Air Fryer Crispy Kale Chips: Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat

Kale chips are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. They are crunchy, packed with flavour, and can be made in just a few minutes using an air fryer. The air fryer method is not only faster than baking them in the oven but also saves on electricity. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make crispy kale chips, along with some seasoning ideas to elevate your snacking experience.

Choosing the right kale

• Curly Kale: Curly kale is the most commonly available variety and is a great option for making kale chips. It has a slightly less bitter taste than other types of kale, and it crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. Curly kale leaves are tightly curled, giving them a distinctive look. They have a robust flavour and a chewy texture, making them ideal for chips.
• Lacinato Kale: Also known as dinosaur kale, this variety is more delicate than curly kale and will cook more quickly. Lacinato kale has a smoother texture and a sweeter flavour than curly kale. Its long, narrow leaves make it easy to tear into chip-sized pieces.
• Other Varieties: While curly and lacinato kale are the most commonly mentioned varieties for kale chips, you can experiment with other types of kale as well. Red Russian kale, for example, has a milder flavour and tender texture, while Redbor kale has a stronger flavour and a frilly appearance.

When selecting kale for your chips, look for fresh, vibrant leaves with a deep colour. Avoid kale with yellow or wilted leaves, as this is a sign of age or poor handling. You'll also want to choose kale with sturdy stems, as this indicates freshness. Before using the kale, be sure to wash and thoroughly dry the leaves to remove any dirt or chemicals.

In summary, the right kale for your chips depends on your personal preference and what is available to you. Curly kale is a popular choice for its crispiness and flavour, while lacinato kale offers a quicker cooking time and a sweeter taste. Experiment with different varieties to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to try unique combinations of seasonings and spices to make your kale chips even more delicious!

Oil options

The choice of oil is important when making kale chips in an air fryer. You don't need to use a lot of oil, just enough to coat the leaves lightly. Here are some options for the type of oil you can use:

• Olive oil: This is a popular choice for kale chips as it has a neutral taste and can help to make the chips perfectly crispy. It is also readily available.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is another healthy option that can be used in place of olive oil. It has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying.
• Cooking spray: If you want to use less oil, you can use a cooking spray to lightly coat the kale leaves. This will help to ensure that the chips are crispy without using too much oil.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: This type of olive oil has a more robust flavour and a lower smoke point than regular olive oil, but it can still be used for air frying in small amounts.
• Other neutral-tasting oils: You can also use other types of neutral-tasting oils such as canola oil or any other vegetable oil.

Salt and seasoning

Salt is an essential ingredient in making crispy kale chips in an air fryer. It is recommended to use a generous pinch of salt, and you can adjust the amount to your taste. If you are using other seasonings, you may be able to leave out the salt altogether.

When seasoning your kale chips, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to customise your chips. For example, you could use garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, paprika, cumin, nutritional yeast, dried dill, dried chives, pepper, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika. You can also add some lemon juice to the mix.

Some sources suggest making your own seasoning mixes. For example, you could make a ranch seasoning by combining dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Or, you could make a Dorito seasoning by mixing nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.

You can also add some cheese to your kale chips. Parmesan is a popular option, but you could also use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

The possibilities for seasoning your kale chips are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature you should set depends on the type of kale you are using. If you are using lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale), preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Lacinato kale is more delicate and will cook more quickly, so air fry it for around 3 minutes. If you are using curly kale, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and air fry for between 4 and 5 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary, so you should keep a close eye on your kale chips while they are cooking. They are done when they are crispy and a little browned at the edges.

If you are making a large batch of kale chips, you may need to work in batches as overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chips from crisping up evenly.

Cooking time

The cooking time for your kale chips will depend on the type of kale you are using. Curly kale is more readily available, but lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) is more delicate and cooks more quickly.

If you are using an air fryer, you should preheat it to around 350-375°F. You can then cook curly kale for 4-5 minutes, and lacinato kale for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on your chips after the 3-minute mark, and shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure even cooking. Your chips are done when they are crispy and a little browned at the edges.

If you are cooking in an oven, preheat to 300°F and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and browned. Stir halfway through, and watch closely as the chips can burn easily.

Frequently asked questions