Crispy Air Fryer Za'atar Chickpea Snack

• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons za'atar seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
2. After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving max crispiness.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, ensuring they're evenly coated.
4. Add za'atar seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the chickpeas. Mix well until all chickpeas are evenly coated with the spice blend.
5. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping. Watch closely during the last 3 minutes to avoid burning.
7. Once crispy and golden brown, transfer chickpeas to a bowl and add lemon zest for a fresh finish if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and added aroma, then enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Chef tips

• Make sure to dry chickpeas completely after rinsing; excess moisture prevents crispiness.
• If you don’t have za'atar, you can substitute with a mixture of dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, or use a chili-lime seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Shake or toss the chickpeas midway through cooking to prevent uneven cooking or burning.
• Use canned chickpeas for convenience, but dried chickpeas that have been cooked and dried thoroughly work well too.