Black eyed peas are a classic New Year’s dish, which can be prepared in a lot of different ways. I make these air fryer black eyed peas which come out crispy and delicious, making for the perfect snack to enjoy all night. You can change up the seasonings to make them just the way you like!
What Are Black Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are small, beige legumes that look like beans with a distinctive black spot, or “eye,” at their center, which is where they attach to their pods.
They are a type of cowpea and are popular in various cuisines around the world, particularly in the Southern United States, African, and Mediterranean dishes.
This dish is naturally gluten free and vegan, so it works with a variety of different dietary needs as well. Just make sure whatever seasonings you add also conform to your needs.
Black Eyed Peas and New Year’s Tradition
Black-eyed peas are a New Year’s tradition, particularly in the Southern United States, because they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
The custom dates back to the Civil War era and earlier, with culinary ties to African, Jewish, and Southern tradition.
Traditionally, black-eyed peas are eaten on New Year’s Day, not New Year’s Eve. The meal is thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead, so consuming it on January 1st is believed to set a positive tone for the coming year!
Katie’s tip
For a more substantial option (which can be a meal instead of just a snack), check out my air fried Black Eyed Pea Fritters!
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Ingredients Needed
- 15-ounce can black eyed peas, drained
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of canned black eyed peas, you can also use dried, but they require a lot more prep. Soak them overnight in salted water, then boil for about 30-45 minutes on the stovetop, until tender but not mushy
- I use a seasoning blend with salt. However you can use unsalted blends, and just add salt to your personal tastes (I use ½ tsp usually), or sprinkle some on at the end of cooking!
- You can substitute other seasonings as desired instead of the Cajun seasoning I’m using. Try Creole, Old Bay, jerk seasoning, or your favorite! You can also make your own blend – ginger, coriander, black pepper, onion, garlic powder, chili, powder, paprika, and cumin are great spice options with black eyed peas
How to Make Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
- Drain, rinse, and pat your peas dry. Discard any smashed peas or empty husks
- Toss the peas with the olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, stirring to make sure they’re evenly coated
- Place the seasoned black eyed peas into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir or shake the basket. Peas are done when they are crunchy on the outside but still soft inside. Test and add additional time in small 1 or 2-minute increments as needed, as time can vary between air fryers
- Serve immediately. Note that they’ll soften the longer they sit, so you may want to periodically pop them back in for a minute or two to re-crisp
Recipe FAQs
What Is Another Name for Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are also known as cowpeas, a name commonly used in some regions. Additionally, they may be referred to as field peas or simply southern peas, reflecting their origins and popularity in the Southern United States.
Despite the name, black-eyed peas are a type of legume, not a true pea.
How Long Do You Cook Black-Eyed Peas For?
Cooking times for black-eyed peas vary depending on the method. On the stove top, they take 30–45 minutes for soaked peas, or up to 1.5 hours if unsoaked. In a pressure cooker or instant pot, it should take between 10–15 minutes.
Black eyed peas in the air fryer typically take 10–12 minutes after being pre-cooked or canned, giving them a crispy texture. Always check for doneness by tasting or ensuring the peas are tender!
Do Black-Eyed Peas Have to Be Soaked Before Cooking?
Soaking black-eyed peas before cooking is not strictly necessary but helps reduce cooking time. A quick soak (boiling for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour) or an overnight soak softens the peas and aids digestion.
If you’re short on time, they can be cooked directly, but unsoaked peas will take longer to become tender.
How Do You Know When Black-Eyed Peas Are Ready?
Black-eyed peas are ready when they are tender but not mushy. You can test them by pressing a pea with the back of a spoon or tasting one to check for doneness.
Properly cooked peas should hold their shape and have a creamy texture inside without being overly firm. For crispy air-fried peas, they should be golden and crunchy on the outside.
Tips and Tricks For the Best Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe since I shake them around during cooking. My Ninja had the black eyed peas crispy in about 15 minutes. Other air fryers will vary, and you may be able to save a few minutes on cooking time if you do choose to preheat
- Make sure not to overcrowd your basket. If the peas are too deep, they won’t get crispy or will take extra time. Cook in batches if needed
- To check for doneness, I’ve found the easiest way is to just shake the black eyed peas in your air fryer’s basket. You’ll notice a distinct change in sound from muffled to a prominent “plinking” sound when they get crispy outside. You can also just grab one, let it cook for a minute (they’re hot) and then eat one!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days
- For longer term storage, you can freeze black eyed peas for up to 6 months
- To reheat black eyed peas in the air fryer, cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, shaking once, until warmed through and recrisped
Final Thoughts
These air fryer black eyed peas are the perfect healthy snack or appetizer to kick off your New Year right, and with a little extra good luck as well!
I love how easy they are to customize the flavor for your personal tastes, and these fried black eyed peas are also naturally vegan and gluten-free, so they work for a lot of different dietary needs too!
For another similar snack featuring a different type of legume, make sure to check out my crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas too!
Simple Crispy Air Fried Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black eyed peas
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Drain, rinse, and pat your peas dry. Discard any smashed peas or empty husks15 ounce can black eyed peas
- Toss the peas with the olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, stirring to make sure they’re evenly coated1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Place the seasoned black eyed peas into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir or shake the basket. Peas are done when they are crunchy on the outside but still soft inside. Test and add additional time in small 1 or 2-minute increments as needed, as time can vary between air fryers
- Serve immediately. Note that they’ll soften the longer they sit, so you may want to periodically pop them back in for a minute or two to re-crisp
Notes
- Instead of canned black eyed peas, you can also use dried, but they require a lot more prep. Soak them overnight in salted water, then boil for about 30-45 minutes on the stovetop, until tender but not mushy
- Use a seasoning blend with salt, or add about ½ tsp salt to an unsalted blend
- You can substitute other seasonings as desired instead of the Cajun seasoning. Try Creole, Old Bay, jerk seasoning, or your favorite!
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe since I shake them around during cooking. My Ninja had the black eyed peas crispy in about 15 minutes. Other air fryers will vary, and you may be able to save a few minutes on cooking time if you do choose to preheat
- Make sure not to overcrowd your basket. If the peas are too deep, they won’t get crispy or will take extra time. Cook in batches if needed
- To check for doneness, I’ve found the easiest way is to just shake the black eyed peas in your air fryer’s basket. You’ll notice a distinct change in sound from muffled to a prominent “plinking” sound when they get crispy outside. You can also just grab one, let it cook for a minute (they’re hot) and then eat one!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, seasoning choices, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
