Crispy Chickpea Snack

Crunchy roasted chickpeas tossed in warming spices make for an addictive, protein-rich snack. This easy, Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is perfect for healthy munching and is naturally vegan and gluten-free, providing a satisfyingly crisp texture in every bite.

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With only 10 minutes of preparation time and 35 minutes of roasting, you can transform a basic can of chickpeas into a golden treat seasoned with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Pat the chickpeas dry thoroughly with paper towels—removing as much moisture as possible for maximum crispiness.

Step 3

Spread chickpeas on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 4

Roast for 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

Step 5

Remove from oven, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 6

Return to oven and roast for another 12–15 minutes, shaking once, until golden and crisp.

Step 7

Let cool for 10 minutes—the chickpeas will continue to crisp up as they cool. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra crunch, you can optionally peel the chickpeas before roasting. Ensuring they are patted dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap the spices for variety. Try using curry powder, chili powder, zaatar, or Italian herbs to create different flavor profiles for this versatile snack.

Serviervorschläge

These chickpeas are wonderful on their own as a healthy snack, but they also serve as an excellent crunchy salad topper or a protein-rich addition to grain bowls.

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Whether you enjoy them warm or save them for later, these crispy roasted chickpeas are a simple and nutritious solution for any snack craving.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the crispiest chickpeas?

Pat chickpeas completely dry with paper towels before roasting. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving maximum crunch. You can also remove the outer skins for extra crispiness.

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, cook dried chickpeas until tender, then drain and dry them thoroughly before roasting. Canned chickpeas work perfectly well and save preparation time.

→ How long do these stay crunchy?

Properly roasted chickpeas stay crisp for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They may soften slightly over time but can be re-crisped in a warm oven.

→ What other spice combinations work well?

Try curry powder for Indian flair, chili powder for extra heat, zaatar for Mediterranean notes, or Italian herbs for a classic twist. The roasting method works with any spice blend you enjoy.

→ Are these suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Make a large batch and store in portions. They're perfect for grab-and-go snacking, adding protein to salads, or topping grain bowls throughout the week.