1. Dry the Chickpeas: After rinsing, ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly dried. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer. You can pat them dry with a kitchen towel or let them air-dry for a few minutes.

2. Season the Chickpeas: In a mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using. Toss well to ensure all chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasoning.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). It’s important to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to achieve the best texture in the chickpeas.

4. Cook the Chickpeas: Arrange the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and crispness.

5. Check for Doneness: The chickpeas should be golden and crispy when done. If they aren’t crispy enough after 20 minutes, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve or Store: Serve the chickpeas warm as a snack, or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They make a great topping for salads or soups.