Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s both crunchy and sweet, look no further than these Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes. This delightful treat combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon with a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a unique party snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have irresistible chickpeas that deliver a perfect balance of flavor and texture in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients are what make these Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes come alive. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding crispness, sweetness, or that cozy cinnamon aroma that ties everything together.
- Chickpeas: The star of the show providing a hearty crunch and a dose of plant-based protein.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the chickpeas while carrying the spices evenly.
- Granulated sugar: Offers sweetness that perfectly balances the warmth of the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a fragrant, warming spice that makes the snack irresistible.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from getting overwhelming.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes
Step 1: Prepare Your Chickpeas
Begin by draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry using a paper towel. Removing as much moisture as possible is crucial because it helps the chickpeas crisp up beautifully during air frying. Loose skins can be removed gently but aren’t necessary—it’s all about that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Spices
Next, toss your dried chickpeas with olive oil to ensure every bean gets a light coating that aids browning. Sprinkle on the sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and mix until the chickpeas are evenly coated. This step infuses them with that signature sweet-spiced flavor that makes these chickpeas so addictive.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to get the perfect cooking environment. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer inside the basket; this helps them roast evenly and get crispy all over. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent burning and to promote even cooking.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Once the chickpeas come out of the air fryer, let them cool completely. Cooling helps them firm up even more, giving you that irresistible crunch. Plus, it makes them safer to munch on right away without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of extra cinnamon on top just before serving can elevate the flavors and add a touch of visual appeal. You could also toss a few with finely chopped nuts like pistachios for a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet chickpeas.
Side Dishes
These chickpeas are fantastic as a standalone snack but also pair surprisingly well with creamy desserts like vanilla yogurt or ice cream. They add texture and a hint of spice that complements cool, smooth sides wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chickpeas in a small bowl lined with parchment paper for an irresistible snack presentation. To add an interactive element, set out a few dipping sauces such as honey, maple syrup, or even a chocolate drizzle. Your guests will love customizing their sweet, crunchy bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the crispy chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crunchy for up to 2 days but tend to lose their delightful crispness beyond that point.
Freezing
Although you can freeze cooked chickpeas, it’s best to enjoy this treat fresh for maximum crunch. Freezing and thawing may make them a bit chewy or soggy, so the freezer is not the ideal spot for these cinnamon sugar delights.
Reheating
To bring back some of the crispness if your chickpeas have softened, quickly reheat them in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This short blast of heat refreshes their crunch without overcooking or burning them.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas for this recipe?
You can, but you’ll need to cook and dry them thoroughly first, which adds to the prep time. Canned chickpeas save you time and still get wonderfully crispy when dried properly.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! These Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes use simple plant-based ingredients and contain no gluten, making them perfect for many dietary needs.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar or cinnamon according to your taste preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a surprising kick if you want to experiment.
Will these chickpeas stay crispy all day?
They’re best enjoyed within a few hours after cooking for maximum crispness. Storing them airtight helps, but over time, they will naturally soften due to humidity.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can try roasting the chickpeas in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and crispy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes enough for anyone looking to jazz up snack time with something sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. Quick to make and using pantry staples, they’ll become a beloved go-to for your snack cravings, impressing both family and friends with every bite. Give them a try and see how a simple can of chickpeas transforms into a crunchy treat bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness!
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Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas in 20 Minutes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas are a quick and delicious snack that combines the crunch of perfectly roasted chickpeas with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy treat is ideal for a flavorful, fiber-rich snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to ensure even and quick cooking of the chickpeas.
- Dry the Chickpeas: Pat the drained and rinsed chickpeas thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Season the Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow for optimal air flow and even roasting.
- Cook and Shake: Air fry the chickpeas for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chickpeas to cool before serving to let them crisp up fully and attain the perfect texture.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the chickpeas well for the crispiest results.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to suit your sweetness preference.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking prevents burning and promotes even crisping.
- Store leftover chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a savory twist, omit sugar and cinnamon and season with spices like paprika or garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer chickpeas, cinnamon sugar chickpeas, crispy chickpeas, healthy snack recipes, quick snacks, roasted chickpeas, sweet chickpea snack
