Crafting crispy, flavorful Air Fried Black Eyed Peas has never been easier or healthier. This simple recipe transforms humble black-eyed peas into a delicious, guilt-free snack or side dish, perfect for adding a touch of Southern charm to any meal. It’s a quick, convenient, and incredibly versatile way to enjoy this beloved legume.
Key Ingredients for Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (canned, rinsed, and drained, or cooked from dried) – approximate weight after cooking is 10-12 oz
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How to Make Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
This Air Fried Black Eyed Peas recipe consistently delivers a deliciously satisfying crunch with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a quick snack or a wholesome side. With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 15-20 minutes, these perfectly seasoned peas are both simple to make and incredibly flavorful. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional fried snacks, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Black Eyed Peas: If using canned black-eyed peas, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water. Pat them very dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness. If you’re cooking them from dried, ensure they are fully cooked but still firm, then drain and pat dry.
- Season the Peas: In a medium bowl, combine the dried black-eyed peas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until the peas are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Pour the seasoned black-eyed peas into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning and crisping. The peas are done when they are golden brown, slightly shrunken, and wonderfully crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the crispy Air Fried Black Eyed Peas to a serving dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
You’ll absolutely adore these Air Fried Black Eyed Peas for their incredible crispiness, reminiscent of your favorite crunchy snacks but with a fraction of the oil. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-packed, fiber-rich legume, transforming it into an irresistible treat that’s both healthy and satisfying. Making them at home saves you money compared to buying pre-packaged, often heavily processed snacks, giving you peace of mind about what you’re eating.
The smoky paprika, savory garlic and onion powder, and optional hint of cayenne pepper create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Unlike boiled or stewed black-eyed peas, this air-fried version offers a unique texture that’s incredibly addictive. It’s like a healthier, more flavorful alternative to roasted chickpeas! Don’t just take my word for it – give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy black-eyed peas.
The Ultimate Dinner Ideas Ebook 🍽️
20 simple, comforting dinner recipes you can make any night of the week — easy steps, cozy flavors, and stress-free cooking.
- ⚡ Quick & easy dinners for busy nights
- 📘 20 family-approved recipes
- 🛒 Simple ingredients you already use
- 📥 Instant digital download
Instant digital download • Secure checkout on Gumroad
What to Serve Air Fried Black Eyed Peas With
These versatile Air Fried Black Eyed Peas are delicious on their own as a snack, but they also make an excellent side dish or topping.
- As a Side: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, or a hearty vegetarian main course.
- In a Bowl: Add them to grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful dressing for a complete meal.
- Salad Topper: Sprinkle them over fresh salads for an extra crunch and a boost of protein, much like croutons or roasted nuts.
- Dip Accompaniment: Pair them with a creamy avocado dip, hummus, or smoky baba ghanoush for a delightful appetizer spread.
- Garnish: Use them as a garnish for soups or stews to add texture and flavor.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
- Dryness is Key: The absolute most important tip for crispy Air Fried Black Eyed Peas is to ensure they are extremely dry before seasoning. Any residual moisture will steam the peas instead of crisping them. After rinsing, spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat diligently. You can even let them air dry for 15-20 minutes after patting.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If the basket is too full, the air can’t circulate effectively, leading to uneven cooking and steaming. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring a single layer of peas.
- Shake Frequently: Shaking the air fryer basket every 5-7 minutes is crucial. This redistributes the peas, promoting even browning and preventing sticking.
- Adjust Cook Time for Texture: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the desired crispiness. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time. For maximum crunch, you might need an extra few minutes.
- Seasoning Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your spices! Try adding a pinch of cumin, chili powder, oregano, or even a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking can also brighten the flavors.
- Avoid Excess Oil: While a little oil helps with crispiness and spice adhesion, too much oil can make the peas greasy rather than crisp. Stick to the recommended amount.
- Cooked vs. Canned: Both cooked-from-scratch and canned black-eyed peas work well. If cooking from dried, ensure they are fully cooked but not mushy before draining and drying.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To maintain the best texture, Air Fried Black Eyed Peas are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, proper storage can keep them delicious for a short period.
- Storage: Store cooled Air Fried Black Eyed Peas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While refrigeration is safer for longer storage, they may lose some crispiness. Placing a paper towel in the container can help absorb any moisture.
- Reheating: To regain some of their crispiness, reheat the black-eyed peas in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. You can also spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make them soft and chewy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Air Fried Black Eyed Peas, as their texture will significantly degrade upon thawing and reheating, becoming soft and mushy rather than crispy.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fried Black Eyed Peas are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and satisfying. They’re an easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a classic legume, perfect for snacking or as a versatile side dish. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be delighted by their irresistible crunch!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Air Fried Black Eyed Peas FAQs
- Can I use frozen black-eyed peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen black-eyed peas. Thaw them completely first, then drain and pat them very dry before seasoning and air frying, following the same instructions as for canned or cooked peas. - Do I need to soak dried black-eyed peas before cooking them for this recipe?
If you’re cooking dried black-eyed peas from scratch, yes, soaking them overnight or doing a quick soak (boiling for a few minutes, then letting them sit) is recommended. This reduces cooking time and helps them cook more evenly. However, for air frying, ensure they are fully cooked and tender before draining and drying. - My air-fried black-eyed peas aren’t crispy. What went wrong?
The most common reasons for lack of crispiness are not drying the peas enough before air frying, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or not cooking them long enough. Ensure peas are thoroughly dry, cook in a single layer, and shake frequently, extending cook time if needed until golden and crisp. - Can I make these spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add a pinch of chili powder, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce after air frying for an extra kick. - Are Air Fried Black Eyed Peas healthy?
Yes! Black-eyed peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this a much healthier snack or side dish option. - Can I make a larger batch?
You can definitely double or triple the recipe, but remember to air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness for all your peas.
Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Black Eyed Peas: If using canned black-eyed peas, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water. Pat them very dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness. If you’re cooking them from dried, ensure they are fully cooked but still firm, then drain and pat dry.2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- Season the Peas: In a medium bowl, combine the dried black-eyed peas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until the peas are evenly coated with the oil and spices.2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Pour the seasoned black-eyed peas into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. If necessary, cook in batches.2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- Air Fry: Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning and crisping. The peas are done when they are golden brown, slightly shrunken, and wonderfully crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the crispy Air Fried Black Eyed Peas to a serving dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!