Ella Walter
Kale chips are a delicious, healthy, low-calorie snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and with minimal ingredients, oil, and time, you can make a crunchy and flavourful snack. This guide will teach you how to make kale chips in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and storage tips, so you can enjoy the perfect crispy kale chips!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F to 375°F (180°C-190°C) |
| Time | 3-6 minutes |
| Oil | Avocado, canola, olive, or any neutral-tasting oil |
| Salt | As desired |
| Seasoning | Ranch, Dorito, Cool Ranch, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, cayenne, dijon mustard, dried dill, dried parsley, etc. |
| Kale | Curly kale, lacinato kale (dinosaur kale), or spinach |
| Storage | Paper bag, loosely sealed plastic bag lined with a paper towel, or airtight container |
| Nutrition | 47-65kcal, 3-7.4g carbohydrates, 1-2.1g protein, 3.5-4g fat, 0.5-1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 158-178mg sodium, 160-348mg potassium, 1.1g fiber, 0g sugar, 49-95mg calcium, 1mg iron |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right kale
When selecting kale, look for leaves that are deeply and uniformly coloured, with a vibrant, rich green hue. Avoid kale with yellow or brown spots, as this indicates that it is past its prime. Choose kale with firm, crisp leaves that spring back when gently pressed. Avoid kale with wilted, limp, or yellowing leaves, as this indicates that it is not fresh.
It is also important to check the stems of the kale. They should be moist and firm, not dry or brittle. The stems should also be a similar depth of green to the leaves. Before using the kale, be sure to wash it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can also use a produce wash or a dilute vinegar solution to help remove any unwanted substances from the leaves.
When storing kale, wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel or cloth and place it in a plastic bag or container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it is best used within 2 to 3 days for maximum freshness and nutritional value.
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Oil type and application
Oil is an essential component of making kale chips in an air fryer as it helps to give the chips a crunchy texture. The type and amount of oil used can vary depending on personal preference and desired results. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the right oil and applying it effectively:
Oil Type
When making kale chips in an air fryer, it is recommended to use an oil with a neutral flavour that can withstand high cooking temperatures. Some suitable options include:
- Olive oil: This is a common choice for kale chips and is known for its ability to add a crispy texture.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying.
- Canola oil: Canola oil is another neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point.
Oil Application
To ensure even cooking and a crunchy texture, it is crucial to apply the oil evenly to the kale leaves. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wash and dry the kale leaves thoroughly.
- Remove the tough stems from the leaves, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the kale leaves in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle a small amount of oil over the leaves. You only need enough oil to coat the leaves lightly.
- Using your hands, gently massage the oil into the leaves for 30-40 seconds, ensuring each piece of kale is coated thinly and evenly.
- If you prefer to use less oil, you can also spray the leaves with a cooking spray or oil spray instead of using your hands to massage the oil in.
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Seasoning options
Seasoning kale chips is a great way to add your own creative twist to this healthy snack. The options are endless, and you can experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour.
A light coating of oil is necessary to give your kale chips a crunchy texture. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral-tasting oil such as canola oil. Spraying the leaves with a light coating of oil using a cooking spray will help reduce the amount of oil used.
Salt is a popular seasoning option, and you can add other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, paprika, cayenne, pepper, or dried herbs such as dill or parsley. You can also add Dijon mustard to your kale chips to minimise the bitterness of the kale and add a tangy flavour.
If you're looking for a cheesy flavour, you can sprinkle on some cheese seasoning after cooking the kale chips. You can also try pre-mixed seasoning packages, such as ranch or Dorito flavour.
For a savoury flavour, you can toss the kale in garlic yogurt sauce before serving. You can also try other spice blends such as Italian seasoning, curry powder, or taco seasoning.
The key to finding your favourite seasoning is to experiment with different combinations and adjust the cooking temperature and time based on your air fryer.
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Air fryer settings
Preheating the Air Fryer
First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking kale chips is between 350°F and 375°F (180°C-190°C). Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.
Preparing the Kale
Wash and dry the kale leaves thoroughly. Remove the tough stems by cutting or tearing the leaves away from the spine. It is important to ensure the leaves are dry before proceeding to the next step.
Seasoning and Coating the Kale
Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces as evenly sized as possible to ensure uniform cooking. Place the kale pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add your desired oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-tasting oil. You only need enough oil to lightly coat the leaves. Massage the oil into the kale leaves with your hands for 30-40 seconds, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving crunchy kale chips.
Spices and Seasonings
Now, it's time to add your spices and seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, pepper, dried dill, parsley, or even pre-mixed ranch seasoning. Toss the kale in the bowl until all pieces are well coated with the spices and oil. You can also add flavourings after air frying if desired.
Arranging the Kale in the Air Fryer
Transfer the seasoned kale pieces to the air fryer basket. Spread the leaves in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. It is important to avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the chips from crisping up evenly. You may need to cook the kale in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cooking the Kale Chips
Once the air fryer is preheated and the kale is prepared, it's time to cook! Air fry the kale chips at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially after 3 minutes, to prevent overcooking. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. The kale chips are done when they are crispy and lightly browned at the edges.
Cooling and Storing
Once cooked, remove the kale chips from the air fryer and place them on a plate or baking sheet to cool and crisp up further. If you have more batches to cook, you can let the air fryer cool down a bit before starting the next batch.
For the best crunch, it is recommended to consume the kale chips fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, simply throw them back into the air fryer for a minute or two to regain that crunchy texture.
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Storage and reheating
Storing your kale chips in an airtight container is recommended by most sources. Some suggest storing them in a paper bag or a loosely sealed plastic bag lined with a paper towel. It is also recommended to let the chips cool completely before storing them.
Kale chips can be stored for 2-3 days, although some sources suggest they can be stored for up to a week. They are best consumed on the day they are cooked, as they tend to lose their crunch over time. If they do lose their crunch, you can put them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to re-crisp them.
To prepare kale leaves for storage before cooking, wash them in cold water, remove the stems, and dry the leaves. Then, place 2-3 leaves per paper towel and roll them up. Finally, place the rolled kale in a plastic storage bag and store it in the fridge.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash and dry the kale. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Next, massage the kale with oil and add salt and any other desired spices or seasonings. Place the kale in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 3-6 minutes at 350-375°F.
The cooking time for kale chips in an air fryer is typically between 3 and 6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking and keep a close eye on the chips after 3 minutes to avoid burning.
The ideal temperature for cooking kale chips in an air fryer is between 350-375°F. Preheat the air fryer before adding the kale chips.
Curly kale is recommended for air fryer kale chips as it has a slightly less bitter taste than dinosaur kale and crisps up well. However, dinosaur kale (also known as lacinato kale) can also be used and will cook faster due to its more delicate leaves.
Allow the kale chips to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crunch, you can air fry them again for a minute or two to crisp them up.
