Tiffany Haney
Curly kale is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. One way to cook it is in an air fryer, which can make it crispy and crunchy. Air-fried kale is a healthy snack that is easy to make and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. It can be used as a topping on a salad, added to a Buddha bowl, or even put in a sandwich. It is also a great way to add some more vegetables to your daily life in a quick, easy and tasty way.
How to cook curly kale in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Curly kale, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast |
| Preparation | Wash and dry kale leaves, remove stems, tear into bite-sized pieces |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-375°F/190°C |
| Cooking Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Notes | Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking, cool completely before storing in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
Curly kale vs. other types
Curly kale is the standard variety of kale that you will find in most greengrocers and supermarkets. It has bright green, tightly curled leaves with a white vein and a sturdy central stem. It has a bright, peppery flavour that can become quite bitter.
Curly Kale vs Tuscan Kale
Tuscan kale, also known as dinosaur kale, cavolo nero, or black kale, has a longer, spear-like leaf with a dark, mottled green colour and a pebbled appearance. It has a deep and earthy flavour and is less bitter than curly kale, with a nutty sweetness. It also has a chewy texture that disappears when overcooked.
Curly Kale vs Russian Red Kale
Russian Red kale is less common and is usually found at farmers' markets and gourmet natural food stores. It is similar to curly kale, but with red-hued leaves and stems or grey-green leaves with red-coloured stems.
Other Varieties of Kale
There are several other varieties of kale, including baby kale, a younger version of the vegetable with a milder flavour. There is also Italian kale, a relative of curly kale, and Chinese kale.
How to Cook Curly Kale in an Air Fryer
To cook curly kale in an air fryer, start by washing and drying the kale leaves. You can remove the stems if you prefer, as they will not become crispy. Cut the kale into thin strips and place them in the air fryer basket. Spray or drizzle with oil and season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder. You can also add spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for extra flavour. Air fry at 190°C for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serve immediately as a snack or use as a topping for salads, Buddha bowls, or sandwiches.
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Oil and seasoning
Oil is essential for making kale chips in the air fryer. It is what gives the kale its crispy texture. You don't need to use a lot of oil; just enough to coat the leaves lightly. You can use any type of oil, but olive oil is recommended for its flavour. Other options include avocado oil, canola oil, or a cooking spray.
Before adding the oil, make sure the kale leaves are thoroughly washed and dried. You can use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry, as any remaining water will cause the kale to steam instead of crisp up. Once the kale is dry, you can massage the oil into the leaves or spray them with oil.
After adding the oil, it's time to season the kale. Salt is the most basic seasoning you need, but there are many other options to explore. Black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and nutritional yeast are all popular choices. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices to find your favourite flavour.
If you want to add a tangy twist to your kale chips, consider adding Dijon mustard. It helps to minimise the bitterness of the kale and pairs well with the spices. Another option is to sprinkle on some cheese seasoning after cooking. Remember, the key to successful kale chips is to ensure the leaves are dry, lightly coated in oil, and seasoned to your taste.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking curly kale in an air fryer will depend on the result you are looking for. If you want to make kale chips, a temperature of 375°F/190°C is recommended by several sources. The cooking time for this should be between 4 and 5 minutes, but you should keep a close eye on the kale after 3 minutes. You can shake the basket or stir after about 2 minutes to help the kale cook evenly. If you want crispier kale chips, you can cook them for a little longer.
If you are cooking curly kale to be used as a topping or ingredient in another dish, a lower temperature of 350°F and a cooking time of around 3 minutes is recommended. However, this may depend on the type of kale you are using. For example, one source recommends a cooking time of 4-5 minutes for curly kale, but only 3 minutes for lacinato kale.
It is important to note that all air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer. It is also important to ensure that your kale is thoroughly dried before placing it in the air fryer, as any remaining water can cause the kale to steam instead of crisp.
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How to store
To store curly kale before cooking, start by washing the kale in cold water and removing the stems. Dry the leaves thoroughly, as any remaining water will turn to steam during cooking and prevent the leaves from crisping up. Once dry, lay 2-3 kale leaves per paper towel and roll them up. Place the rolled kale in a plastic storage bag and store it in the fridge. It is recommended to use the kale within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and crunchiness.
After cooking, allow the curly kale chips to cool down completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a loosely sealed plastic bag lined with a paper towel. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to a week at room temperature or 2-3 days in the refrigerator. If they lose their crunch, you can put them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore their texture.
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Dips and sauces
Curly kale chips are a tasty snack and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. The key to getting crispy kale chips is to ensure the leaves are washed, dried, and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
Ranch Dip
You can make your own ranch dip by mixing 1/2 teaspoon each of dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. You can also purchase pre-mixed ranch seasoning packages or customize the flavours with your own homemade ranch seasoning.
Dorito Dip
For a Dorito-inspired dip, mix 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast with 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
Healthier Ranch Dressing
Hungry Healthy Happy recommends a healthier ranch dressing to dip your kale chips in.
Hummus
Hummus is a great option for a dip, and you can find many different flavours at the grocery store, including roasted red pepper, lemon, and garlic.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic that would pair well with the crispiness of the kale chips.
Guacamole
Avocado is a key ingredient in guacamole, and its healthy fats and creamy texture make it a delicious and nutritious dip option.
Salsa
Salsa, a tomato-based dip with various spices and herbs, is another excellent choice to pair with your kale chips.
Other Ideas
You can also try other dips and sauces such as baba ganoush, spinach dip, or a simple sour cream and onion combination.
Experiment with different dips and sauces to find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Wash and dry the kale, then remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Add oil and your desired spices, and toss to coat the leaves. Spread the leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 375°F/190°C for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make sure the kale leaves are thoroughly dried before cooking, as water on the leaves will cause them to steam instead of getting crispy. Also, ensure the leaves are not overcrowded in the basket and are touching each other as little as possible.
You can season curly kale cooked in an air fryer with anything you like. Salt is the only seasoning you really need, but some black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or chilli powder are also good options.
