Get ready for the Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl – a fresh take on a classic! This bowl shines with golden, crispy chickpeas from the air fryer, offering an amazing crunch against vibrant vegetables and luscious dressings.

It’s a truly satisfying and wholesome meal, packed with flavor and fantastic textures.

At the heart of this recipe lies a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, bright, and hearty flavors. The smoky spices on the chickpeas provide a satisfying depth while fresh greens and crunchy veggies add brightness and vitality. Tangy lemon-tahini dressing ties everything together, balancing richness and refreshing notes for a truly well-rounded meal.

What makes this Buddha bowl truly stand out is its easy preparation using an air fryer, which offers a quick and oil-conscious way to achieve irresistibly crispy chickpeas. The vibrant presentation, featuring colorful vegetables and golden chickpeas, adds an elegant touch that makes this dish perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

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Why This Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl Recipe Delivers Delicious Flavor and Convenience

This recipe masterfully blends convenience with nutritious, crave-worthy flavors. Its practical, quick air fryer technique offers a healthy alternative to deep-frying chickpeas, while the balanced profile of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh elements satisfies diverse palates. The textural contrast and vibrant appearance make it an appealing and versatile meal option any day of the week.

Quick and Easy Preparation – Minimal hands-on time with the air fryer speeds up cooking while reducing oil usage, making it ideal for busy cooks.
Balanced and Bold Flavors – The combination of smoky spices, nutty tahini dressing, and bright fresh veggies creates a satisfying flavor profile.
Perfect Textural Contrast – Crispy chickpeas contrast delightfully with crunchy greens and creamy avocado or dressing for an enjoyable bite every time.
Versatile and Family-Friendly – Plant-based and customizable to suit various dietary needs, it92s suitable for all ages and occasions.
Simple Cleanup and Serve-Anywhere Meal – Easy-to-clean air fryer use and the all-in-one bowl format mean less mess and effortless serving.

Essential Ingredients for Making an Irresistible Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Using simple pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe transforms everyday components into a gourmet dish. Focus on quality ingredients for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – The main protein; drying and seasoning them well ensures a crispy finish in the air fryer.
Olive Oil 96 Coats chickpeas lightly to promote crunch and adds healthy fat to the bowl.
Smoked Paprika & Cumin – Provide smoky, earthy warmth that complements chickpeas and anchors the flavor.
Fresh Vegetables (like kale, carrot, cucumber) – Add vitamins, freshness, and textural variety to the bowl.
Quinoa or Brown Rice – Acts as a nutty base and provides wholesome carbs and protein.
Tahini – Creates creamy, nutty dressing that brightens and balances savory notes.
Lemon Juice – Adds acidity and brightness to cut through richness and elevate the overall flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this bowl is straightforward, combining crisp roasted chickpeas, nutrient-packed grains, and fresh vegetables, all pulled together with a luscious dressing. The air fryer ensures easy, fast chickpea crisping while keeping oil use low. Fresh veggies and a tangy tahini drizzle finish the bowl perfectly, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Prepare the Chickpeas – Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly and dry them completely using paper towels. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to ensure full seasoning. Dryness and even seasoning are key to crisp chickpeas.
Air Fry the Chickpeas – Spread chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 400b0F (200b0C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crunchy. This method quickly yields crispy texture without deep frying.
Cook the Grain Base – While chickpeas roast, cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork once done to keep it light and separate for the bowl base.
Prepare Fresh Vegetables – Chop your chosen fresh veggies such as kale, carrots, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Keep them crisp and fresh by adding just before assembly.
Make the Tahini Dressing – Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy dressing. Adjust consistency with water as desired. This dressing adds richness and brightness.
Assemble the Bowl – In each serving bowl, layer the grain base, a handful of fresh vegetables, and the crispy chickpeas on top. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing and add avocado or fresh herbs for extra creaminess and flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

When serving this nutritious Buddha bowl, it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh accompaniments that complement without overwhelming the bold flavors and textures. Consider simple, vibrant sides that add variety and freshness to your meal.

Simple Mixed Green Salad – Tossed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the tahini dressing.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Offer a sweet, tender contrast to the crispy chickpeas.
Grilled Asparagus – Adds subtle smokiness and crunch first to your plate.
Warm Whole Grain Bread or Flatbread – Great for scooping up any extra dressing and adds satisfying carbs.
Pickled Red Onions or Quick-Pickled Veggies – Provide a tangy bite that brightens every forkful.
Fresh Fruit Salad – Light and sweet, balances savory and smoky notes.
Herb-Infused Hummus – Adds an extra creamy dip option packed with flavor and protein.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers tasting fresh and maintain the bowl92s appealing textures as much as possible.

Cool the bowl ingredients completely before storing in airtight containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Reheat chickpeas and grains separately in an oven at 350b0F (175b0C) wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture without losing crispness.
Microwave individual portions in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to warm evenly without drying out.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Add a splash of water, broth, or additional dressing before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor balance.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Can I Use Other Legumes Instead of Chickpeas?

Absolutely! Roasted edamame, black beans, or lentils work well for a similar protein boost with slightly different textures and flavors.

Is It Possible to Prepare This Bowl Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can roast chickpeas and cook grains in advance. Keep fresh veggies and dressing separate until serving to maintain optimal texture.

How Do I Keep the Chickpeas from Becoming Soggy?

Ensure chickpeas are dried thoroughly and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer. Add wet ingredients like avocado or dressings just before serving.

Can I Freeze This Buddha Bowl?

You can freeze chickpeas and grains separately for up to two months. Veggies and dressings are best added fresh after thawing and reheating.

How Can I Make This Bowl Vegan or Gluten-Free?

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when using gluten-free grains like quinoa. Just double-check all ingredients like tahini and spice blends for compliance.

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Bowls

Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Bowls bring the bold flavors of buffalo wings into a wholesome, plant-based meal. Crispy chickpeas tossed in spicy buffalo sauce offer heat and crunch in every bite. This recipe combines comforting favorites with a fresh twist.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Plant-Based

Servings servings

Equipment

Air Fryer To crisp chickpeas quickly without deep frying

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas rinsed, dried completely
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil to coat chickpeas lightly for crisping
1/3 cup buffalo sauce homemade or store-bought, warmed slightly
1 cup cooked grains or cauliflower rice quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
1/2 cup fresh vegetables chopped celery, carrots, lettuce or similar
1/4 cup creamy dressing Greek yogurt, vegan ranch, or dairy-free options
2 tablespoons fresh herbs cilantro, parsley, or green onions, chopped

Instructions

Rinse canned chickpeas and pat dry completely to prevent steaming and ensure crispness.
Toss chickpeas with olive or avocado oil and seasonings. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook chickpeas at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
Warm buffalo sauce slightly, then mix with hot chickpeas to coat evenly.
Assemble bowls by placing grains or cauliflower rice at the bottom, adding chopped vegetables, then buffalo chickpeas. Drizzle with creamy dressing and sprinkle fresh herbs on top.
Serve immediately to enjoy peak crunchiness. Optionally, add lime wedges or pickled veggies for extra freshness.

Notes

Cool chickpeas completely before storing in an airtight container to avoid sogginess.
Reheat chickpeas in oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil.
Microwave grains and vegetables separately in short bursts to prevent sogginess.
Freeze chickpeas and grains in separate containers for up to two months.
Add a splash of sauce or broth when reheating grains or veggies to keep them moist.

Keyword air fryer chickpea recipes, buffalo chickpeas, plant-based bowl, spicy chickpea bowl

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!