Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chickpeas:
Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Pat the chickpeas dry as thoroughly as possible. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy texture.
Season the Chickpeas:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the dried chickpeas to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture.
Roast the Chickpeas:
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir the chickpeas halfway through the baking time to ensure even roasting.
Cool and Store:
Once the chickpeas are roasted to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Enjoy the roasted chickpeas immediately for the best crunch.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Note that they may lose some of their crispiness over time.
Serving Suggestions:
Oven-roasted chickpeas make a great snack on their own.
Use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.
Add them to trail mix for a boost of protein and flavor.
Enjoy this healthy and flavorful snack that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day!