Crispy Chickpeas with Taco Seasoning

Crispy Chickpeas are an easy, versatile snack. These Crispy Chickpeas are pan fried and tossed in taco seasoning. Eat them as a snack or in a taco shell for a vegetarian taco! 

When it comes to snacking around here, crispy snacks rule the roost. We snack on pretzels, chips, crackers, seasoned nuts. You name it, if it’s a crunchy snack you can bet my family is all over it.

My littlest kiddo, absolutely adores crispy chickpeas. He asks me to make them at least once a week. His personal favorite are Curried Chickpeas. And I don’t blame him, curry and chickpeas are a great combo.

However, I am always looking for new flavors to try. These Crispy Chickpeas with Taco Seasoning is my latest version. They make a fabulous snack and would make an excellent vegetarian taco filling!

Tips for making crispy chickpeas:

Since I am making crispy chickpeas at least once a week, I’ve pretty much perfected my technique.

Tip #1: It is very important to rinse and pat dry the chickpeas. That helps them get crispier in the pan.

Tip #2: You will need an oil with a higher smoke point. I recommend using Avocado oil which has a smoke point of 520 degrees.

Tip #3: This is something I just discovered recently, cover the chickpeas while they are cooking. You’ll want to shake the pan every couple of minutes to make sure they don’t burn. I find that this does two things: helps keep the chickpeas in the pan when they pop and the chickpeas get crispier.

Tip #4: Season the chickpeas after you’ve removed them from the heat. If you the season the chickpeas when they are still cooking, you run the risk of the seasoning burning.

Tip #5: This recipe can easily be doubled, just make sure that your pan is large enough to keep the chickpeas in a single layer.

How do you make crispy chickpeas?

Step 1: Drain the chickpeas, rinse and gently pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat.  Once hot add in the chickpeas and spread them in a single layer in the pan.

Step 3: Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Shake the pan every minute or every 2 minutes to help prevent burning. Stirring also works.

Step #4: Remove chickpeas from heat and add taco seasoning. Toss to coat.

Step #5: Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate and serve immediately.

One of my favorite things about Crispy Chickpeas is that they are so versatile. You can make them with taco seasoning like I have done here. You could add some cajun seasoning, garlic or anything that you like. The possibilities are truly endless!

Looking for more ways to use chickpeas? Check out these Chickpea Recipes 

Quick Olive Oil Hummus 

Crispy Chickpea and Arugula Salad

Chickpea Cakes

Cauliflower Chickpeas

Here are some of our other favorite Appetizer and Snack Recipes: 

Deep Fried Pickles

Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky

Marinated Olives