I’ve always been a fan of black eyed peas, but let’s be honest, getting them truly crispy can sometimes feel like a culinary quest. Many attempts ended in a delicious-tasting but slightly soft pea, which is fine, but not the crispy experience I was after. That changes today, because I’ve found the secret, game-changing ingredient that transforms humble black eyed peas into irresistibly crunchy, snackable bites right in your air fryer. Prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown!
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’ve ever dreamt of a healthy, snackable legume that delivers a satisfying crunch, then this recipe is for you. These Crispy Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas aren’t just a side dish; they’re a revelation. They’re incredibly quick to make, perfect for a last-minute snack attack, a flavorful garnish for salads, or even a unique party appetizer. Plus, they’re packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making them a guilt-free indulgence. This isn’t just about a crispy texture; it’s about unlocking a whole new potential for black eyed peas that you might not have known existed.
> “I never thought black eyed peas could be this exciting! The secret ingredient truly makes them incredibly crispy and addictive. My new favorite healthy snack!” – Happy Snacker
Step-by-step overview
Creating these delectable Crispy Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas involves a few simple steps. First, we’ll start with cooking our black eyed peas to the perfect tenderness. Then comes the magic step: carefully coating them with our secret ingredient and a blend of seasonings. Finally, they’ll take a quick, hot trip to the air fryer, where the circulating heat works its wonder, transforming them into golden brown, crispy perfection. It’s a straightforward process that yields truly impressive results.
What you’ll need
Ingredient list
- 1 (15-ounce) can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained well
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (This is the secret ingredient!)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare it
Directions to follow
- Prepare the Peas: After rinsing and draining your canned black eyed peas thoroughly, spread them out on a few layers of paper towels. Gently pat them very dry. This step is crucial for crispiness, so take your time here.
- Coat with Oil: Transfer the dried black eyed peas to a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to ensure all peas are lightly coated.
- Introduce the Secret: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the peas. Toss vigorously until the cornstarch is evenly distributed and coats the peas. It might look a little clumpy at first, but keep tossing until they’re lightly dusted.
- Season Up: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl. Toss again until the seasonings adhere well to the cornstarch-coated peas. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Arrange the seasoned black eyed peas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
- Cook to Crispy Perfection: Air fry for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. Continue cooking until the peas are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Crispy Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic, healthier alternative to croutons on a salad, adding a burst of flavor and crunch. Sprinkle them over a creamy soup for textural contrast, or use them as a unique topping for tacos or grain bowls. Honestly, my favorite way to enjoy them is simply straight from the bowl, as a satisfying and seasoned snack. They’re also a surprisingly good accompaniment to a simple grilled chicken or fish, adding a little rustic charm to your plate.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Crispy Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. However, if you do have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To revive their crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid refrigerating or freezing, as the moisture will cause them to lose their crisp texture.
Pro chef tips
- Dryness is Key: I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to thoroughly dry your black eyed peas. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat, pat, pat!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give those peas space! If you pile them up in the air fryer basket, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake It Up: Regular shaking during the air frying process ensures even cooking and prevents some peas from getting burned while others stay soft.
- Listen and Look: Towards the end of the cooking time, listen for that tell-tale “click” as you shake the basket – that’s the sound of truly crispy peas. Also, look for that deep golden-brown color.
Creative twists
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes for more heat.
- Herbaceous: Mix in some dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary with the other seasonings before air frying.
- Cheesy Flavor: After air frying, sprinkle with a touch of nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor, or a tiny dust of finely grated Parmesan.
- Sweet & Smoky: A tiny pinch of brown sugar with the smoked paprika can create a lovely sweet and smoky balance. Just be careful, as sugar can burn easily.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just after they come out of the air fryer adds a wonderful bright finish.
Common questions
Why do I need to dry the black eyed peas so well?
A: Moisture content is the biggest enemy of crispiness. Any remaining water on the surface of the peas will steam them in the air fryer rather than allowing them to crisp up beautifully. Patting them dry ensures that the cornstarch and oil can do their job effectively.
Can I use fresh or frozen black eyed peas instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can, but the preparation will be slightly different. You’ll need to cook them first according to package directions until tender, then drain them very well and let them cool and dry completely before proceeding with the recipe steps from step 2 (coating with oil and cornstarch). Canned peas are simply a much quicker option for this recipe.
My black eyed peas aren’t getting crispy, what went wrong?
A: The most common culprits are: not drying the peas enough, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or not shaking them frequently enough. Make sure to follow those “pro tips” above – especially drying them thoroughly and cooking in single layers – for best results! Also, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Black-Eyed Peas (10-Batch Method)
Equipment
- Colander
- Clean kitchen towels or paper towels
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cans (15-ounce) black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, add more after air frying if needed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Open all 10 cans, drain, and rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- Spread the rinsed peas on clean towels to pat them completely dry, allowing them to air dry for an additional 10-15 minutes for maximum crispiness.
Seasoning
- Combine the dry black-eyed peas in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the oiled peas and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place a single layer of seasoned black-eyed peas (about 1-1.5 cups) into the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy, monitoring closely after 12 minutes.
- Transfer crispy peas to a large bowl or paper towel-lined baking sheet to cool, repeating for all remaining batches.
- Allow all cooked black-eyed peas to cool completely before storing, as they will become even crispier.