Crispy Cajun Chickpeas - Crispy Hummus Snack Appetizers

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Oh Boy Hummus... Well, Chickpeas anyway.

But not just any Chickpeas, these little addictive gems are baked (or fried) to a crispy crunchy texture with a hint of spice from a simple store bought spice mix.  In this case, Cajun/Creole spices!

Quick note... I used an air fryer to make these, but I also added directions for making them in a conventional oven.  Just keep scrolling down for both recipes.

As you may know, Hummus, that glorious dip, seemingly newly discovered by the health crazed crowd is almost all Chickpeas.  These have all the health benefits, all the low calorie goodness associated with Hummus... But in a fun delicious crunchy snack.  Perfect when you crave a crunchy potato chip substitute.

And best of all... EASY!  Only 4 ingredients and only a few steps.  the recipe is easily adapted, just change the spices.  Taco, BBQ, savory Garlic Parmesan... About any spice mix can be used.

But wait, there's more.  I recently bought a new "toy".  An air fryer, the star of plenty of late night 30 minute infomercials and is now popping up on the Home Shopping Networks.  I was a bit skeptical, but after using this a few times, I am in love.  Got left over French fries from the night before... this will re-crisp them up.  Want to make a small meal without dirtying up the kitchen, this is your new best friend.  Want the texture and flavor of fried foods.  Yep, here is your answer.

Below are links to what I used to make this recipe (including the spice mix).  I HIGLY recommend the  Air Fry Everything: Foolproof Recipes for Fried Favorites and Easy Fresh Ideas by Blue Jean Chef, Meredith Laurence (The Blue Jean Chef) Book.  It provides a great general over view of how to work your new toy, but also has over 100 recipes that you can make, ranked by quality and ease (try a couple of the easy recipes to get you started).

         

Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe (both Air Fryer and Conventional Oven)

 OK, Here's What I Did...

Crispy Cajun Chickpeas

Ingredients

• 1 (15 OZ) Can Chickpeas (also called garbonzo Beans)
• 1 TBS Cajun SPice mix
• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Mixing Directions

1. Cooking Directions for a Conventional Oven... Drain and rinse the Beans
2. Preheat oven to 425 Degrees.  Use the preheat time to fry the chickepeas.  They crisp up best when dry.  On a cookie sheet, covered with Parchment paper, spread the wet peas in a single layer.
3. bake for about 5 minutes (time it takes my oven to preheat).  The beans should be dry by that time.  Remove beans and put into a mixing bowl.
4. Add the spice mix and the Olive Oil.  Fold to evenly coat all of the peas.
5. Spread the beans in a single layer back on the parchment paper.  Bake for 20 minutes until the peas have a crispy crunchy color and texture.
6. Add additional Sea Salt for extra flavor.
7. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature and ENJOY!
8. Cooking Directions for a an Air Fryer... Drain and rinse the Beans
9. Preheat Air Fryer to 290 degrees
10. Use the preheat time to fry the chickepeas.  They crisp up best when dry.  In the provided wire basket, spread the wet peas in a flat single layer.
11. bake for about 2-3 minutes (time it takes my air fryer to preheat).  The beans should be dry by that time.  Remove beans and put into a mixing bowl.
12. Add the spice mix and the Olive Oil.  Fold to evenly coat all of the peas.
13. Spread the beans in a flat layer back in the wire basket.  Bake for 12 minutes,,, BUT, very important, after 6 minutes, remove basket from airfryer and shale to distribute the peas in a different location, different parts on top.  This insures even "frying".  Return to fryer and "fry"  until the peas have a crispy crunchy color and texture.
14. Add additional Sea Salt for extra flavor.
15. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature and ENJOY!