Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Drain and Rinse Chickpeas:
Drain the canned chickpeas into a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy texture.
Remove Outer Skins (Optional):
For an extra crispy result, you can remove the outer skins of the chickpeas. Simply pinch each chickpea, and the skin should slip off easily. This step is optional but enhances the crunchiness.
Season the Chickpeas:
In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the flavorful spice mix.
Spread on Baking Sheet:
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are well-spaced to allow for even roasting.
Roast in the Oven:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy. Shake the pan or stir the chickpeas halfway through the cooking time for uniform crispiness.
Cool and Enjoy:
Once roasted to perfection, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Customize Your Crunch:
Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs to suit your taste. Some variations include adding a pinch of curry powder, chili powder, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Snack Time Delight:
Your homemade roasted chickpeas are ready to be enjoyed! Snack on them as they are, toss them into salads, or use them as a crunchy topping for soups.