Crispy air fryer puffed kidney beans or rajma is one of those snacks that feel a little unexpected but turn out so good once you try them. If you already cook rajma for curries or rice bowls, this is a fun way to use them differently. The air fryer transforms soft cooked beans into crunchy, spiced bites that work as a snack, salad topper or side dish.
These roasted popcorn like kidney beans is a great snack option when I have boiled beans or a can sitting in the pantry. They are quick, satisfying and a great way to add some plant-based protein to your day without much effort.
You will also love: crispy chickpeas in air fryer,
Ingredient Breakdown
Cooked Kidney Beans (Rajma): You can use home-cooked rajma or canned kidney beans. I have used organic kidney beans from Trader Joe's. Just drained and dried them.
Olive Oil: A small amount of oil helps the beans roast evenly and gives them that crisp outer shell.
Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and paprika give a tasty flavor. You can easily adjust the spices depending on whether you want them mild or spicy.
Instructions
If using canned beans, drain thoroughly and pat them dry. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible. I have used Trader Joe's organic kidney beans. They are cheap and pretty good in taste.
Add the kidney beans to a bowl. Add the seasonings you are using along with olive oil. Toss well so that all the beans are evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 400F or 200C for about 4 minutes. Spread the seasoned kidney beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so they roast evenly. You will see that the kidney beans will start splitting and will get crispy all over.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes for even cooking. The beans will continue to crisp up once removed.
If you want them to be like popcorn beans cook more else I do love to snack of them with crispy exterior and a bit of bite inside.
The beans will split and will lose their vibrant colour but will taste yummy. You will love this air fryer crispy kidney beans or rajma as a lovely snack.
Serve immediately. You can also store these air fried beans in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Expert Tips
Dry the beans well before seasoning. Moisture is the main reason beans don't crisp properly.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed for best results. Also remember the shake the basket for even cooking.
These beans continue to crisp up slightly as they cool, so it is okay if they feel a bit soft straight out of the air fryer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.
Crispy Air fryer Kidney Beans or Rajma
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans 15.5 oz. Or 450 gm. drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. paprika or red chili powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. Pepper
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Instructions
- If using canned beans, drain thoroughly and pat them dry. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible. I have used Trader Joe's organic kidney beans. They are cheap and pretty good in taste.
- Add the kidney beans to a bowl. Add the seasonings you are using along with olive oil. Toss well so that all the beans are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F or 200C for about 4 minutes. Spread the seasoned kidney beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so they roast evenly. You will see that the kidney beans will start splitting and will get crispy all over.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes for even cooking. The beans will continue to crisp up once removed.
- If you want them to be like popcorn beans cook more else I do love to snack of them with crispy exterior and a bit of bite inside.
- The beans will split and will lose their vibrant colour but will taste yummy. You will love this air fryer crispy kidney beans or rajma as a lovely snack.
- Serve immediately. You can also store these air fried beans in an airtight jar in the fridge.
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