Ingredients
Chickpeas Preparation
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, very well drained and thoroughly dried
- 1 Tbsp avocado or other neutral oil (optional, omit if avoiding oil)
BBQ Seasoning
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and prepare a bare or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain chickpeas well. If using oil, rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and drain again. If omitting oil, simply drain without rinsing.
- Dry Chickpeas: Spread chickpeas on a clean absorbent towel and gently roll them to dry thoroughly. Some skins will come off naturally; optionally peel all skins for extra crispiness.
- Oil the Chickpeas: Transfer chickpeas to a mixing bowl. If using oil, add and mix well to combine. Do not add other seasonings yet, as they can inhibit crisping.
- Bake Chickpeas: Spread chickpeas evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through for even cooking. Peeled or oil-free chickpeas may cook faster.
- Make BBQ Seasoning: In a medium bowl, mix maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne to form a paste.
- Coat Chickpeas: Remove chickpeas from oven while still warm. Toss gently with the BBQ seasoning paste until evenly coated.
- Cool and Set: Return coated chickpeas to the baking sheet and let cool completely so seasoning sets and chickpeas become crispy.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately as a snack or topping. Store in a container with a loosely fitted lid to keep them crispy for 4-5 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Notes
- Nutrition information is a rough estimate and calculated without optional ingredients like cayenne pepper.
- Using coconut sugar instead of maple syrup was tested but did not adhere to chickpeas as well.
- Removing skins from chickpeas yields a crispier texture but is optional.
- Do not add seasoning before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Allow chickpeas to cool fully after seasoning so coating can properly set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan