            Storing: Store any leftover chickpea croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 5 minutes if they soften.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings