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Discover the delicious world of plant-based snacking with these Crunchy Air Fryer Ranch Chickpea Tenders. This innovative recipe brings together the nutritious benefits of chickpeas with the irresistible crunch of air frying, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals who crave something flavorful and satisfying. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and the health benefits of chickpeas while providing a comprehensive guide to making these delightful tenders.

Delicious Air Fryer Ranch Chickpea Tenders

Cozy up with these Crunchy Air Fryer Ranch Chickpea Tenders, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack. This innovative recipe transforms chickpeas into a crispy delight, coated in ranch dressing and seasoned breadcrumbs. Packed with protein and fiber, these tenders are a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love. Try them tonight for a flavorful twist on plant-based eating, and don't forget to save this for later!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for an extra crunch)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)

1/4 cup ranch dressing (choose store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray or olive oil for misting

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water, then spread them out on a clean paper towel. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and carefully remove any loose skins to enhance their crispiness during cooking.

    Mix the Coating: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko), flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a uniformly seasoned coating.

      Coat the Chickpeas: Transfer the dried chickpeas into a separate mixing bowl and drizzle the ranch dressing over them. Gently toss the chickpeas using a spatula or your hands until each one is thoroughly coated in the dressing. Allow the chickpeas to rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors of the ranch.

        Apply the Breadcrumb Mixture: Working with small batches, take a handful of the ranch-coated chickpeas and roll them in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. If you desire an extra crispy texture, return the chickpeas to the ranch dressing for a second coating, followed by another roll in the breadcrumbs.

          Air Fry the Tenders: Arrange the coated chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded for optimal crispiness. Lightly mist the tops with your choice of cooking spray or olive oil. Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping, until they are golden brown and delightfully crunchy.

            Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the chickpea tenders from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute. Serve immediately with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping, and delight in the crunchy, flavorful goodness!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings