Prepare the Chickpeas:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes while you prepare the chickpeas.
2. Drain and Rinse the Chickpeas: Open the can of chickpeas and drain them well. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess liquid and sodium.
3. Pat Dry: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to thoroughly pat the chickpeas dry. This step is crucial to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Season the Chickpeas:

4. Coat with Oil and Spices: In a large bowl, add the dried chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss everything together until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the spices and oil.

Air Fry the Chickpeas:

5. Air Fry the Chickpeas: Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in an even layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
6. Cook: Air fry the chickpeas at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.

Cool and Serve:

7. Cool the Chickpeas: Once the chickpeas are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. The chickpeas will continue to crisp up as they cool.
8. Optional Lemon Juice: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chickpeas before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Snack Time: Serve your Air Fryer Crunchy Chili-Spiced Chickpeas on their own for a tasty snack or sprinkle them on salads, bowls, or soups to add a delicious crunch and a pop of flavor.