Air-Fryer Seaweed Chips: A Quick, Healthy Snack

Seaweed chips are a tasty, healthier alternative to potato chips. They are also a great way to add some sea vegetables to your diet. Seaweed chips can be made in an air fryer, eliminating the need for deep frying and reducing the amount of oil and calories. To make seaweed chips in an air fryer, you will need seaweed, oil, and seasonings of your choice. First, cut the seaweed into chip-sized pieces. Then, brush or spray the seaweed with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes or until crispy. You can also experiment with different shapes and flavors by using spring roll wrappers, rice paper, or egg wash to create a variety of textures and tastes.

How to make seaweed chips in an air fryer

Choosing the right seaweed

Seaweed, or nori, is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of iodine, which is critical for thyroid health. It is also believed to boost metabolism and improve gut health.

When choosing the right seaweed for your chips, opt for dry roasted seaweed sheets, also known as gim, laver, or nori. These sheets are made from pressed sea vegetables and have a distinct umami and ocean-like flavour. You can typically find them at Asian grocery stores or select Western grocers.

When selecting your seaweed sheets, look for options that are gluten-free, Whole30-approved, and keto-friendly, if these factors are important to you. Additionally, consider the flavour of the seaweed sheets. They come in a variety of flavours, ranging from wasabi and teriyaki to sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. If you are making the chips for kids, you might want to opt for a milder flavour, such as sea salt.

For a more cost-effective option, you can also use kale instead of seaweed.

Selecting an oil with a high smoke point

When making seaweed chips in an air fryer, it is important to select an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it reaches its burning point, and this varies greatly among different oils. Oils with a low smoke point will not be suitable for air frying, as they will break down and release chemicals, imparting a burnt flavour to your food.

In general, refined oils have higher smoke points than their unrefined counterparts. Oils with smoke points over 400°F are best for high-heat cooking applications. For air frying, select an oil with a smoke point of at least 350°F. Here are some examples of oils with high smoke points:

• Avocado oil (refined): 480-520°F
• Ghee (clarified butter): 485°F
• Extra light olive oil: 468°F
• Soybean oil: 460°F
• Sunflower oil (refined): 450°F
• Coconut oil (refined): 400-450°F
• Peanut oil (refined): 450°F
• Grapeseed oil: 420°F
• Canola oil: 400-475°F
• Vegetable oil: 400°F

When selecting an oil for air frying seaweed chips, it is also important to consider the flavour of the oil. Some oils, like sesame oil, have a very distinct flavour that may complement certain dishes. Other oils, like sunflower or grapeseed oil, are more neutral in flavour. If you want the flavour of the seaweed to stand out, choose a neutral-tasting oil.

Additionally, consider the health benefits of different oils. Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are some of the healthiest cooking oils due to their high levels of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.

Finally, it is worth noting that some oils are not suitable for air fryers due to their low smoke point. Oils with smoke points below 350°F should be avoided for air frying, as they will not be able to withstand the high temperatures. Examples of oils with low smoke points include:

• Extra virgin olive oil: 325-400°F
• Butter: 200-250°F
• Flaxseed oil: 225°F
• Almond oil (unrefined): 225°F

Preparing the seaweed sheets

Firstly, gather your ingredients and choose the type of seaweed sheets you want to use. You can opt for roasted seaweed sheets, also known as Gim, Laver, or Nori, which have a rough side and a mild savoury taste. These sheets are typically used for sushi and can be found at most Asian grocery stores or select Western grocers.

For an added crunch, you can also use rice paper. Choose large-sized sheets made from white rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, and water. These are available at Asian markets. If you want to include rice paper, you will also need cold water to moisten the sheets.

Now, let's begin preparing the seaweed sheets:

• Lay out a sheet of roasted seaweed, rough side up, on a clean working surface.
• If using rice paper, briefly soak it in a large bowl of cold water until it is wet. Be careful not to over-soak, as this will make it too soft and difficult to work with.
• Remove the rice paper from the water, shaking off any excess moisture.
• Place the rice paper over the seaweed sheet. If you are not using rice paper, proceed to the next step.
• Gently press the rice paper onto the seaweed, ensuring it sticks.
• Fold in any empty corners of the seaweed onto the rice paper.
• Transfer the sheet to a wire rack while you prepare the remaining pieces.
• Repeat the above steps for each seaweed sheet until you have prepared the desired amount.
• Allow the rice paper side to dry. You can use a blow dryer or a heat gun on the hottest setting to speed up this process. Ensure the rice paper is no longer sticky or wet.
• Once dried, use clean kitchen scissors to cut each sheet into your desired shape and size. Triangles or strips are popular choices, as they create a crispy texture.

By following these steps, you will have well-prepared seaweed sheets that are ready for the next stage of air frying!

Cutting the sheets into the right shape

If you want to make the seaweed roll shape, brush a spring roll sheet with a thin layer of egg wash. Then, place a sheet of seaweed on top and use a chopstick to roll it up gently. Brush the end with egg wash to seal it, and then remove the chopstick. Cut the roll into 4-5 pieces at an angle. Repeat this process for the remaining sheets.

To make the cracker shape, follow the same initial steps, but instead of rolling the sheets up, simply place one sheet of seaweed on top of the spring roll sheet. Brush the seaweed with another thin layer of egg wash and sprinkle with white sesame seeds. Then, use a kitchen shear or scissors to cut the sheets into smaller square pieces.

For triangular chips, lay out a sheet of roasted seaweed on a clean work surface, rough side up. Sprinkle with your desired seasonings, and then place a sheet of rice paper on top, pressing it down gently. Transfer to a wire rack to dry while you prepare the remaining sheets. Once dry, use kitchen scissors to cut each sheet into equal-sized triangles.

Finally, if you are making the rice paper seaweed snacks, you will need to cut the sheets into strips with a sharp knife after assembling them.

Air-frying at the right temperature

Air-frying is a convenient and healthy way to make seaweed chips, as it eliminates the need for deep frying in hot oil. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the desired crispiness with minimal oil, reducing the overall calorie and fat content of your snack.

To ensure your seaweed chips turn out perfectly crispy, it is crucial to air fry them at the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for air frying seaweed chips is between 350°F (180°C) and 400°F. Air frying at this temperature will give your seaweed chips a delightful crisp texture without burning them.

When preparing your seaweed chips for air frying, it is important to cut them into equal-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows for consistent crispiness throughout your batch. After cutting, lightly brush or spray both sides of the seaweed pieces with oil, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or another neutral oil with a high smoke point.

Once your seaweed chips are prepared and coated with oil, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces don't overlap and are placed in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket can impede airflow and affect the crispiness of your chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the chips in multiple batches.

Now, you are ready to set the temperature and timer. For most air fryers, a temperature of 350°F (180°C) and a cooking time of 2 to 4 minutes will yield crispy seaweed chips. However, depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chips, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly or air fry for a bit longer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your chips during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Finally, once the timer goes off, carefully remove the crispy seaweed chips from the air fryer and let them cool. You can enjoy them as a nutritious and delicious snack on their own or pair them with your favorite dips and seasonings.

Frequently asked questions