Standing in the snack aisle, you've probably wondered whether that air fryer sitting on your counter is actually giving you a better snack than the crispy bag of chips next to it. Between air fried and kettle fried snacks, the differences go far beyond just how much oil is used. If you're trying to make sense of cooking methods, oil choices, and what actually ends up in your mouth (and your body), this guide on air fried vs kettle fried snacks is here to help you feel confident in your next snack pick.
What Makes Kettle Fried Snacks So Crispy
Kettle frying is an old-school method where snacks are cooked in small batches of hot oil, which creates that deep, golden crunch snack lovers know and love. The texture comes from the oil itself: how hot it gets, how it interacts with the food, and what kind of oil is used in the first place.
Not all frying oils behave the same way once they hit high heat. Oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats, like many common seed oils, are more prone to oxidation during high-heat cooking (source). That matters because the oil isn't just a cooking medium, it becomes part of the finished snack.
What Air Frying Actually Does
Air frying uses hot, fast-moving air instead of submerging food in oil, which is why it typically uses far less oil overall. That's the appeal for a lot of people looking to cut down on added fats. But here's the part that often gets missed: many packaged air fried snacks still use seed oils in their seasoning blends or as a light coating to help achieve that crisp, golden finish.
So while the cooking method changes, the oil question doesn't disappear. It just moves from the fryer to the seasoning label.
A Few Quick Takeaways on Air Frying
- Uses little to no added oil during the actual cooking process
- Texture can be lighter and sometimes less crisp than kettle frying
- Seasonings and coatings may still include seed oils
- Equipment and specialty products can come at a higher price point
Why the Type of Oil Matters More Than the Method
Here's the thing: the cooking method is only half the story. The type of fat used is just as important, whether a snack is kettle fried or air fried. Many common seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, and diets skewed heavily toward omega-6 relative to omega-3 may promote inflammation in the body (source). On top of that, those same oils are more prone to breaking down and oxidizing when exposed to high heat (source).
If you want to go deeper on this topic, our complete guide to seed oils breaks down exactly which oils fall into that category and how to spot them on an ingredient label.
How Jackson's Approaches the Fry
At Jackson's, we take a straightforward approach: every chip and Super Veggie Straws® bag is cooked in avocado oil. We started in a home kitchen using premium oils, including coconut oil and avocado oil, before landing on avocado oil as our go-to for kettle cooking. It holds up well at high heat and lets the real, seasoned flavor of every snack come through.
You'll find that same commitment across our lineup, from our Sea Salt Kettle Chips to our Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips and our crunchy Super Veggie Straws®, made with real veggie ingredients, avocado oil, and seasoning.
Want to go beyond chips? Our spicy avocado oil snacks roundup is a fun place to explore other kettle-cooked flavors.
Taste and Texture: What You'll Actually Notice
Kettle frying delivers that classic, satisfying crunch with a rich, full mouthfeel. Air fried snacks can come close, but the lighter oil content often means a slightly different bite, sometimes crispier on the edges, sometimes softer in the middle. Neither is wrong. It really comes down to what kind of crunch you're craving in the moment.
Seasoning also plays a bigger role than people expect. A bold, well-balanced seasoning blend can make or break a snack, no matter how it was cooked. That's part of why we pay close attention to it in every one of our flavors.
What Reviewers and Customers Are Saying
Dietitian and mom of two Julianka Bell shared with Business Insider, "My husband and I love crunchy and savory snacks. Jackson's chips are simple and made with lightly salted sweet potatoes with avocado oil."
And Rainyroo, a Jackson's customer, put it simply: "These veggie straws are absolutely addictive! I especially love the ranch flavor, and the cheddar flavor is equally delicious. I will continue to purchase these indefinitely."
Choosing What Works Best for You
Deciding between air fried and kettle fried snacks isn't about picking a winner. It's about knowing what you're looking for and reading labels with a little more confidence. Here's a quick recap to keep in your back pocket:
- Kettle frying delivers a deep, classic crunch and full flavor
- Air frying uses less oil during cooking, but seasonings may still include seed oils
- The type of oil matters just as much as the cooking method itself
- Jackson's snacks are cooked in avocado oil for a satisfying, craveable crunch
Curious how avocado oil stacks up against other options? Our avocado oil vs olive oil breakdown is a great next read.
The Bottom Line on Air Fried vs Kettle Fried Snacks
Whether you reach for an air fryer or a bag of kettle-cooked chips, understanding the oil behind the crunch helps you snack with a little more awareness and a lot more confidence. Air fried vs kettle fried snacks isn't really a battle to win. It's about knowing what goes into your food and choosing what feels good for you and your family. At Jackson's, we'll keep doing what we do best: kettle cooking real food ingredients in avocado oil, so every bag delivers the bold flavor and satisfying crunch you're craving.
Shop Jackson's: Grab a bag of our avocado oil kettle chips or Super Veggie Straws® today.
