Air Fryer Kale Chips: Healthy, Quick, And Easy!

Kale chips are a great healthy snack and can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are a delicious, low-calorie alternative to potato chips and can be seasoned in a variety of ways.

How to make kale chips in an air fryer

Air Fryer Kale Chips are a delicious, healthy, low-calorie snack that can be made in less than 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy and crunchy kale chips in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Kale (any variety)
• Oil (avocado, olive, or extra-virgin olive oil)
• Salt
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, nutritional yeast, parmesan, etc.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry the kale thoroughly, ensuring there is no excess water.

Step 2: Season the Kale

Place the kale in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Massage the oil into the leaves, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Sprinkle salt and any desired seasonings, then toss to combine.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Transfer the seasoned kale to the air fryer basket, spreading the leaves in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the leaves too much to ensure even cooking. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F to 375°F. Air fry the kale chips for 4 to 6 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The kale chips are done when they are crispy and lightly browned at the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the kale chips from the air fryer and let them cool in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Enjoy your homemade kale chips as a snack or serve them as a side!

Tips:

• If your kale chips are flying around in the air fryer, cover them with an air fryer rack to keep them in place.
• Store leftover kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for 2-5 days.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try different combinations like ranch, taco seasoning, or even a vegan cheese alternative.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious kale chips!

Seasoning ideas for kale chips

Kale chips are a great healthy snack and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and Pepper: The classic combination of salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to season your kale chips. You can use regular salt or get creative with something like garlic salt or smoked salt.
• Cheesy: Add some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese to make your kale chips cheesy. This is a great option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
• Spicy: Kick things up a notch with some cumin, paprika, or chili powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Herby: Try using herbs like dill or chives to give your kale chips a fresh flavor. You could also use dried herbs like basil or oregano.
• Umami: Add some soy sauce or miso sauce to give your kale chips a savory, umami flavor. This is a great option for those who want something a little different.
• Ranch: Make your own ranch seasoning by mixing dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is a great way to get the flavor of ranch dressing without the dairy.
• Sweet: Add a dash of maple syrup to your kale chips for a sweet and savory treat. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make them soggy.

When seasoning your kale chips, remember to use a light hand. You can always add more, but it's difficult to remove seasoning if you've added too much. It's also important to ensure that your kale is completely dry before adding any oil or seasoning, as moisture can lead to soggy chips.

How to store kale chips

Storing kale chips can be tricky, as they are infamous for getting soggy. Here are some tips to keep your kale chips fresh and crispy:

Before Cooking:

• Ensure the kale leaves are completely dry before cooking. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
• Remove the stems before cooking, as they contain a lot of moisture and won't crisp well.
• Avoid dressing the entire batch of kale with liquid. Use cooking spray or toss with a small amount of oil.

After Cooking:

• Let the chips cool down to room temperature before storing.
• Store the chips in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but it's best to eat them within a couple of days.
• If you live in a humid environment, try to consume the chips within a couple of days to prevent sogginess.
• You can also store the chips in a paper bag at room temperature. The paper will absorb extra moisture.
• To prevent sogginess, line the bottom of the container with uncooked rice or silica gel packets. The rice or silica gel will absorb any additional moisture.
• If the chips lose their crunch, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore crispness.

Happy snacking!

The best type of kale for kale chips

There are several varieties of kale that can be used to make kale chips. The most commonly used are curly kale, lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale), redbor kale, and Siberian kale.

Curly kale, as the name suggests, has a frilly, curly appearance. Lacinato kale, on the other hand, has a flat, leathery texture and is sometimes preferred for its appearance. Both types work well for kale chips, and you can try batches of each to see which you prefer.

Other varieties of kale that can be used include redbor kale and Siberian kale, which also produce great results. Ultimately, any kind of kale leaves will work for this recipe, so feel free to experiment with different types to find your favourite.

How long to cook kale chips in an air fryer

Kale chips are a delicious, healthy, low-calorie snack that can be made in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, so be sure to adjust the temperature and time based on your specific model. However, on average, it takes about 4 to 6 minutes to cook kale chips in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

Start by tearing the kale leaves into large, bite-sized pieces, removing the tough stems. Wash and dry the kale thoroughly, either by spreading them on a cutting board or using a salad spinner.

Step 2: Season the Kale

Transfer the kale to a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt, or get creative with other seasonings like olive oil, avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or nutritional yeast. Make sure each piece of kale is coated with a thin layer of oil and seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the Kale Chips

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Spread the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket, uncurling the leaves as much as possible while avoiding overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry the kale chips for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them after 3 minutes, as they can go from crispy to burnt quite quickly. The kale chips are done when they are crispy and lightly browned at the edges.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the kale chips are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them on a plate. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or dip them in your favorite sauce like ranch, tahini, or garlic herb yogurt.

Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp up again.

Frequently asked questions