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A close-up of crispy air fryer black eyed peas in a bowl, perfectly golden brown

Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Black-Eyed Peas (10-Batch Method)

Achieve perfectly crispy black-eyed peas every time with this 10-batch air fryer method. Ideal for snacking or as a delicious side dish, these seasoned peas are a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 450 kcal

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.

Notes

For optimal crispiness, ensure the black-eyed peas are as dry as possible before seasoning. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. Store cooled crispy black-eyed peas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness if needed.