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Air Fryer Kale Chips

Healthy Alternative to Traditional Chips: Air Fryer Kale Chips 

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Fresh Kale Choose your favorite variety—curly or dinosaur kale! Just make sure to remove the stems and tear it into bite-sized pieces for maximum crunch.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil This helps the kale crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without turning greasy. Plus, it adds a bit of healthy fat to make these chips even more satisfying.
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste) A little sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out that kale flavor. Keep it simple, or let’s get creative!

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

  • Garlic Powder or Onion Powder Add a savory punch for those who love a little extra flavor.
  • Nutritional Yeast Perfect for a cheesy, vegan-friendly twist—your kale chips will taste like they’ve been sprinkled with magic!
  • Chili Flakes or Paprika throw in some chili flakes or paprika to give your chips a spicy kick.
  • Lemon Zest Add a burst of fresh, zesty flavor by sprinkling some lemon zest on top after they’re done in the air fryer.
  • Parmesan Cheese Want to go all out? A sprinkle of parmesan will give your kale chips a rich savory taste.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Kale : Rinse and thoroughly dry your kale (this is key to avoiding soggy chips!). Tear the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces and discard the tough stems.
  • Toss in Oil and Seasoning : Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss until every leaf is coated evenly. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper (or any of your optional seasonings).
  • Preheat the Air Fryer : Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and give it a minute to heat up.
  • Air Fry the Kale : Place the kale in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve and Enjoy : Let the chips cool for a minute (they’ll crisp up even more!) and enjoy the crunch!

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Crunch

  • Don’t Overcrowd : If you pile too much kale into the air fryer basket, they won’t cook evenly. Work in batches for that perfect crispiness.
  • Shake It Up : Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake or toss the kale around. This ensures every piece gets evenly crispy!
  • Watch Closely : Kale can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a flash, so keep an eye on them in the last minute or two of cooking.
  • Lower the Temperature for Extra Crisp : If you want your chips extra crispy, try lowering the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and extending the cooking time slightly.

Notes

A few extra tips to make sure your kale chips turn out just right: 
  • Choose the Right Kale: Curly kale gives you that classic crispy texture, while dinosaur kale is a little heartier and can hold up to more seasoning. Both work great! 
  • Avoid the Soggy Chips: The key to crispy chips is ensuring your kale is completely dry before you add the oil. Any moisture left on the leaves will result in soggier chips. 
  • Go Light on the Oil: You don’t need much oil—just enough to lightly coat the kale. Too much oil can make the chips greasy.