Snack Smarter: Satisfy Your Cravings with Air Fryer Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas – Vegan and Gluten-Free
Experience a flavor explosion with our Air Fryer Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Recipe! These crispy chickpeas are loaded with zesty buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, creating a perfect balance of heat and coolness. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. This vegan and gluten-free snack is ideal for sharing with friends or munching on solo. Whether as a midday snack or a party appetizer, the Air Fryer Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Recipe is sure to leave you wanting more.
Table of Contents
The History of Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer
Chickpeas have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. They originated in the Mediterranean region and were first cultivated around 7500 years ago. Chickpeas were a popular ingredient in Ottoman cuisine and were spread throughout the world by traders and travelers. Today, chickpeas are a staple in many cultures around the world, including the United States.
Buffalo sauce, on the other hand, is a relatively new creation. It was invented in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. She created the sauce as a way to serve chicken wings in a different and unique way. The sauce quickly became popular, and soon, Buffalo-style chicken wings became a staple in bars and restaurants across the country.
Ranch dressing is another relatively new invention. It was created by Steve Henson in 1949 while working as a plumber in Alaska. Henson and his wife, Gayle, started serving their homemade dressing at their dude ranch in California, and it quickly became popular. They started selling it under the name “Hidden Valley Ranch,” and the rest is history. Today, ranch dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings in the United States.
The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing is a match made in heaven. The tangy and spicy buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the cool and creamy ranch dressing. And when you add this mixture to chickpeas and cook them in an air fryer, the result is a crispy and flavorful snack that will leave you craving more.
So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, give Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer
Crispier Chickpeas
To achieve the crispiest chickpeas possible, after coating them with the cornstarch mixture, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This will help them crisp up even more when air frying.
Air Fryer Size Matters
Be sure to check the size of your air fryer basket and adjust the recipe accordingly. You may need to cook the chickpeas in batches if your air fryer is smaller than the recommended size.
Do Not Overcrowd
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it may result in uneven cooking and less crispy chickpeas. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate and cook the chickpeas properly.
Adjust Seasonings
If you prefer spicier, add more buffalo sauce, or if you like them creamier, add more ranch dressing. Taste as you go to make sure you’re achieving your desired flavors.
Make Your Own Ranch Dressing
Consider making your own ranch dressing from scratch to control the flavor and ingredients. A homemade dressing will add a much better flavor than store-bought dressing.
Meal Prep
These chickpeas make great meal prep options for a quick and easy snack or addition to your meals. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes and enjoy.
How Many Calories are in Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer?
Nutrition Facts
2 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 355
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 10g
What Drinks Pair Best with Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer?
Wine pairing: For this spicy and crispy dish, a perfect wine pairing would be a slightly sweet and fruity Riesling. The sweetness of the wine will balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce while the acidity will cut through the creaminess of the ranch dressing.
Beer pairing: A suitable beer pairing for Air Fryer Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Recipe would be a Pale Ale. The hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness of a pale ale will complement the spicy and tangy flavor of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for this recipe would be a Classic Margarita. The saltiness and spiciness of the air fryer buffalo ranch chickpeas will be balanced by the tangy citrus notes of the margarita.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chickpeas in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpeas
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the chickpeas and rinse them well.
- In a bowl, mix together buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
- Add chickpeas to the mixture and stir until fully coated.
- In another bowl, mix together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the coated chickpeas to the bowl with cornstarch mixture. Stir until all the chickpeas are coated with the mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Add the chickpeas to the air fryer basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking.
- Take out the basket and let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
