Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas with Spices
Crunchy oven-roasted chickpeas deliver a healthy, protein-rich snack with four unique seasoning variations. This easy, quick recipe uses pantry staples to create a satisfying treat that’s perfect for anytime munching or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for lining)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Citrus zester and juicer
- Medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cans 19 oz each cooked chickpeas, drained and dried
- 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Seasoning options (choose one):
- 2 tsp smoked paprika + 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp ginger
- Juice and zest of 1 lime + 2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Dry and Prep the Chickpeas:Thoroughly rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess sodium and liquid. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and gently pat dry. For extra crunch, remove any loose skins that naturally come off during drying.
- Coat Chickpeas with Oil and Salt: Transfer the dried chickpeas to a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every chickpea is evenly coated with oil and seasoning, which helps achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Initial Roasting for Crispness: Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, shaking or stirring the chickpeas every 10 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Add Flavor and Final Crisping: Remove the tray from the oven and evenly sprinkle your chosen seasoning mixture over the roasted chickpeas. Return the tray to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. The chickpeas should be golden, fragrant, and crunchy when done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chickpeas cool slightly on the baking sheet; this helps them crisp up further. Enjoy them warm for the best crunch, or store for later snacking
Notes
- Adjust seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences; feel free to mix and match spice blends for your own unique flavor.
- Drying chickpeas thoroughly is key to crispiness — removing the skins where possible improves texture.
- Storage tip: Keep roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature but avoid sealing them completely airtight, as a bit of airflow helps maintain crunch. They may lose some crispness after a day but remain delicious and satisfying.
- Versatility: This snack is perfect on its own, tossed into salads, or used as a crunchy topping for soups and grain bowls.
- Nutritional info reflects one serving out of four and excludes added seasonings.
