Healthy Vegan Cocoa Puffs (Printer-Friendly Version)

Crunchy chickpeas coated in cacao and coconut sugar for a healthy, protein-rich vegan snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 can (15 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Oils & Fats

02 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

→ Sweeteners

03 - 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

→ Powders & Extracts

05 - 2 tablespoons cacao powder
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Seasoning

07 - 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine melted coconut oil, cacao powder, coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well blended.
03 - Add the dried chickpeas to the cacao mixture and toss until each chickpea is evenly coated with the cocoa blend.
04 - Arrange the coated chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Allow the chickpeas to cool completely to attain maximum crispness, then enjoy as a nutritious snack.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Monitor cooking closely as air fryer models vary; adjust time accordingly to avoid burning.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.