Homemade Chana Jor Garam in an Air fryer – A Crunchy, Healthy Snack You all Love

There is something nostalgic about Chana Jor Garam. The sound of the street vendor calling out, the tangy smell of spices in the air and the perfect mix of crunch and chatpataflavour bring back childhood memories. The best part is that you do not need to rely on packaged versions or deep frying to enjoy this classic Indian snack. With an air fryer at home, you can make your own batch of fresh, crispy and guilt free Chana Jor Garam within minutes.
If you love snacking but want something healthy, this air fryer version is perfect. It is high in protein, low in oil and still tastes just as crunchy as the traditional one. And the feeling of eating something homemade always makes it more special.
Why Make Chana Jor Garam at Home
When you prepare it at home, you can control everything the spice level, the amount of salt, the oil and even the toppings. Plus, store bought packets often contain excess sodium and preservatives. With an air fryer, you get the same crunch without deep frying, making it a much healthier option. It is great for kids, for evening snacks, for tea time or even as a travel snack.
Ingredients You Will Need
The good news is that you need only simple ingredients
•    Black chickpeas soaked overnight
•    A teaspoon of oil
•    Salt
•    Red chilli powder
•    Chaat masala
•    Turmeric
•    Jeera powder
•    A squeeze of lemon
•    Fresh onions, tomatoes and coriander for garnishing
You can always adjust spices according to your preference.
Step by Step Recipe for Air fryer Chana Jor Garam
Let us walk through the simple process of making this classic Indian snack at home.

Step 1 Soak the Black Chickpeas
Rinse your black chickpeas well and soak them overnight. This softens them perfectly so they flatten easily later.

Step 2 Boil the Chickpeas
Boil the soaked chickpeas until they are soft but not mushy. You should be able to press them with your fingers.

Step 3 Flatten the Chickpeas
This step gives Chana Jor Garam its signature papdi like shape. Drain the boiled chickpeas and place them between two sheets of baking paper or a clean cloth. Gently press them using a rolling pin. The chickpeas should flatten but not break apart completely.

Step 4 Air fry the Chickpeas
Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. Spread the flattened chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush or spray a tiny amount of oil over them. Air fry at 180 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even crisping. Keep an eye on them because they can go from perfectly crispy to slightly burnt very quickly. Once they turn golden and crunchy, remove them.

Step 5 Add the Masala Mix
In a large bowl, combine salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, jeera powder and chaat masala. Toss the air fried chickpeas into this mixture while they are still warm. This helps the spices stick beautifully.
Your homemade Chana Jor Garam is ready. At this point, it already tastes amazing and can be stored in an airtight jar. But to enjoy it street style, you need the final touch.

Step 6 Assemble Your Chana Jor Garam Chaat
Take a portion of the crispy chana mixture. Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies and fresh coriander. Squeeze some lemon juice and mix it all together. The spicy, tangy, crunchy bowl you get is simply irresistible.
Why This Air Fryer Version Works

Using an air fryer cuts down the oil but keeps all the flavour. The chickpeas become light and airy, yet remain crunchy for days when stored properly. It is a snack you can enjoy without guilt and also serve proudly to guests. Kids love it too because of the crunchy bite.


Final Thoughts
Making Chana Jor Garam in an air fryer is not just easy but also satisfying. It feels good to recreate a street snack from your childhood with a healthier twist. The aroma of toasted spices, the sound of crunch in every bite and the joy of enjoying something homemade make the effort totally worth it.
Next time you crave a tasty snack, skip the store-bought packets and prepare this delicious, protein rich, crunchy treat right in your kitchen. One bowl will never be enough.

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