Air-Fryer Crispy Seaweed: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?

Crispy seaweed is a Chinese side dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. Although it is called 'seaweed', the dish is actually made from fried cabbage leaves or kale, coated in a variety of seasonings and spices. You can also make this dish with real seaweed, using nori sheets, rice paper, and avocado oil. This version is packed with vitamin B12 and other nutrients. An air fryer is a convenient way to make crispy seaweed, as it eliminates the need for deep frying and helps to retain the nutritional value of the ingredients.

Using cabbage leaves to make crispy seaweed

Crispy seaweed, a Chinese takeaway classic, is actually made with fried cabbage leaves. It is a savoury, irresistible, and healthy snack.

To make crispy seaweed using an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Outer cabbage leaves (from 2 cabbage heads)
• Vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chinese five-spice powder
• Golden shrimp powder (optional)

Firstly, wash the cabbage leaves thoroughly and dry them completely. Cut out the thick centre stems of the leaves, and cut the remaining soft green leaves into thin slices of about 2-3 mm. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be. Next, coat the leaves with oil and toss them with sesame seeds, sugar, and salt.

Place the cabbage leaves on a greased metal plate and air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 7 minutes in a preheated air fryer. Then, turn over the leaves and air fry the other side for another 7 minutes. Finally, garnish with golden shrimp powder and five-spice powder. Serve immediately while still hot.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• If you have a strong air fryer, add the sesame seeds after cooking to prevent them from getting stuck in the fan.
• To make this dish vegan, use shiitake mushroom powder instead of shrimp powder.
• Ensure that the cabbage leaves are thoroughly dried before adding oil or seasoning, as excess water will affect the cooking process and texture.
• To dry the leaves, you can leave them on a clean tea towel or pat them dry with a paper towel.
• To cut the leaves efficiently, stack and fold them together before slicing.
• For both the air fryer and oven methods, line the trays with parchment paper to prevent the leaves from sticking to the surface.
• Preheat the oven and air fryer before adding the cabbage leaves.

Enjoy your crispy seaweed as a snack or side dish!

How to cut the cabbage leaves

To cut the cabbage leaves for crispy seaweed, start by separating the leaves from the cabbage head. Remove any tough outer leaves and cut out the thick stems from the remaining soft green leaves. The stems are quite hard and will not crisp up like the rest of the leaf when cooked.

A quick and efficient way to cut the leaves is to stack and fold them together. This will allow you to cut more efficiently and get more evenly sized strips. Aim to slice the leaves into thin pieces, approximately 2-3 mm in thickness. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be once cooked.

How to season the seaweed

Seasoning your seaweed correctly is crucial to achieving the perfect crispy seaweed in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your seaweed for the best results:

Choosing the Right Seaweed

Start by selecting the right type of seaweed for your recipe. Nori seaweed, the type used for wrapping sushi, is a popular choice for crispy seaweed snacks. It usually comes in sheets of about 8 x 8 inches and has a mild, savoury taste.

Preparing the Seaweed

Before seasoning, it is important to prepare your seaweed properly. If you are using nori sheets, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces. If you are using fresh seaweed, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly to remove any dirt or excess water, which can affect the cooking process and the final texture.

Oil

Coating your seaweed with oil is an essential step in the seasoning process. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, perilla oil, or sesame oil. Brush or spray both sides of your seaweed with oil to ensure even coverage.

Salt

Salt is a basic seasoning that can enhance the flavour of your crispy seaweed. Use a small pinch of salt to lightly season your seaweed, and consider the other ingredients you are using to avoid over-seasoning.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a popular choice for seasoning crispy seaweed. You can use white or black sesame seeds, depending on your preference. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of your oiled seaweed, or add them after cooking to avoid any seeds getting stuck in the air fryer fan.

Spices and Powders

There are several spices and powders that you can use to add extra flavour to your crispy seaweed. Chinese five-spice powder is a common choice, adding an authentic taste to the dish. You can also use shrimp powder, which provides a strong, savoury "umami" flavour. However, use this sparingly as a little goes a long way. Other options include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and crushed chilli flakes.

Sweet Elements

Adding a touch of sweetness to your crispy seaweed can create a delicious flavour contrast. A sprinkle of dark brown soft sugar over your seaweed before air frying can give it a unique, savoury-sweet taste.

Egg Wash

If you are making seaweed crackers or rolls, an egg wash can act as a "glue" to hold the seaweed and spring roll wrappers together. Whisk an egg with a small pinch of salt and pepper, and brush it onto the spring roll sheets before adding the seaweed.

Vegan Options

To make your crispy seaweed vegan-friendly, you can replace the shrimp powder with shiitake mushroom powder, which adds a similar savoury "umami" flavour to the dish.

By following these steps and choosing your preferred seasonings, you can create delicious, crispy seaweed in your air fryer with a flavour profile that suits your taste.

The best oil to use

The type of oil you use for your crispy seaweed will depend on the recipe you are following and the cooking method you are using.

If you are using an air fryer, you will want to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without smoking or burning. Avocado oil is a good option as it is a healthy, neutral-flavoured oil that will not affect the taste of your seaweed.

If you are deep-frying your seaweed, you can use the same oils as above, but you may also want to consider oils with a lower smoke point, such as olive oil. Olive oil is a popular choice for crispy seaweed as it adds a European softness and a mild flavour that complements the salt and seasoning.

If you are baking your seaweed in the oven, you can use a smaller amount of oil, and a variety of options will work. You can use avocado, vegetable, olive, or sesame oil, depending on your preference. Sesame oil will add a distinct nutty flavour to your seaweed, so if you are looking for a more subtle taste, opt for avocado or olive oil.

The amount of oil you use will also depend on your recipe and cooking method. Air frying and deep frying will generally require more oil, while baking can be done with a light drizzle or coating of oil.

How long to cook the seaweed for

The cooking time for crispy seaweed in an air fryer depends on the type of seaweed and the shape you want it to be.

Crispy Seaweed Crackers

If you want to make crispy seaweed crackers, brush the seaweed with egg wash and sprinkle white sesame seeds on top. Cut the seaweed into smaller squares and let them dry for about 15 minutes. Then, brush the crackers with oil and put them in the air fryer basket in one layer. Air fry at 350 F (180 C) for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Crispy Seaweed from Cabbage Leaves

If you are using cabbage leaves to make crispy seaweed, the cooking time will be a bit longer. First, cut the leaves into thin slices (about 2-3 mm thin). Then, coat the leaves with oil and toss them with your desired seasonings. Place the leaves in a preheated air fryer at 170°C (or 340°F) for 7 minutes. Turn the leaves over and air fry the other side for another 7 minutes.

Crispy Seaweed from Kale

If you are using kale to make crispy seaweed, the cooking time will be similar to that of cabbage leaves. However, you may need to add 2-5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the kale gets crispy.

Crispy Seaweed from Nori

For crispy seaweed made from nori, the cooking time is shorter. Cut the nori into strips and place them in the air fryer, making sure the pieces aren't touching. Air fry at 400 F for 4 minutes or until crispy.

Frequently asked questions