An easy-to-make snack with an irresistible crunch, these Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are addictive and ready in under 20 minutes. They’re a healthy, flavorful alternative to store-bought chips and require only a small amount of oil thanks to the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Snack Recipe
- Budget friendly — Making kale chips at home costs far less than buying prepackaged bags, and you control the seasonings.
- Kid friendly — Kids love crunchy snacks, and these chips are an easy way to sneak in vegetables.
- Delicious and simple — Minimal prep and great flavor make these a go-to snack.
What You’ll Need
- Kale — Choose fresh, crisp leaves; avoid limp bunches.
- Olive oil — Substitute avocado, sunflower, or another neutral oil if preferred.
- Ranch seasoning — Optional; see seasoning ideas below.
How To Make Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the kale: Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and tear or cut the leaves into roughly 3-inch pieces — they will shrink as they crisp.
- Season the kale: Place the pieces in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle your chosen seasoning. Massage the leaves gently so the oil and seasoning coat evenly.
- Air fry: Arrange the kale in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry 3–5 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the chips when crisp, let them cool briefly, then transfer to a bowl and enjoy.
How to Make Crispy Kale Chips in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the kale as above, lay pieces evenly spaced on the sheet, and bake 10–15 minutes until edges brown but don’t burn.
Tips and Notes
- Dry the kale completely — a salad spinner is ideal. Any surface water prevents the oil from adhering and causes steaming instead of crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is needed for crisp texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove stems — they’re fibrous and unpleasant to eat.
- Use just enough oil to lightly coat the leaves. Too much oil prevents proper crisping.
FAQs
You can use many seasonings: nutritional yeast, garlic powder, taco seasoning, grated Parmesan, lemon pepper, Everything Bagel seasoning, or popcorn seasoning for a savory twist.
Kale chips are crispiest right after cooking. Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days if needed. If they soften, briefly re-crisp in the air fryer.
Curly, Tuscan (Lacinato/Dinosaur), or other kale varieties all work. Choose fresh leaves for the best results.
Want More Healthy Recipes?
- Healthy Oven Baked Cod
- Healthy Stuffed Peppers
- Healthy Orange Chicken
- Spinach Chickpea Salad Recipe
- Easy Vegan Lentil Chili Recipe
- Homemade Vegetable Soup
Enjoy this easy Air Fryer Kale Chips recipe and feel free to share it with friends and family. These chips are quick, flavorful, and a simple way to enjoy a crunchy, healthier snack.
Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 large kale bunch
- 2 tbsps. olive oil
- 1 tsp. ranch seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove stems and cut leaves into 3-inch pieces.
- Toss kale with olive oil and seasoning, massaging to coat evenly.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry 3–5 minutes, shaking once halfway through. Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove when crisp, let cool briefly, then serve.
Notes
- Dry kale completely to ensure it crisps rather than steams.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; air flow is essential for crunch.
- Remove tough stems before seasoning.
- Use a light coating of oil for best results.
Nutrition
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