Kale Chips In An Air Fryer: Healthy, Homemade Snacking

Kale chips are a great healthy snack and can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. They are a good way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The key to making kale chips in an air fryer is to ensure the kale leaves are thoroughly dried before cooking and to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare kale for air frying

Preparing kale for air frying is a simple process, but it requires a few key steps to ensure your kale chips turn out crispy and delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare kale for air frying:

• Wash and Dry the Kale: Start by rinsing your raw kale leaves under cold water. To dry them, you can either use paper towels by placing the wet leaves on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and patting them dry, or you can use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
• Remove the Stems: Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the stems from the kale leaves. You can do this by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem, or by pulling the stem through your closed fist to detach the leaves.
• Tear the Kale into Bite-Sized Pieces: Once the stems are removed, tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces relatively equal in size to ensure even cooking.
• Massage the Kale with Oil: Drizzle your kale pieces with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-tasting oil. Gently massage the leaves for 30-40 seconds to ensure each piece is coated with a thin layer of oil. This step is crucial for achieving crispy kale chips.
• Season the Kale (Optional): You can season your kale with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. You can also get creative with seasoning blends such as ranch, BBQ, or even everything bagel seasoning.
• Arrange the Kale in a Single Layer: Place the seasoned kale leaves in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-375°F (180-190°C).

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy kale chips in your air fryer!

The best oils for kale chips

Kale chips are a delicious, easy, and healthy snack. They are made by coating kale leaves in oil and seasoning, then baking or air-frying until crispy. You can use a variety of different oils to make kale chips, each with its own unique flavour and nutritional profile. Here are some of the best oils to use:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for kale chips as it has a clean flavour that doesn't overpower the taste of the kale. It is also a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. When using olive oil, be sure to use a light hand when coating the kale leaves, as too much oil will prevent them from crisping up.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another good option for kale chips. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the kale, and it is also high in monounsaturated fats. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as air frying.

Walnut Oil

Walnut oil will give your kale chips a nutty flavour and is a good source of Omega-3s. It is lower in saturated fat than other oils, making it a healthier option. However, it can be more expensive and may be harder to find than other types of oil.

Cooking Spray

If you are looking for a lighter, crispier kale chip with less fat and calories, you can use a cooking spray such as Pam Olive Oil Cooking Spray. This will give the chips a very light coating of oil, but it may be more difficult to get the salt to stick. Some people also prefer to avoid the artificial propellants found in some cooking sprays.

Lemon Oil

For an Italian twist on kale chips, try using lemon oil. Combine it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a zesty, savoury flavour.

Seasoning ideas

Ranch Seasoning

For a homemade ranch seasoning, combine dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also add some dijon mustard to your seasoning to make it extra tangy.

Cheese

Add some parmesan cheese to your kale chips for a savoury, nutty flavour. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead.

BBQ Seasoning

For a homemade BBQ seasoning, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

Use Everything But the Bagel seasoning for a robust, garlicky flavour. If you don't have this seasoning, you can use toasted sesame seeds or massage your kale with tahini.

Dorito Seasoning

For a Dorito-flavoured seasoning, combine nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.

Salt

Keep it simple with just a pinch of salt. This will make your kale chips taste just like classic potato chips.

Air frying time and temperature

The air frying time and temperature for making kale chips depend on the type of kale used. Curly kale, which is more readily available in grocery stores, takes between 4 to 5 minutes to cook at 375°F. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, is more delicate and cooks faster, typically taking about 3 minutes at the same temperature. It is important to note that air fryer models may vary, so it is recommended to keep a close eye on the kale chips during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

When preparing the kale, it is crucial to ensure that the leaves are thoroughly dried and coated with a light layer of oil. This helps to achieve the desired crispiness. Additionally, arranging the kale leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooking them in batches is essential to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to a lower temperature of 350°F or 360°F, and the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer. It is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Storing your kale chips

• Cooling: Before storing, it is crucial to let the kale chips cool completely. Allowing them to rest on a baking sheet or wire rack will help any excess moisture evaporate, reducing the chances of sogginess.
• Containers: Once cooled, transfer the kale chips to an airtight container. Options such as mason jars, ziplock bags, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal. If using a paper bag or a loosely sealed plastic bag, line it with paper towels to absorb any residual moisture.
• Absorbents: To further ensure crispiness, include moisture-absorbing agents in your container. A few grains of uncooked rice, silica gel packs (food-grade), or paper towels can help absorb any excess moisture and extend the shelf life of your kale chips.
• Temperature and Timing: Store your kale chips at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for about 2-3 days. If not consumed within this period, consider other storage methods like vacuum sealing or dehydrating and then storing in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Reviving Chips: If your kale chips lose their crispiness, you can restore them by placing them back in the air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help remove any remaining moisture and bring back the desired texture.

Frequently asked questions