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Learn how to make the best Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas in just 30 minutes with this step-by-step tutorial. They’re a healthy snack on their own, and delicious on top of salad or hummus, too!
Roasted chickpeas are one of my all-time favorite snacks. I love them on their own, on top of hummus, in a hummus bowl and even on top of zucchini. They’re incredibly versatile and they add a nice crunch to any dish.
Awhile back, I was chatting with my mom and she told me she tried to make roasted chickpeas but that they didn’t turn out crispy. Her comment got me thinking, and wondering what could have possibly gone wrong.
Over the past month I’ve done some experimenting of my own to determine the best solutions for roasting chickpeas, so follow along to learn how to make perfectly crunchy roasted chickpeas!
Ingredient notes:
- Chickpeas – I’ve only ever made roasted chickpeas using canned chickpeas, so I’d recommend those instead of dry chickpeas
- Olive oil – Any kind of oil works, but I typically use olive or avocado oil
- Seasoning – The recipe calls for cajun seasoning, which I think gives these a ton of flavor and a hint of spice. With that said, I recommend a few other options below.
How to make crunchy roasted chickpeas
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°. A hot oven will generally result in crispy chickpeas.
Step 2: Pour them into a colander or strainer. Run water over them for 10 seconds or so to remove any liquid from the can.
Step 3: Use several paper towels to pat them dry. You’re not going to be able to get them completely dry, but try to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Transfer chickpeas to a bowl, then drizzle them with olive oil and add the cajun seasoning, salt and pepper and stir so that they’re coated.
Step 5: Pour chickpeas out onto a baking sheet, then sprinkle them with 1/2 tsp more seasoning.
Step 6: Bake the chickpeas for 25-30 minutes, then remove them from the oven and wait 5 minutes before eating them!
Tips and Tricks
- Lining your baking sheet is optional. I almost never do, and I’ve never had issues with them sticking or ruining my baking sheet. With that said, if you want to be on the safe side, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil beforehand.
- If you’re making these chickpeas ahead of time, wait for them to cool before placing them in a container. Otherwise, they’ll look some of their crispiness from heat and therefore the moisture in the container.
What kind of seasoning should I use?
There are SO many different options for seasoning chickpeas. Some of my favorite options include: cajun seasoning, garlic herb seasoning and a combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika. But really, the options are endless.
Do roasted chickpeas need to be refrigerated?
No, and in fact, they shouldn’t be. Think of roasted chickpeas as a crunchy snack, similar to potato chips. They need to stay at room temperature in order to maintain the proper texture.
Are crunchy chickpeas a healthy snack?
Yes! They’re loaded with protein, and are an excellent meat substitution in any vegetarian dish.
More snack recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below!
How to Make Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz.)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning or more
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Pour chickpeas into a strainer, then rinse them off until all the liquid from the can is gone.
- Use several paper towels to pat the chickpeas dry. You won't be able to get them completely dry, but partially dry is the goal. Then, pour them into a bowl and add olive oil, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Pour chickpeas out onto a lined baking sheet, then sprinkle additional cajun seasoning on top (1-2 tsp).
- Bake chickpeas for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and wait 5 minutes before transferring them to a bowl.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in May 2014. It was updated with new text and photos in May 2020.
We’re going to try this tomorrow on our movie night! I can’t wait because we’re so bored with popcorn! Thanks for sharing!
I tried this tonight and it was wonderful! It was approached of by my picky husband, and my even pickier father so you know for sure its a winner 🙂
I’m so glad you and your family liked them! They’re one of my favorite snacks.
How many servings are in this recipe and how much do I put of the olive oil and spices?
For servings, it depends what you’re using them for. If you’re just eating them by themselves it’s about 1 serving (I typically eat them all at once) but if you’re putting them on top of a salad or something else, I’d say 2-4 servings. It’s 1 can of chickpeas, so however many servings you’d break that in to. As far as measurements, I’m not sure. I drizzle 1-2 tbsp olive oil before adding a lot of the spice–enough so that all of the chickpeas are covered. I hope you try them!
Okay, super obsessed with roasted chickpeas right now. I mad Alexis’s maple cinnamon and now I’ll have to make these! xo
Thanks for the tips! I’ve struggled with not so crunchy roasted chickpeas in the past…
omgosh I haven’t made crunchy chickpeas in forever! I’m thinking this should change realll soon
I DIE FOR THESE! DIE! Jump in front of a bus – ANYTHING! mmmmm!!!
This girl loves Chickpeas so i NEED to make these! Delicious!
Totally gonna try this. I feel like these would be a great salad topper? Or even yoghurt if i went the sweet route …
Loooove roasted chickpeas but haven’t made them in way too long. I went the sweet route with them last time, so I’m going to have to try a more savoury route this time. Nothing TOO spicy, though, since I’m a complete wimp when it comes to the hot stuff!
I really need to make these! They seem really yummy and I’m looking for a healthy snack now that I’m in serious XC training mode.
Roasted chickpeas are the best! Especially when they’re crunchy. Mmm…
Yummy! I shouldn’t have just thrown all my chickpeas in the slow cooker….they are on their way to being soft….should have kept them hard and made this as I much prefer crunchy. Oh well, thats an excuse to buy more chickpeas right? 🙂
Yum!! I still have yet to try these! I really want to try them out when my boyfriend is here because he loves chickpeas so much. I’m think spicy too!! Definitely the flavor I always gravitate towards. Hmmm maybe chili lime???
Thanks for the step-by-step guide! I have yet to try roasted chickpeas, but have been seeeing them pop up everywhere! Between you and Amanda, I think I’ll have to give them a go ;)!
Pinned!
I need to try roasting chickpeas (finally). Last night for the first time, I sauteed them in a pan with salt, pepper, and chipotle seasoning to top on a salad. They were AMAZING and I definitely need to blog the salad recipe (my latest instagram post), but it was a quick way to get the same crunchy outside and creamy inside 🙂 I love beans lol – maybe I should try this with another type of bean/legume!
Yes I’m so happy you posted this. My mom and coworker make these but I haven’t been able to figure out a good recipe because they keep theirs so well hidden 🙂 Can’t wait to try
Great guide! I wanted to make these as a snack but I was worried they would get soggy if I tried to eat them the next day. Chickpeas are a wonder food! You can do so much with them!
This was way helpful. I’ve been wanting to roast the chickpeas sitting in my pantry, but I probably would’ve made soggy ones if I hadn’t seen this first!
Yay, roasted chickpeas!!! You know I’m a fan! I can’t wait to try them out!