Spicy New Orleans Style Air Fryer Chickpeas
These crispy air fryer chickpeas pack bold New Orleans flavor with paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Start with pressure-cooked garbanzos for the perfect tender interior, then air fry until golden and crunchy. The two-stage seasoning process ensures every bite is loaded with spicy, aromatic flavor. Perfect as a healthy snack, salad topping, or party appetizer that delivers satisfying crunch with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Rinse chickpeas thoroughly
- 2
Add water and chickpeas to Instant Pot
- 3
Set Instant Pot on high pressure for 35 minutes, close valve and start
- 4
When timer beeps, allow pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes, then turn valve to vent
- 5
Allow beans to cool, then drain and set aside 2 cups of cooked chickpeas
- 6
Combine paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder in a small bowl
- 7
Heat air fryer to 400°F
- 8
Add 2 cups cooked chickpeas and cook for 12 minutes
- 9
At 6 minutes, open air fryer, spray beans with cooking spray, and shake
- 10
Resume cooking for remaining 6 minutes
- 11
Transfer chickpeas to bowl and sprinkle with half of seasoning mixture, mixing to coat completely
- 12
Transfer back to air fryer and cook for additional 3 minutes at 400°F
- 13
Transfer back to bowl and mix in remaining seasoning mixture while beans are still hot
Tips
Store leftover cooked chickpeas in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months for future batches.
The two-stage seasoning process ensures maximum flavor - don't skip the final toss while beans are hot.
Spray with cooking oil halfway through for optimal crispiness and even browning.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best crispiness
Cook chickpeas up to 4 days ahead and store in refrigerator until ready to air fry
Serve immediately while hot and crispy as snack or salad topping
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the natural pressure release to avoid mushy chickpeas
Spray with oil halfway through to prevent dry, tough texture
Substitutions
skip pressure cooking step, drain and rinse canned
FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas instead?
Yes, drain and rinse canned chickpeas and skip the pressure cooking step. Pat dry thoroughly before air frying.
How long do these stay crispy?
Best eaten immediately but will stay reasonably crispy for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make these less spicy?
Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and add more paprika or garlic powder for flavor without heat.