Air Fryer Kale Chips
Air Fryer Kale Chips are crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive. This healthy snack or side is ready in minutes in your air fryer, transforming an ordinary superfood into an extraordinary treat that even the most dedicated chip lovers can't resist.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 17 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Healthy
Servings 4 servings
Calories 110 kcal
Air Fryer
Salad Spinner
Large Bowl
Cooling Rack
- 1 large bunch fresh kale about 8-10 ounces
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for a higher smoke point
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat lovers
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky kick
Thoroughly wash your kale leaves and dry them completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Any remaining moisture will prevent that perfect crispiness we're aiming for.
Remove the tough center stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces – about 2 inches is ideal, as they'll shrink during cooking.
Place your kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and massage it into the leaves with your hands. This intimate contact ensures every nook and cranny gets coated, which is crucial for achieving that irresistible crunch.
Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings of your choice.
Lay the seasoned kale pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping, so work in batches if necessary.
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. At the 3-minute mark, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the chips.
Watch them carefully during the final minutes – kale can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in seconds!
Transfer your chips to a cooling rack for 1-2 minutes. This crucial step allows them to reach maximum crispness as they cool.
Serve immediately for the optimal snacking experience!
For a dairy-free "cheesy" flavor, nutritional yeast works wonders. Can't have olive oil? Coconut oil spray provides a lighter coating. For those avoiding salt, try a salt-free herb blend like Mrs. Dash.
Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
For maximum crispness, consume within 2-3 days.
Revive slightly softened chips with a quick 1-minute air fry at 300°F.
Avoid refrigeration, which introduces moisture and ruins the texture.
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 170mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 206IUVitamin C: 134mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Kale, Chips, Air Fryer, Healthy Snack, Vegetable Chips