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Air Fryer Chickpea Shawarma - Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (enough to lightly coat)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For serving: warm pita or flatbread, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, romaine, pickled turnips or pickles, and fresh herbs like parsley
  • Sauces: tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or lemony hummus
  • Lemon wedges, for finishing

Method
 

  1. Dry the chickpeas well. After rinsing, spread them on a clean towel and pat dry. Drier chickpeas mean better crisping in the air fryer.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). A hot basket helps the chickpeas crisp quickly.
  3. Mix the spice blend. In a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cinnamon (if using), cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  4. Toss chickpeas with oil and spices. In a large bowl, add the dried chickpeas and olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix over and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Air fry in a single layer. Add the chickpeas to the basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They’re done when crisp and lightly blistered.
  6. Taste and finish. While still hot, add a pinch more salt if needed and a squeeze of lemon. The acidity brightens the spices.
  7. Assemble your shawarma. Warm pita, add a swipe of tahini or yogurt sauce, pile in chickpeas, then top with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, romaine, pickles, and herbs. Drizzle more sauce and a final squeeze of lemon.