Oh my gosh, you have GOT to try these Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips! They’re seriously my latest obsession. I was skeptical at first – nutritional yeast? On chips? But trust me, that magical golden powder gives these crispy potato slices the most incredible cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy. And the air fryer? Total game-changer. No more soggy oven-baked chips or greasy deep-fried versions! I swear, I make these at least twice a week now for movie nights or when that 3pm snack attack hits.
Here’s the best part – they come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. I remember the first time I made them, my kitchen smelled like a fancy vegan bistro (in a good way!). My husband walked in and immediately asked “What smells so amazing?” Now he requests them constantly. They’re perfect for when you’re craving something crunchy and salty but want to keep it wholesome. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with that good-for-you B-vitamin boost from the nutritional yeast. Just wait until you taste that first perfectly crisp, golden brown chip – I promise you’ll be hooked too!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips
These chips are absolute perfection, and here’s why:
- Vegan-friendly magic: That cheesy, umami flavor comes entirely from nutritional yeast – no dairy needed!
- Quick snack fix: From potato to plate in under 30 minutes when those cravings hit.
- Perfect crispiness: The air fryer gives that ideal golden crunch without deep-frying.
- Flavor bomb: Nutritional yeast adds this incredible savory depth that’ll make you keep reaching for more.
- Healthier indulgence: All the satisfaction of potato chips with way less oil and more nutrients.
Seriously, once you try these, regular chips just won’t compare. They’re my go-to snack for everything from Netflix binges to impressing guests!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips
Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll need:
- 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb total), sliced 1/8-inch thick (I use a mandoline for perfect evenness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to lightly coat without making them greasy
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast – packed lightly (this is our flavor superstar!)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – adjust to your taste buds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that irresistible savory kick
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – trust me, fresh makes a difference
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that transform into something magical. I always use russets because they crisp up beautifully, but feel free to experiment with sweet potatoes too! If you are looking for other potato ideas, check out this air fryer sweet potato chips recipe.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips
Alright, let’s get cooking! I swear this process is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bought bagged chips. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the crispiest, most flavorful snack in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – fire up that air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grab your potatoes. I use my trusty mandoline slicer set to about 1/8-inch thickness – this gives that perfect chip texture. Careful with those fingers though! If you don’t have a mandoline, just slice as evenly as possible with a sharp knife. Rinse the slices and pat them bone dry with a clean towel – this is crucial for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
Now for the fun part! Toss those beautiful potato slices with olive oil until they’re lightly coated but not dripping. Sprinkle on the nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, then toss again like you’re coating popcorn – you want every inch seasoned. My trick? I do this in a big bowl with a lid so I can shake everything together without making a mess.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Here’s where patience pays off. Lay the slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket – no overlapping! I usually do this in batches to avoid steaming. Cook for 10-12 minutes total, flipping each chip carefully at the 5-6 minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown with those gorgeous crispy edges. The smell is absolutely intoxicating at this point!
Let them cool for just a minute – I know it’s hard to wait, but they’ll crisp up even more as they sit. Then dig in and prepare to be amazed at what you just created!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips
After making these chips more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for perfection every time:
- Don’t crowd the basket! Overlapping slices steam instead of crisp. I do small batches – it’s worth the wait.
- Slice evenly or suffer. Uneven thickness means some chips burn while others stay soggy. My mandoline is my BFF here.
- Season to taste. Start with the recipe amounts, then adjust. I often add an extra pinch of garlic powder because I’m obsessed.
- Spritz for extra crunch. If your chips seem dry, a quick spray of olive oil before the final 2 minutes works miracles.
- Watch like a hawk. All air fryers vary – check at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Follow these and you’ll get that perfect golden crunch every single time – promise!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, confession time – these Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips rarely last more than an hour in my house! But if you somehow have leftovers, here’s how to keep them perfect. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes to revive that amazing crunch. Trust me, the microwave will turn them into sad, soggy disappointment – don’t do it!
Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this base recipe! Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these delicious twists:
- Sweet potato swap: Use orange or purple sweet potatoes for a colorful, slightly sweeter version that’s just as crispy.
- Spice it up: Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a warm, smoky kick.
- Creamy drizzle: After cooking, zigzag some tahini mixed with lemon juice over the top – so good!
- Everything bagel style: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning in the last minute of cooking.
Honestly, I’ve never met a variation I didn’t like – get creative with your favorite flavors! For more crispy snack inspiration, check out these air fryer salt and vinegar chips.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these values are estimates – nutrition can vary based on your exact ingredients. But for one serving of these addictive Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips, you’re looking at about:
- 150 calories
- 5g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- 4g plant-based protein
- 3g fiber (thank you, potato skins!)
- Just 1g sugar naturally
Not bad for a snack that tastes this indulgent, huh? The nutritional yeast packs in those B vitamins too!
FAQ About Air Fryer Crispy Nutritional Yeast Chips
I get so many questions about these addictive chips – here are the answers to the ones I hear most!
Can I use parchment paper?
Absolutely! A parchment liner prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Just make sure to cut it to fit your basket with some holes for air flow – those chips need to crisp up!
Is nutritional yeast gluten-free?
Yes! Most brands are naturally gluten-free (mine is), but always check the label if you’re sensitive. That golden flaky goodness is safe for gluten-free diets.
How do I prevent sticking?
Three words: don’t skimp oil! A light but thorough coating does the trick. If your air fryer tends to stick, give the basket a quick spritz before adding chips.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
You can bake them at 400°F on parchment-lined sheets, flipping halfway – but they won’t get quite as crispy. The air fryer’s magic is real!
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Nutritional Yeast Chips in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy and flavorful chips made with nutritional yeast in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss potato slices with olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Place slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American