Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas

Looking for a new way to eat black eyed peas? Then how about air frying them until they are crispy and crunchy. Generously tossed in some spicy cajun style seasoning, definitely a must try healthy snack!

I love black eyed peas, but don't cook with them as often as I should do. I have a wide selection of legumes in my pantry and with so many on rotation I tend to bypass them.

I'm always looking for some innovative ways to prepare black eyed peas because I only ever seem to make a curry with them.

This time I wanted to try something that was different, but tasty at the same time. The key is for this recipe to be flavoursome but not in the form of a Black Eyed Peas Curry.

What are black eyed peas?

In case you don't know, no problem as I will give a very brief explanation as to what they are.

Black eyed peas, sometimes referred to as black eyed beans are related to the cowpea or goat pea.

These legumes aren't peas, they are beans, you could say the linguistics is very similar to how English speaking Caribbean islands refer to red kidney beans as "peas".

Anyway, black eyed peas originate from west Africa, but are commonly grown in warm climates across the world.

They are relatively small in size, off beige/cream in colour and get their name from the little black speck in the middle which resembles an eye.

Black eyed peas and New Year's tradition

Many people want to know what the deal is with eating black eyed peas for the new year.

Well the significance goes back to the days of slavery in the southern parts of the United States.

 In celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation which became law on the first day of January in 1863. 

Black eyed peas were eaten by most African Americans as a celebratory food, along side collard greens and salted pork.

For that reason, New Year's symbolises the belief of luck, good fortune and an abundance of prosperity.

The first meal of the year should always include black eyed peas and that is a tradition that many like to uphold even to this day.

Air frying black eyed peas

Rather than make a whole meal I wanted to do something that is nutritious, tasty and relatively easy while honouring the black eyed peas tradition.

I came up with the concept of air frying the black eyed peas to serve as a snack or appetiser tossed in my homemade cajun spice blend.

I use this spice blend in SO many recipes and it always delivers in terms of taste and level of spiciness.

You can use either dried peas or canned ones but I personally like to use dried ones because I have better control over the texture.

I like the peas to be cooked until they are still firm, but not hard. This is important so the black eyed peas up hold the air frying process.

Also, dried legumes are always better in value for money because they are cheaper to buy.

Ultimately, it is up to you in terms of what your preference is because the end result will be the same.

You will still reap the benefits of their nutritional value - high in fibre, a complex carb which will make you feel fuller for longer. 

Helps to yield energy, high in calcium, iron, mangesium and copper.

These vitamins and minerals are crucial for healthy teeth and bones, promote red blood cell rejuvation and fight anemia.

Reasons to air fry 

Let's face it, the oven will always have a place in our hearts but it is slowly becoming phased out.

With newer, more modern alternatives such as the air fryer. While I will always embrace my oven I am an advocate for the air fryer.

• It is cheaper to run (compared to the conventional oven)
• Quick and easy to use
• Convinient (fuss free)
• You only need to use a small amount of oil

How to prepare dried black eyed peas (if you are using them)

• Rinse the ¾ cup of dried black eyed peas severals times (you can use a strainer to do this) to rid any debris or dirt.
• Once rinsed, place in a medium sized bowl and leave to soak for a few hours in 2 tablespoon of lime juice (this is an optional step, if you are sensitive to the sugars).
• After soaking rinse off peas again.
• Skip the above 2 steps if it doesn't apply, add the black eyed peas to your instant pot and fill half way with water.
• Place the lid on and switch the knob to the "sealling" position.
• Pressure cook on "high" for "4 minutes".
• Once the peas have cooked, do a quick release by switching the knob to "venting" this will sprout a lot of steam so do this with caution.
• Drain peas, blot dry with kitchen roll and set aside.

The steps

• Preheat the air fryer.
• Place a liner inside the air fryer basket (if you have them) after the preheat has finished.
• Mix together the cajun seasoning, tapioca starch and pink salt in a small bowl and set aside (reserve some of the spice mix for after the peas are done).
• Place the black eyed peas in a medium sized bowl.
• Drizzle the black eyed peas with olive oil and toss to coat (do this by flipping the bowl or lightly use your hands).
• Sprinkle the spicy seasoning over the peas and toss (flip the bowl again) so that the black eyed peas are completely coated.
• Place the peas in the air fryer basket, spreading out evenly so they are not overcrowded (you may need to cook them in batches).
• Air fry on 356F/180C for 15 minutes (cooking time may vary) or until the peas begin to darken.
• After 10 minutes reduce the temperature to 320F/160C for roughly 5 minutes.
• Once done, allow the black eyed peas to completely cool, sprinkle on more seasoning and store in an air tight container.

Notes and tips

• This is NOT a freezer friendly recipe.
• Be sure to check on the black eyed peas throughout the cooking time as this tends to vary from air fryer to air fryer so please use the stated time as a guide ONLY.
• Depending on the capacity of your air fryer/model you may need to air fry in batches.
• If you want a more spicy taste then add cayenne pepper separately.
• For best results, wait for the peas to cool down before eating them because the coating adheres more when cold.
• Focus on tossing the black eyed peas by flipping the bowl more so than using your hands as the more you rub the coating with your hands, it actually loosens it and ends up coming off.
• Reserve some of the spice mix and sprinkle on once the peas have cooked.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer basket, make sure the pea are laid out in a single layer.
• Store the black eyed peas in an air tight container and consume within a week.

More air fryer recipes to try

• Air Fryer Curried Chickpeas
• Air Fryer Yuca Fries
• Breadfruit Fries
• Air Fryer Chestnuts
• Air Fryer Date Sugar
• Spicy Air Fryer Peanuts
• Air Fryer Apple Wedges
• Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
• Air Fryer Tostones
• Vegan Empanadas

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