There’s nothing quite like a crispy, spicy snack to go with a cold drink, and this Air Fryer Curried Chickpeas recipe hits the spot every time. It’s my air fryer twist on traditional Trinidadian fried channa, a popular street snack in both Trinidad and Guyana, only much healthier, since we skip the deep frying without losing any crunch.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. We start with canned chickpeas for convenience, dry them thoroughly, then air fry until golden and crisp. While they’re still hot, we coat them in a bold Caribbean mix of garlic, Scotch Bonnet pepper, green seasoning, and just a touch of sea salt. The result? An irresistible spicy chickpea snack that’s ready in minutes and stays crunchy for weeks (if you can keep them around that long!).
Whether you serve these on game night, with drinks, or just as a mid-afternoon crunch fix, you’ll quickly see why Caribbean channa is so beloved, and this air fryer version is the easiest way to bring it home.
Ingredient Guide
- Chickpeas (Channa): Use canned chickpeas for convenience—rinse, dry, and air fry for maximum crunch.
- Olive Oil: A small amount helps seasonings stick and promotes even crisping in the air fryer.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Adds authentic Caribbean heat. Leave whole or chop depending on how spicy you want it.
- Garlic: Crushed and added while chickpeas are hot, giving the snack that signature savory punch.
- Caribbean Green Seasoning: A fresh, herbaceous blend of culantro, parsley, garlic, and scallions that adds bright flavor.
- Sea Salt: Balances the spices and adds a crunchy texture.
Shopping Made Easy
- Grab canned chickpeas; no soaking or long prep needed.
- Look for fresh Scotch Bonnet peppers in Caribbean or international markets.
- You can find Caribbean green seasoning bottled, but homemade gives the best flavor.
- Use good-quality olive oil or substitute with avocado or canola oil.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Be sure to dry chickpeas thoroughly before air frying, this is key to getting them crispy.
- Shake your air fryer basket at least twice during cooking to prevent burning or uneven cooking.
- Coat chickpeas with garlic and seasoning while still hot—this helps the flavor soak in better.
- Let them cool completely before storing to maintain crunch.
- Store in a sealed jar or container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Are air fryer chickpeas healthy?
Yes! They’re protein-packed, low in fat, and use just a tablespoon of oil—great for guilt-free snacking.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, but they must be soaked and cooked first. Canned chickpeas are easier and work just as well.
How spicy is this?
That’s up to you—leave the pepper whole for mild heat or chop it for more kick.
What can I use instead of green seasoning?
Try a mix of chopped parsley, garlic, and scallion with a squeeze of lime juice.
Do I need to peel the chickpeas?
Nope! Just dry them well and they’ll crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Curried Chickpeas
Ingredients
Method
- Drain, rinse, and towel-dry chickpeas. Toss with olive oil.
- Meanwhile, crush garlic and pepper.
- When chickpeas are crisp, transfer to a bowl. Immediately toss with garlic, Scotch Bonnet, green seasoning, and salt.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
