Crispy Healthy Vegan Puffs

These healthy vegan cocoa puffs offer a crispy, chocolatey snack that feels indulgent without the guilt. Crafted from chickpeas coated in cacao and sweetener, they bring a satisfying crunch and plenty of plantbased protein without being overly sweet. Perfect as a quick snack or a creative cereal topping, they are easy to whip up with simple ingredients and require less than 15 minutes in the air fryer.

I first made these cocoa puffs on a whim when I wanted a chocolate treat that wasn't loaded with sugar. Now they are my goto snack whenever I need something satisfying but wholesome. My friends were surprised at how tasty and crunchy these little bites are.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas: cooked and drained, these are the base providing protein and fiber, look for firm goodquality chickpeas
• Coconut oil: helps the cacao powder adhere and adds a subtle richness, use virgin coconut oil for the best flavor
• Cacao powder: delivers intense chocolate flavor and antioxidants, choose pure unsweetened cacao powder for health benefits
• Vanilla extract: brightens the flavor and balances the chocolate notes, opt for pure vanilla extract for depth
• Coconut sugar: a natural sweetener that adds a gentle caramel note, choose organic coconut sugar if possible

Instructions

Coat the Chickpeas:

Gently pat dry the chickpeas with a towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with melted coconut oil to ensure they are well coated. Sprinkle the cacao powder and coconut sugar evenly, then add vanilla extract. Stir everything carefully until each chickpea is fully covered in the chocolatey mixture.

Air Fry to Crisp:

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the coated chickpeas in a single layer inside your air fryer basket to allow maximum airflow. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even crisping. Watch closely towards the end to prevent burning, as every air fryer’s heat pattern is a bit different.

Cool and Enjoy:

Transfer the crispy cocoa puffs onto a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Let them cool fully to firm up and develop their crunch. These can be eaten as a snack straight away or enjoyed sprinkled over your favorite plantbased milk like cereal.

Cacao powder is my favorite ingredient here because it adds that deep chocolate flavor without any artificial ingredients. I remember making these with my niece one quiet afternoon, watching her eyes widen as she found out these crispy bites were made from chickpeas. It’s a fun way to introduce betterforyou snacks to kids and adults alike.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cocoa puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days to retain their crunch. If you want them to last longer, pop the container in the fridge, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before eating to regain crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap coconut sugar for any granular sugar you have on hand like brown sugar or maple sugar. If you do not have cacao powder, unsweetened cocoa powder is a perfect substitute that will offer a similar chocolate kick.

Serving Suggestions

Try these cocoa puffs as a crunchy topping on your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowl. They also pair wonderfully with nondairy milk as a chocolatey cereal, or simply enjoy them straight from the container.

These cocoa puffs are a quick wholesome snack that delivers crunch and deep chocolate flavor. They are perfect for snacking or sprinkling over cereal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What makes these cocoa puffs healthy?

They use whole chickpeas coated with cacao and coconut sugar, offering protein, fiber, and antioxidants without excessive sweetness.

→ Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, baking the chickpeas until crisp works well as an alternative to air frying.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftover coated chickpeas in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain crispness.

→ Are there any substitutions for coconut sugar?

Granular sugars like maple sugar or cane sugar can be used instead of coconut sugar.

→ What is the role of vanilla in this snack?

Vanilla adds subtle sweetness and enhances the cacao flavor without overpowering the chickpeas.