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

Air fryer kale chips are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are also vegan, gluten-free, keto, and low-calorie. You can make them in under 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients: kale, oil, and salt. The key to getting crispy kale chips is to ensure the kale leaves are thoroughly dried before massaging them with oil and spreading them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You can experiment with different seasonings, such as ranch, BBQ, or everything but the bagel seasoning, to find your favorite flavor.

Choosing the right kale

Types of Kale

You can use any type of kale for making kale chips. The two most commonly available varieties are curly kale and lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale). Curly kale is more readily found in grocery stores and has a slightly less bitter taste. Lacinato kale, on the other hand, is more delicate and will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Freshness and Quality

When selecting kale, look for vibrant, deeply coloured leaves with sturdy stems. Avoid kale with wilted, yellow, or brown leaves, as this indicates that it is past its prime. Choose kale that feels fresh and crisp, ensuring that it is free from any signs of spoilage or damage.

Amount of Kale

Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, and they might lose some crispness over time. Consider how many people you are serving and the size of your air fryer basket when deciding on the amount of kale to buy. A typical serving size for kale chips is about 1/2 lb or 1 bunch of kale, yielding around 5-6 cups of kale chips.

Preparation and Storage

Before using the kale, wash the leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Dry the kale well using paper towels or a salad spinner. You can also prepare the kale in advance by removing the stems and tearing the leaves into bite-sized pieces, then storing them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days until you are ready to cook.

Experiment with Different Varieties

If you have the option, try experimenting with different varieties of kale to find your preferred taste and texture. Red Russian kale, Siberian kale, and Redbor kale are some less common but equally delicious options. Each type of kale has its unique flavour and texture profile, so feel free to explore and discover your favourite!

Preparing kale chips in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious and crunchy snack. By choosing the right kale and following the preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious kale chips that you can savour and share!

Preparing the kale

Washing and Drying the Kale:

Start by washing your raw kale leaves under cold water. To dry them, you have a few options. You can line a baking sheet with paper towels, place the wet leaves on top, and pat them dry with additional paper towels. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner to remove excess water from the kale, which helps reduce the amount of paper towel waste. Ensuring that the kale leaves are thoroughly dried is crucial for achieving maximum crispness in the air fryer.

Removing the Stems:

Using a sharp paring knife, remove the stems from the kale leaves. You can do this by folding each kale leaf in half, with the stem at one end, and then slicing along the stem to separate the leaf. Another method is to pull the stem through your closed fist to detach the leaf without using a knife.

Tearing the Kale into Bite-Sized Pieces:

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

Massaging the Kale with Oil:

Place the torn kale pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add your chosen oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, and gently massage the leaves for 30-40 seconds. This step ensures that each piece of kale is coated with a thin layer of oil, which is essential for achieving the desired crispness. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spice blend.

Arranging the Kale in the Air Fryer Basket:

Transfer the prepared kale pieces to the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the kale in multiple batches.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared kale that is ready for air frying. The next step is to simply set the temperature and cooking time on your air fryer, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy kale chips!

Seasoning the kale

The fun part about making kale chips is that you can get creative with the seasoning. You can keep it simple with just salt, or go wild with a variety of spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ranch seasoning

For a creamy, herby flavour, go for a ranch seasoning. You can either buy a packet of ranch seasoning or make your own by combining dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Cheese

For a savoury, nutty flavour, add some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a great option for vegans, as it has a cheesy, nutty flavour.

BBQ seasoning

If you like your chips with a bit of a kick, try a BBQ seasoning. You can make your own by mixing brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Everything But the Bagel seasoning

This seasoning is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It's got a robust, garlicky flavour that pairs well with the kale. If you don't have this seasoning on hand, you can use toasted sesame seeds or massage the kale with tahini.

Other ideas

• Umami or soy sauce
• Cumin and paprika for a spicy kick
• Dijon mustard to cut through the bitterness of the kale
• Salt and pepper for a classic, savoury flavour

When it comes to seasoning your kale chips, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour. Just remember to add the seasoning after massaging the kale with oil, and before arranging the leaves in the air fryer basket.

Arranging the kale in the air fryer

Now that your kale is washed, dried, and seasoned, it's time to arrange it in the air fryer.

First, transfer the massaged kale pieces to the air fryer basket. Be sure to spread the leaves in a single layer, avoiding any overlap. It is crucial that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the kale in batches.

If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you can cover the kale with an air fryer rack or another basket. This will keep the kale in place while it cooks and prevent it from flying around due to the hot air circulation.

Once your kale is arranged in the air fryer, it's almost ready to cook! Just be sure to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, and you'll be ready to air fry your kale chips to crispy perfection!

Storing the kale chips

Cool the Chips:

First, let the freshly cooked kale chips cool down to room temperature. This step is essential, as any remaining heat can cause the chips to steam and become soggy when stored.

Use Airtight Containers:

Store the kale chips in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent them from going stale. Glass containers with vacuum sealable lids are a great option, but avoid vacuum seal bags, which can crush the delicate chips.

Absorb Moisture:

To keep your chips crispy, it's important to manage moisture. Uncooked rice is a natural dehumidifier, so adding a few grains of rice to the bottom of your container can help absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Alternatively, you can use silica packs for the same purpose.

Store at Room Temperature:

Kale chips are best stored at room temperature. If you live in a humid environment, aim to consume them within a couple of days, as humidity can affect their texture.

Refrigerate Perishable Ingredients:

If you've added perishable ingredients, such as cheese, to your kale chips, it's best to refrigerate them. However, if you haven't included any perishable items, avoid the refrigerator, as condensation can make the chips soggy.

Paper Bag Storage:

Some people swear by storing kale chips in a paper bag at room temperature. The paper absorbs excess moisture, helping to keep the chips crisp. If you use this method, roll the top of the bag tightly to keep out air and store it in a dry place, like a pantry.

Consume Within a Few Days:

Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, they can last a few days. Aim to finish them within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Reheating:

If you want to reheat your kale chips, preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C). Spread the chips on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, and reheat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Remember, the key to successful storage is keeping the chips dry and preventing sogginess. By following these steps, you can enjoy your air fryer kale chips for a few days while maintaining their crispness and flavor.

Frequently asked questions