Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea & Sweet Potato Bites

• 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness)
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes and chickpeas with olive oil until evenly coated.
3. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Toss well to ensure all pieces are fully coated with the seasoning.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, then gently toss again to combine. This adds a crispy, slightly cheesy crust once cooked.
6. Place the seasoned chickpeas and sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure crispiness; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chickpeas should be crunchy and the sweet potatoes tender with slightly crispy edges.
8. Remove from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.

Chef tips

• Make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before seasoning to help them crisp up better in the air fryer.
• If you don’t have Parmesan or want a vegan option, swap it for nutritional yeast or omit it altogether.
• Adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level, or substitute with smoked sweet paprika for a milder flavor.
• Cook in batches if making a larger portion to avoid steaming and losing crispiness.
• Sweet potatoes vary in size and moisture, so if bites aren’t crispy enough at the end of cooking, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.