Looking for a guilt-free, crispy snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Air Fryer Kale Chips are the perfect solution! These chips are quick to make, packed with flavor, and offer the perfect crunch to satisfy your snack cravings. With just a few ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can whip up a healthy alternative to traditional chips in no time.
Jump to Recipe
Why Kale Chips?
Kale chips are a fantastic snack option because they’re nutrient-rich, low in calories, and incredibly versatile. Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support overall health.
Turning kale into chips in the air fryer transforms this leafy green into a crispy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking, parties, or as a side dish. Plus, they’re gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a hit for various dietary needs!
PRO TIPS for the Best Kale Chips
- Dry the Kale Thoroughly: To avoid soggy chips, ensure the kale is completely dry before air-frying. If you run out of time, pat dry the kale with a paper towel before air-frying. Also, do not add too much oil to prevent the kale from soggy.
- Even Coating: Massage the oil and seasonings into the kale for uniform crispiness and flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary, as overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked chips.
- Cook in batches!
- Because these kales dry so quickly, make sure to check them after the first 3 minutes and 30-second intervals until they are completely crispy.
Ingredients
- Fresh Kale Leaves: The star of the recipe, kale provides a nutrient-packed base for your chips.
- Olive Oil: Helps the kale crisp up beautifully while adding a light, savory flavor.
- Salt and Optional Seasonings: Enhances the taste and allows for creative flavor variations like garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast.
How to make Air Fryer Kale Chips
Prep the Kale: Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Season the Kale: In a large bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Massage the oil and seasonings into the kale to ensure even coverage.
Air Fry: Place the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Monitor closely in the last minute to avoid burning.
Cool and Serve: Remove the kale chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
Serving Ideas
- Snack Time: Enjoy these kale chips on their own as a light, crispy snack.
- Topping: Use them as a crunchy topping for soups, salads, or casseroles.
- Dips: Pair with hummus, guacamole, or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium size Bowl
Ingredients
- Fresh Kale Leaves
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Optional Seasonings
Instructions
- Prep the Kale: Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the Kale: In a large bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Massage the oil and seasonings into the kale to ensure even coverage.
- Air Fry: Place the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Monitor closely in the last minute to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the kale chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Air Fryer Kale Chips FAQ’s
Can I use other types of kale?
Yes, curly kale works best for texture, but you can also use dinosaur (lacinato) kale for a slightly different flavor and shape.
Why are my kale chips soggy?
Ensure the kale is thoroughly dried before seasoning and avoid using too much oil. Cooking in a single layer and not overcrowding the air fryer basket also helps.
Can I add different seasonings?
Absolutely! Experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or chili flakes for a variety of flavors.
Air Fryer Kale Chips are a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy your greens. Whether you’re snacking solo or sharing with friends, these crispy chips are sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
