Savory Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

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Crispy roasted chickpeas are my absolute favorite snack to whip up when I’m craving something crunchy and salty—but still want to keep things healthy. Seriously, once you discover how easy and delicious these are, you’ll never look at a can of chickpeas the same way again.

Chickpeas are naturally packed with protein and fiber, and roasting them in the oven transforms them into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for munching. I especially love this savory combination of sesame oil, garlic powder, and cumin—it makes the chickpeas irresistibly tasty with just enough spice to keep you reaching for more.

You can toss them on salads, soups, or grain bowls for extra crunch, but they’re equally delicious eaten by the handful straight from the bowl (my preferred method!). They’re perfect as a healthy snack alternative for movie nights, afternoon munching, or even as a fun appetizer at gatherings. I promise, once you’ve tried homemade crispy chickpeas, store-bought snacks just won’t compare.

Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips to guarantee perfectly crispy chickpeas every single time:

• Dry your chickpeas thoroughly: This step is key! Removing as much moisture as possible is what gets them truly crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread chickpeas evenly so they bake evenly. Too crowded, and they’ll steam instead of crisping.
• Shake the pan regularly: This ensures even cooking on all sides for maximum crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (16 oz. / 450g) chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin

Alternative Ingredients:

If sesame oil isn’t your favorite or you don’t have it on hand, olive oil, avocado oil, or even coconut oil works wonderfully too, each providing a slightly different flavor profile.

You can easily switch up your seasoning—smoked paprika, chili powder, curry powder, or even taco seasoning are fantastic options if you want a different vibe.

Want something sweet instead of savory? Try a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of sugar for sweet crunchy chickpeas. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime zest after baking—delicious and refreshing! See my sweet recipe here.

Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain chickpeas, then rinse thoroughly under cold water. Spread them out on a lint-free towel or paper towel, patting them completely dry. Remove any loose chickpea skins for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Season Chickpeas

In a medium bowl, combine the dry chickpeas with sesame oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Spread chickpeas onto a rimmed baking sheet in a single, even layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, carefully shaking or stirring the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even roasting. Chickpeas are done when they’re golden brown and crunchy.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool completely. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy immediately for best texture and crunch!

How to Conserve the Recipe

Crispy chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven because they’re crispiest on the first day. If you do have leftovers, store them uncovered at room temperature in a bowl, lightly covered with a paper towel—this helps maintain crispness for up to two days.

For longer storage, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If refrigerated, they’ll lose some crunch, but you can quickly revive them by reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing roasted chickpeas, as the texture changes once thawed, turning soft and chewy rather than crispy. It’s so quick and easy to make fresh batches; you’ll likely prefer doing that instead.

Different Ways to Serve the Dish

Crispy chickpeas are super versatile and make a delicious snack or topping for various dishes. Serve them as a healthy, protein-rich snack alternative instead of chips or popcorn—perfect for movie nights or afternoon munching. They’re fantastic added to salads, grain bowls, or soups to give an extra crunchy texture and boost of flavor.

Hosting a party? Put out a bowl of these chickpeas alongside other appetizers—your guests will love this savory, crunchy snack option. Another delicious idea: sprinkle these chickpeas onto hummus or avocado toast for added crunch and flavor. You can also use them as a topping for roasted veggies or pasta dishes, adding both nutrition and irresistible texture. However you choose to enjoy them, crispy roasted chickpeas are sure to become your new snack obsession—I know they’re definitely mine!