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Easy Crunchy Quick Snack Ideas for Busy Days

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These easy crunchy quick snack ideas are perfect for busy days, offering a fast, flavorful, and satisfying crunch with simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or gatherings, they combine nuts, seeds, and chickpeas with a light spice blend for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (140g) mixed nuts (raw or roasted, unsalted almonds, cashews, walnuts)
  • ½ cup (70g) pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Optional: popcorn kernels or rice crackers for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and dried chickpeas.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the mix. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and sea salt.
  5. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly with oil and spices.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture out in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using an air fryer, roast for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let the mix cool on the tray for at least 10 minutes.
  9. If desired, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cooled mixture and gently toss to coat.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting to ensure maximum crunch. Toss the mixture halfway through roasting for even browning. Cooling the snacks completely before serving enhances the crunch. Use light olive oil for a subtler flavor. Experiment with spices like cumin or curry powder for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crunchy snacks, quick snacks, easy snacks, healthy snacks, nuts and seeds, roasted chickpeas, gluten-free snacks, vegan snacks