Crispy baked chickpeas are a healthy, crunchy snack that’s easy to make and highly customizable with different seasonings. Here’s a basic recipe along with some variations for flavoring:
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse them well under cold water and drain them thoroughly. Pat the chickpeas dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. The drier they are, the crispier they will get.
- Remove the skins (optional): You can gently rub the chickpeas between your hands to loosen and remove the skins. This step isn’t necessary, but it can help make the chickpeas even crispier.
- Toss with oil and seasonings: In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste. Make sure the chickpeas are evenly coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet: Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not crowded, so they bake evenly.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes: Bake the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 25–35 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring the chickpeas halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the chickpeas cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Flavor Variations:
Here are some ideas for different flavor profiles:
1. Spicy Sriracha-Lime
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Juice of half a lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2. Sweet & Savory
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
3. Curry & Coconut
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
4. Herb & Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary or thyme (or a combination)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5. BBQ
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder