Deliciously Crunchy Chickpea Snack: Crispy Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
Are you in the mood for a satisfying, crunchy snack? These crispy ranch roasted chickpeas provide the perfect solution! Packed with protein and fiber, they can be easily prepared in either the oven or air fryer.
If you’re finding your snack stash lacking, simply reach for a can of chickpeas from your pantry and whip up a batch of these tasty morsels. Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can do much more than just star in homemade hummus!
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can put them together—within five minutes! Then just bake or air fry until they reach that delightful crunch. These little bites never last long in my home!
These ranch-infused roasted chickpeas are not only a crunchy treat but also a healthy gluten-free option. They can be enjoyed on their own or used as a deliciously crunchy topping for salads, harvest bowls, wraps, and more.
For those aiming to increase their fiber intake, these roasted chickpeas are a delicious way to achieve that goal. Even celebrities can’t get enough of this powerhouse ingredient—it’s featured in the famous Jennifer Aniston salad recipe!
Searching for more nutritious snack inspiration? Be sure to check out a variety of snacks that promote weight loss or late-night munchies!
Ingredients for Crispy Ranch Chickpeas
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients brimming with nutritional goodness to create this delectable chickpea snack. Be sure to reference the recipe card for the specific quantities required.
- Chickpeas: Use one can (about 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas) for this recipe. Ensuring they are thoroughly dried is crucial to achieving that crispy texture.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil helps the chickpeas crisp up and allows the ranch seasoning to adhere.
- Ranch Seasoning: You can opt for a store-bought ranch dressing mix or create your own from scratch!
Create Your Own Ranch Seasoning
If you don’t have ranch seasoning at your disposal, don’t worry! Whipping up a batch at home is incredibly easy, and you can make it dairy-free, too.
You will likely have some leftover seasoning, which you can store in a jar for future roasted chickpeas, roasted vegetables, or even for making ranch dressing.
Here’s how to make your own ranch seasoning:
- 1 ½ tablespoons buttermilk powder (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
If dried chives aren’t available, you may substitute with 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Alternative Air Fryer Chickpea Seasoning Options
While ranch seasoning is a favorite, feel free to experiment with different spices from your pantry for a unique twist on these crispy roasted chickpeas. Some suggested options include:
- Curry powder
- Tajin
- Cayenne
- Za’atar
- Taco seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
How to Make Roasted Chickpeas
This roasted chickpeas recipe comes together in just a few easy steps, and below you can find instructions for both oven and air fryer methods. While both are effective, the air fryer often delivers a slightly crispier result in less time.
Oven Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.
- Dry the Chickpeas: Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. Toss out any loose skins—this step is vital for achieving that crispiness!
- Season: Place the dried chickpeas in a bowl, and mix them with olive oil and ranch seasoning.
- Bake: Spread the chickpeas on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.
Air Fryer Method
- Dry the Chickpeas: Similar to the oven method, rinse and drain the chickpeas, then dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Discard any skins that have come loose.
- Season: In a bowl, coat the dried chickpeas with olive oil and ranch seasoning.
- Air Fry: Ensure that the chickpeas are spread out in the air fryer for optimal crisping. If your air fryer is small, work in batches. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until they reach a golden, crispy state. Allow cooling for 5 minutes before serving.
Storing Your Roasted Chickpeas
These roasted chickpeas are best enjoyed on the same day they are made for maximum crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can lead to sogginess.
Longevity of Roasted Chickpeas
Homemade roasted chickpeas maintain their crunchiest texture on the day they are prepared, so it’s advisable to make small batches. When stored properly, they remain fresh for up to 2 days but may lose some crispness and can become chewy over time.
Nutritional Benefits of Roasted Chickpeas
Keeping a few cans of chickpeas stocked in your pantry is a wise choice. They are budget-friendly, versatile, and loaded with essential nutrients.
Chickpeas are rich in fiber (12.5 grams) and plant-based protein (14.5 grams) while being relatively low in calories (269 kcal per cup). They are great sources of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
A serving of oven-roasted chickpeas contains only 125 calories but provides 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making them a filling snack option. If you’re seeking to incorporate more fiber into your diet, this crunchy snack is a delightful way to do so. Plus, recent dietary guidelines suggest an increase in bean consumption for better health.
