Who knew kale could turn into such crispy, snackable bites of joy, a dehydrated-style snack made from thinly crisped kale leaves that retains much of the kale's vitamin K and vitamin A? We sure didn't until we made these air fryer kale chips.
They're super quick and easy to whip up (ready in about 15 minutes), and way healthier than any store-bought chips. We've had our fair share of kitchen mishaps, but this one?
Total win.
No more soggy kale. These chips are light, crispy, and just the right amount of salty.
Perfect for munching while binge-watching our favorite shows.
Whip up a batch in minutes and enjoy a guilt-free snack. Even the kids can't resist them.
Ready to munch?
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Super Crunchy: Each bite is a satisfying crispy delight.
- Healthy Snack: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it's the perfect alternative to regular chips, especially rich in vitamin K and vitamin A.
- Quick and Easy: From prepping to munching in just about 15 minutes - also handy with 15-minute dessert boards to build quickly; try easy freezer desserts to prep ahead (preheat the air fryer to 300°F for best results).
Ingredients You'll Need
Just a few simple ingredients to make these crispy wonders:
- Kale: Fresh and preferably organic for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to make these chips crispy and delicious.
- Salt: Because every chip needs a bit of saltiness.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast can add that extra kick.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Kale Chips
Get your kale chips crispy every time with these pro tips:
- Pat Dry the Kale: Make sure your kale is completely dry before air frying for maximum crispiness, best achieved with a salad spinner or by firmly patting with paper towels (a salad spinner removes excess surface moisture that causes steaming).
- Don't Overcrowd: Lay the kale in a single layer to avoid soggy chips.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on the chips to prevent burning - timing tips appear in air fryer recipes for beginners, such as simple air-fryer zucchini chips.
Variations and Fun Ideas
Take your kale chips to the next level with these fun twists:
For a heartier snack or side idea, try these moist cornbread variations that stay tender.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese for an umami boost, with nutritional yeast offering a vegan umami and Parmesan adding a richer savory depth (about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of kale).
- Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest before air frying for a fresh zing.
Easy & Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lbs kale washed and thoroughly dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder paprika, nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F.
- Remove the kale leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and salt until evenly coated. Add any optional seasonings as desired.
- Lay the kale pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy the crispy goodness!
Nutrition
For a fruit-forward crunch, try thinly sliced apples air-fried until crisp in this easy air-fryer apple chips for snacking. For a salty, quick chip alternative, these tortilla chips made in the air fryer crisp up in minutes and pair well with dips.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
