Air Fryer Kale Chips: A Quick, Healthy Snack

Kale chips are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. They are a great way to eat more vegetables and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make kale chips in an air fryer, including tips on preparing the kale, choosing the right oil and seasonings, and achieving the perfect crispiness. We will also offer suggestions for serving and storing your homemade kale chips.

Choosing the right kale

• Look for fresh, crisp kale leaves: Choose kale with vibrant, deep green leaves that are perky and crisp. Avoid kale with wilted, yellowing, or browning leaves, as these signs indicate that the kale is past its prime.
• Select smaller kale leaves: Smaller kale leaves tend to work better in an air fryer because they are easier to coat evenly with oil and seasonings. They also crisp up nicely without becoming too tough or chewy.
• Avoid thick, woody stems: When choosing kale, try to select leaves with thinner stems. Thick, woody stems can be difficult to crisp up in the air fryer and may require a longer cooking time. Removing the leaves from the stems before cooking will help ensure even cooking.
• Wash and dry the kale thoroughly: Before using the kale, be sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry the kale completely. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy kale chips.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: If you're unsure which variety of kale to choose, don't be afraid to experiment. Try using curly kale, lacinato kale, or a mix of both to see which you prefer. You can also explore different types of kale, such as Siberian kale or Russian kale, to find your favorite.

Remember, the key to choosing the right kale for air fryer kale chips is to select fresh, crisp leaves with smaller, thinner stems. Wash and dry the kale thoroughly before cooking, and don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.

Preparing the kale

Wash and Dry the Kale Leaves:

Start by rinsing your kale leaves under cold water. It is important to ensure that the leaves are thoroughly cleaned. You can use a salad spinner to dry the kale, or you can spread the leaves on a paper towel and pat them dry with additional paper towels. This step is crucial, as any remaining water on the leaves can affect the crispness of your kale chips.

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 you can pull the stem through your closed fist to detach the leaves without using a knife. Removing the stems will make it easier to tear the kale into bite-sized pieces and ensure a more even texture in your chips.

Tear the Kale into Bite-Sized Pieces:

Once the stems have been removed, tear the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible to promote even cooking. Keep in mind that the kale will shrink slightly during cooking, so don't tear the pieces too small.

Transfer the Kale to a Bowl and Add Oil:

Place the torn kale leaves into a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle or spray the kale with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-tasting oil of your choice. Use your hands to gently massage the oil into the leaves, ensuring that each piece is lightly and evenly coated. This step helps to tenderize the kale and makes it easier for the seasonings to adhere to the leaves.

Season the Kale (Optional):

Before transferring the kale to the air fryer, you can season it with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like nutritional yeast, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or even ranch seasoning. Toss the kale in the bowl to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Arrange the Kale in the Air Fryer Basket:

Spread the kale leaves in a single layer on the bottom of your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket and try to prevent the leaves from overlapping. You may need to cook the kale in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. If the kale chips start flying around in the air fryer, you can cover them with an air fryer rack to keep them in place.

Choosing your oil

Oil is an essential ingredient in making kale chips in an air fryer, and the type of oil you choose can have a significant impact on the flavour and texture of the final product. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right oil for your kale chips:

Type of Oil

The most commonly used oils for kale chips are olive oil and avocado oil. Olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil, is a good choice if you want a more robust and fruity flavour. Avocado oil, on the other hand, has a more subtle flavour and a higher smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Other neutral-tasting oils, such as canola oil, can also be used. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use olive oil or avocado oil for a savoury flavour.

Amount of Oil

Kale chips require only a small amount of oil. The key is to use just enough to coat the leaves lightly. You can use a cooking spray to apply the oil evenly and reduce the amount of oil needed. Alternatively, you can massage the oil into the leaves with your hands to ensure each piece is coated.

Health Considerations

When choosing an oil, consider your dietary needs and restrictions. For example, if you're following a vegan or gluten-free diet, opt for plant-based oils and avoid any animal-based products. Additionally, if you're watching your calorie intake, it's essential to consider the calorie content of the oil you choose.

Flavour Combinations

The oil you choose can also complement the other ingredients and seasonings you use. For instance, if you plan to make cheesy kale chips with Parmesan, using olive oil can enhance the savoury flavour. On the other hand, avocado oil may pair well with spicy seasonings like cumin and paprika.

In conclusion, when choosing the oil for your kale chips, consider the type of oil, the amount needed, your health requirements, and how it will enhance the overall flavour of your dish. Remember to experiment with different oils and find the one that best suits your taste preferences and cooking needs.

Seasoning options

There are endless ways to season your kale chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ranch Seasoning

Combine dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add some dijon mustard to your ranch seasoning for a tangy twist.

Dorito Seasoning

Mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.

BBQ Seasoning

Combine nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (optional).

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Use this popular seasoning as is, or substitute tahini for the oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Spicy

Add some cumin and paprika to your kale chips for a spicy kick.

Cheesy

Make your kale chips cheesy by adding parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Umami

Try soy sauce or miso sauce for an umami flavour boost.

Simple

Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder for an extra kick.

Other Ideas

• Smoked paprika
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Nutmeg
• Cumin
• Paprika

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer kale chips vary depending on the type of kale used and the desired crispiness. Curly kale is hardier and may need a slightly higher temperature and longer cooking time than lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale).

Most recipes recommend air-frying kale chips at around 350-375°F/180-190°C for 3-6 minutes. It is important to keep a close eye on the chips after the 3-minute mark, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly. The chips will continue to crisp as they cool, so it is important not to overcook them.

When air-frying kale chips, it is best to work in batches to prevent them from steaming and getting soggy. This also helps to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to help the chips cook evenly.

Frequently asked questions