These super-simple air fryer kale chips come out perfectly crispy, and ready for snacking! A healthy alternative to chips, the air fryer makes it even easier to make kale chips cutting down on the cooking time, and reducing the amount of oil!
Creating simple recipes in the air fryer is an excellent way to make some of your recipes healthier, and faster! Like these super crispy air fryer frozen broccoli florets, and air fryer squash! I’ve made tons of vegetables in the air fryer, so why not kale chips?
It’s SO much easier than making oven kale chips!
I served these kale chips to a reluctant bunch, and to their surprise, they liked them! I mean, they like potato chips more, but at least they didn’t turn up their noses at them. My husband actually snacked on them while he watched football!
WINNING! If you’re looking to convert your family to kale lovers, give this kale chips recipe a try!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick and Crispy: Using the air fryer also cuts down on the amount of time it takes to make kale chips. I don’t need to wait for the oven to heat, plus the cooking time is reduced. In addition, I don’t need to heat up the whole house with the oven on!
Less Fat and Calories: Using the air fryer cuts down on the amount of oil needed, and instead of the kale marinating in the oil while it bakes on a baking sheet, the excess oil drops down to the bottom of the air fryer.
Ingredients and Notes
Kale Leaves: Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. Use organic if possible. There are many different varieties of kale including curly kale, dinosaur kale, baby kale, red kale, and more. I recommend using any variety with the exception of baby kale. You want a hearty leaf to make a kale chip.
Olive Oil: You really don’t need too much oil, but leaving it out will not work! The oil is what will crisp the kale and make it into a chip-like texture. I recommend using your fingertips to massage the oil into the leaves to be sure that it is evenly distributed. Alternatively, you could use avocado oil.
Salt and Garlic Powder: I use sea salt for the texture and flavor. The garlic powder also lends a hint of extra flavor. Feel free to get creative and sprinkle your favorite spices.
Note: Scroll to the bottom of the post to the recipe card for complete measurements.
How to Prep Kale for Kale Chips
Clean the Kale: Kale can have some hidden dirt, so it’s important to rinse it thoroughly. Then pat it dry. You don’t want any extra water on the kale or it won’t hold the oil. As a result, you’ll have a lackluster soggy chip!
Pull the Leaves from the Stem: The kale stem is tough, and not desirable in a chip. Use the leaves only. In order to do this, pull the leaves away from the stem. I don’t even use a knife, but you can if you want to.
Tear the Kale Into Smaller Pieces: Using your hands tear the kale into smaller bite-sized pieces. They don’t have to be too small, after all, kale shrinks when cooked, so keep that in mind when you’re tearing or chopping the kale leaves.
How to Air Fry Kale Chips
Add Oil: Add the kale pieces to a large bowl. Add the olive oil. With your fingertips, massage the oil into the leaves until evenly coated.
Season: Add the salt, and garlic powder. Toss to evenly coat the kale.
Air Fry: Place the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid the kale from overlapping.
Set the air fryer to 375 F, and air fry for 4 minutes, tossing at the 2-minute mark. If needed add a bit more time until they are crisp.
FAQS
If you don’t finish all your kale chips the first time around, place them in a paper bag, and use a clip to keep out the air. The paper bag will help absorb any excess moisture, whereas a plastic bag will hold it in. Using a paper bag for storage will help ensure your chips stay crispy!
If your kale chips didn’t come out crispy from the air fryer one of two things likely happened. Either the kale still had water on the leaves when they were placed in the air fryer, or you didn’t give them enough time to cook. Be sure to use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat the kale dry before adding the oil and seasoning.
As the kale cooks it will dry out. As the hot air circulates you run the risk of your kale blowing all over which you don’t want. Keep your kale from blowing around the air fryer by placing a metal rack over top. Most air fryers come with one that fits your make and model.
Yes! Kale is a superfood, and there are benefits of kale for your health. One cup of raw kale has 206% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin A, 684% of Vitamin K, and 124% of Vitamin C. It’s also low in calories, with only 33 calories in one cup. It’s also a good source of antioxidants So, are kale chips as healthy as raw kale? While eating raw kale will give you the highest amount of vitamins and minerals, kale chips when cooked are still rich in nutrients. Some of the nutrients are lost in the cooking process, but because kale is so dense in nutrients, you are still getting quite a lot!
Expert Tips
- Use a salad spinner to remove the excess water from the kale leaves, then pat them dry to ensure all water has been removed.
- Place a metal rack that’s made for your air fryer over top the kale to help keep it from blowing around.
- Tear the leaves into larger pieces then you might think you would need. They will shrink quite a bit in the air fryer.
- Use your fingertips to massage the oil into the kale. This will ensure the oil is evenly distributed on all the leaves and will create a crispy texture.
- Keep a close eye on the kale while it’s cooking. It can burn easily, and cook quickly. If the kale is not crisp enough to your liking, crisp for an additional few minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Use aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
Seasoning Ideas
There are so many ways you can season these easy air fryer kale chips to make them unique and enticing for your specific flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas…
- Spicy: Add ⅛ of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Chili: Add ¼ teaspoon of chili powder.
- Lemon: Add a ¼ teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning.
- Curry: Add a ¼ teaspoon of yellow curry powder.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor!
- Onion Powder: A slightly milder flavor than garlic powder, but still lends a nice touch of seasoning.
- Sesame Seeds and Black Pepper: After the kale has been cooked sprinkle with some sesame seeds and black pepper!
Storage
Store in a paper bag at room temperature. They will keep for up to one week. However, they will be at their peak freshness within 2-3 days of preparing.
More vegetable air fryer recipes!
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Shishito Peppers
- Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Butternut Squash
- Carrots
- Baked Potato
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
- Homemade French Fries
If you made this recipe, please comment below and leave a ⭐️ rating. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces kale roughly chopped, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and roughly chop kale, removing the leaves from the spine.
- Add the kale pieces to a large bowl. Add the olive oil. With your fingertips, massage the oil into the leaves until evenly coated.
- Add the salt, and garlic powder. Toss to evenly coat the kale.
- Place the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid the kale from overlapping.
- Set the air fryer to 375 F, and air fry for 4 minutes, tossing at the 2-minute mark. If needed add a bit more time until they are crisp.
Video
Notes
- Use a salad spinner to remove the excess water from the kale leaves, then pat them dry to ensure all water has been removed.
- Place a metal rack that’s made for your air fryer over top of the kale to help keep it from blowing around.
- Tear the leaves into larger pieces than you might think you would need. They will shrink quite a bit in the air fryer.
- Use your fingertips to massage the oil into the kale. This will ensure the oil is evenly distributed on all the leaves and will create a crispy texture.
- Keep a close eye on the kale while it’s cooking. It can burn easily, and cook quickly. If the kale is not crisp enough to your liking, crisp for an additional few minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Store in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 7 days, but will be at the peak of freshness between 2-3 days.
Catherine
I would never have thought of using the air fryer for this but fantastic idea! I love kale chips…so easy and so good!
Farah Maizar
This looks so healthy and delicious! Always looking for air fryer recipes, thanks for this!
Emily Flint
These kale chips were so easy to make in the air fryer! My son had no idea this snack was good for him 😂
Andrea
One of the best superfood snacks right here. Love the idea of switching up seasonings.
Mindee Taylor
Love kale chips! Making them in an air fryer is so much easier than in the oven or food dehydrator! So glad I came across this recipe!