Air-Fryer Crispy Seaweed: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Crispy seaweed is a popular snack and side dish, often served in Chinese restaurants. Interestingly, despite its name, the dish typically does not contain any seaweed. Instead, it is usually made with fried cabbage leaves seasoned with sesame seeds, Chinese five-spice powder, shrimp powder, oil, sugar, and salt. However, some recipes do use nori seaweed sheets, which are high in iodine and other nutrients. Air fryers have become a popular way to make crispy seaweed at home, as they require no deep frying and help retain the nutritional value of the ingredients.

How to Make Crispy Seaweed in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right seaweed

Crispy seaweed is a popular Chinese dish that is often made with spring greens or kale, and seasoned with sesame seeds, Chinese five-spice powder, chilli, or salt. However, when it comes to choosing the right seaweed for your air fryer crispy seaweed recipe, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it is important to note that edible seaweed, or sea vegetables, are typically members of the red algae, green algae, or brown algae groups. Most edible seaweeds are marine algae, while most freshwater algae are toxic. Therefore, it is crucial to select seaweed sourced from the ocean or sea.

One popular type of seaweed used in crispy seaweed recipes is nori, which is a type of red algae. Nori is commonly used in Japanese cuisine for sushi and onigiri, and it is also a good source of vitamin B12, iodine, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Another option is to use toasted nori seaweed sheets, which can be found in some crispy air fryer seaweed snack recipes. These sheets are often sandwiched between layers of rice paper and seasoned with furikake, garlic powder, or onion powder.

In addition to nori, there are several other types of edible seaweed that can be considered for your crispy seaweed dish. These include:

• Agal-agal (Gracilaria edulis)
• Agar-agar (Kanten/Japanese isinglass/China grass/Ceylon moss)
• Green laver (Aonori/Hutai/Parae)
• Sea lettuce (Lumot/Rupurupu/Limu ele-ele/Limu pipilani)
• Kombu (Saccharina japonica)
• Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida)

When choosing seaweed for your air fryer crispy seaweed recipe, it is important to select a variety that is edible and safe for consumption. Additionally, consider the nutritional profile of the seaweed, as some types offer higher amounts of specific vitamins and minerals than others. Lastly, think about the flavour and texture you want to achieve in your final dish, as different types of seaweed can vary in taste and crispiness.

Preparing the seaweed

First, decide on the type of seaweed you want to use. Nori is a popular choice and is available from Amazon or any Asian supermarket. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using cabbage leaves, kale, or bok choy leaves as a substitute—just be aware that these options may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Once you've selected your seaweed, it's time to prepare it for cooking. If you're using nori, you'll need to cut the sheets into strips or chip-sized pieces. For other types of seaweed, you'll want to cut the leaves into thin slices, as this will help them get crispy.

The next step is to add some oil. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, perilla oil, or sesame oil. Coat the seaweed generously with your chosen oil.

At this point, you can also add some seasonings to your seaweed. This step is optional but can add extra flavour to your dish. Popular options include furikake, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, Chinese five-spice powder, shrimp powder, and sesame seeds. You can customise the seasonings to your preference or experiment with different combinations.

After coating the seaweed with oil and seasonings, it's now ready to be placed in the air fryer. Make sure the pieces aren't touching each other in the fryer to ensure even cooking.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and time, typically around 340-400°F for 4-7 minutes. Keep an eye on your seaweed to make sure it doesn't burn.

Once the time is up, remove the seaweed from the air fryer and let it cool down. It will continue to crisp up as it cools. Finally, break the seaweed into smaller pieces if needed and enjoy your crispy, healthy snack!

Oil and seasoning

The type of oil and seasoning you use will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve. For a more traditional Chinese takeaway-style crispy seaweed, sesame oil or perilla oil is a good choice. Coat the seaweed or cabbage leaves in oil and sprinkle with salt. You can also add shrimp powder, Chinese five-spice powder, and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic flavour. If you want to make the dish vegan, use shiitake mushroom powder instead of shrimp powder.

If you're making crispy seaweed snacks with nori, avocado oil is a good option. Brush or spray avocado oil onto the nori sheets before air frying. You can also mix the avocado oil with seasonings and brush the mixture onto the nori. Seasonings can include furikake, garlic powder, cayenne, and sea salt.

For roasted nori seaweed chips, a combination of sesame oil and tamari sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option) brushed onto the nori sheets adds a savoury flavour. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and sesame seeds for a spicy, nutty taste.

Air fryer settings

To make crispy seaweed in an air fryer, you'll need to adjust the settings on your air fryer to the correct temperature and cooking time. Here's a detailed guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer before adding the seaweed. This ensures consistent cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
• Temperature: Set the temperature of your air fryer to 170°C (340°F) or 180°C. This temperature range is ideal for crisping up the seaweed without burning it.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of seaweed and your desired level of crispiness. For traditional crispy seaweed made with cabbage leaves, cook for 7 minutes on each side, for a total of 14 minutes. For nori seaweed snacks, a cooking time of 4 minutes is usually sufficient. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferences and the specific model of your air fryer.
• Batch size: If you're cooking a large batch of seaweed, you may need to cook it in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the crispiness and cooking time.
• Fan speed: If your air fryer has adjustable fan speed settings, set it to a medium or high speed to ensure proper air circulation. This helps in achieving an even crispness throughout the batch.
• Tray lining: When using an air fryer, it is generally recommended to line the tray or basket with parchment paper. This prevents the seaweed from sticking to the surface and makes cleanup easier.
• Spacing: Place the seaweed pieces in the air fryer basket without overlapping them. Ensure they have enough space around each piece to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
• Seasoning timing: If you're adding seasonings like sesame seeds, it's generally recommended to add them after cooking, especially if your air fryer has a strong fan. This prevents the seeds from getting stuck in the fan or burning.

By following these air fryer settings and guidelines, you'll be able to make delicious and crispy seaweed snacks with the perfect texture and flavour.

Serving suggestions

Crispy seaweed is a versatile snack and side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your crispy seaweed experience:

Appetizer or Snack

Offer crispy seaweed as a tasty and nutritious appetizer or snack. Its crunchy texture and savoury flavour make it a delightful stand-alone treat. Serve it in small portions or as part of a snack platter with dips and other bite-sized delights.

Side Dish

Pair crispy seaweed with soups, stews, or salads. The crispiness and umami flavour of the seaweed complement the textures and flavours of these dishes beautifully. It can add a unique twist to your meal and impress your guests.

Toppings and Dips

Enhance the flavour and presentation of your crispy seaweed by serving it with toppings or dips. For a classic Chinese takeaway experience, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, Chinese five-spice powder, and a pinch of golden shrimp powder on top. If you prefer a vegan option, use shiitake mushroom powder instead of shrimp powder. You can also serve it with a sweet chilli dip for an extra kick.

Customise Your Seasonings

When making crispy seaweed, you have the freedom to customise the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and seasonings to find your perfect combination. Some popular options include furikake, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, black sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and crushed chilli flakes.

Pair with Meals

Crispy seaweed can be a delightful accompaniment to various dishes. Serve it alongside Asian-inspired meals, such as fried rice, noodles, or stir-fries. It can also add a unique texture and flavour to Western dishes like grilled meats or fish.

Remember, crispy seaweed is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Get creative with your seasonings and serving combinations to discover your favourite ways to enjoy this tasty treat!

Frequently asked questions