Prep the Chickpeas: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it preheats, pat the drained chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this will help them become crispy.
Season and Coat: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss everything together so the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch (or chickpea flour) over the seasoned chickpeas and toss once more until they are fully coated. This will give them an extra crunch when cooked in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should be golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy: Serve your crispy chickpea bites warm as a delicious snack, or pair with your favorite dipping sauce like hummus or tzatziki.