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

Air fryers are a great way to make kale chips, offering a quick, tasty, and healthy snack. The chips can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from simple salt and pepper to more complex combinations like ranch or Dorito seasoning. The process is straightforward: wash and dry the kale, tear it into bite-sized pieces, add oil and seasoning, and then cook in the air fryer for a few minutes. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with a dip.

Choosing the right kale

First, look for fresh, crisp kale leaves with a vibrant dark green colour. Avoid any wilted or yellowing leaves, as they may be past their prime. The two most common types of kale used for kale chips are curly kale and lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale). Curly kale is more readily available in some areas, and it has a slightly less bitter taste. Lacinato kale, on the other hand, is more delicate and will cook faster, so keep that in mind when preparing your chips. Both types work well, so feel free to choose based on your preference or what's available.

When selecting kale, look for bunches with sturdy, thick leaves. Thinner leaves tend to burn more easily in the air fryer, so thicker leaves will give you a better result. Also, make sure the leaves are dry before adding them to the air fryer. Washing and thoroughly drying the kale before cooking will help ensure maximum crispness.

The amount of kale you need will depend on the size of your air fryer and your desired batch size. Most recipes call for about 5-6 cups of kale leaves, which typically translates to one bunch or roughly 8-10 ounces. You may need to remove the tough stems, so factor that into your preparation time.

When preparing the kale, tear the leaves into large, bite-sized pieces. They will shrink a little during cooking, so don't make them too small. You can also cut the leaves from the spine with a sharp knife if you prefer. Just be sure to remove the tough stems either way.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of kale. While curly and lacinato kale are the most popular choices, you can also try red Russian kale, redbor kale, or Siberian kale. Each variety has a slightly different flavour and texture, so you can find the one that best suits your taste.

By choosing the right kale and following the preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy kale chips in your air fryer!

Oil options

The choice of oil is important when making kale chips in an air fryer, as it needs to coat the leaves lightly and help them crisp up. You don't need to use a lot of oil, and some recipes suggest using a spray oil to reduce the amount.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for kale chips and is used in many recipes. It has a neutral taste and will help to make your kale chips perfectly crispy.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another option with a neutral taste that works well for kale chips. It has a high smoke point, so it's suitable for the high heat of an air fryer.

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 reduce the amount of oil while still providing the necessary crispness.

Other Options

You could also experiment with other neutral-tasting oils such as canola oil or grapeseed oil. Just make sure the oil has a high enough smoke point for air frying.

Remember, the key is to ensure that the kale leaves are evenly and lightly coated with oil. This will help them crisp up and ensure your kale chips are delicious!

Seasoning ideas

There are endless ways to season your kale chips. You can use a single seasoning or mix and match to create your own unique flavour combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ranch Seasoning

Combine dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. You can also add Dijon mustard to your ranch seasoning for a tangy twist. This combination will give your kale chips a cool, creamy flavour.

Dorito Seasoning

For a cheesy, savoury kick, mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. This seasoning will remind you of the popular Dorito chips.

BBQ Seasoning

If you like your chips with a bit of a barbecue flavour, try mixing nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (optional).

Everything Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning is a popular choice these days. You can either buy it pre-made or make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Use tahini instead of oil for an extra boost of flavour.

Spicy

Add some heat to your kale chips with spices like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder. A pinch of cumin and paprika will also add a nice kick.

Cheesy

Parmesan cheese is a great way to add a savoury, umami flavour to your kale chips. You can also use nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.

Simple

For a classic chip flavour, stick to just salt and pepper. You can also add a little garlic powder for an extra kick.

Air fryer prep

Air Fryer Kale Chips are a great way to enjoy a healthy snack and can be made in less than 20 minutes. The prep is simple and easy, and the results are delicious, crispy kale chips. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your kale for the air fryer:

Wash and Dry the Kale:

Start by washing your kale leaves under cold water. To dry them, you can use paper towels or a salad spinner. It's important to ensure the kale is completely dry to get the maximum crispness in the air fryer.

Remove the Stems:

Using a sharp knife, remove the stems from the kale leaves. You can fold the leaves in half and slice along the stem, or pull the stem through your closed fist to detach it.

Tear the Kale into Bite-Sized Pieces:

Once the stems are removed, tear the kale into bite-sized or chip-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces relatively equal in size to ensure even cooking. They will shrink a little during cooking, so make the pieces slightly larger than you think.

Add Oil and Massage the Kale:

Place the kale pieces in a large bowl and drizzle or spray them with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-tasting oil. You can also add a small amount of salt at this stage. Massage the kale gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with oil. This step helps to make the kale more tender and digestible.

Add Seasonings (Optional):

You can add a variety of seasonings to your kale chips to customize the flavour. Some popular options include:

• Ranch seasoning (dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, dried parsley, and salt)
• BBQ seasoning (nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper)
• Everything Bagel seasoning
• Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
• Spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes

Simply toss the kale with your chosen seasonings until they are well combined.

Arrange the Kale in the Air Fryer Basket:

Spread the kale in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring the leaves are uncurled and not overlapping too much. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking and crisping.

Now that your kale is prepped and ready, you can move on to the cooking stage!

Storing your kale chips

Dry the Kale Leaves:

Before making your chips, ensure the kale leaves are thoroughly dried. Use a salad spinner or pat them gently with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture can lead to soggy chips during storage.

Avoid Excess Liquid:

When preparing the chips, avoid dressing the entire batch with liquid ingredients such as oil or vinegar. Instead, opt for cooking spray or a light toss with a small amount of oil. You can always dress smaller servings with additional ingredients after baking to prevent sogginess in the rest of the batch.

Cool the Chips:

Before storing, allow your freshly cooked kale chips to cool down to room temperature. If you store them while they are still warm, the chips will steam and lose their crispness.

Choose the Right Container:

Store your kale chips in an airtight container or a vacuum sealable glass container. Avoid using plastic bags or vacuum seal bags, as they can crush the chips. If you prefer a more breathable option, store the chips in a paper bag. Roll the top of the bag tightly to keep out air and moisture.

Absorb Moisture:

To prevent sogginess, line the bottom of your container with uncooked rice. The rice will act as a natural dehumidifier and absorb any excess moisture, helping to preserve the crispness of the chips.

Storage Temperature and Duration:

Store your kale chips at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid environment, aim to consume them within a couple of days. If you've added perishable ingredients like cheese, it's best to refrigerate the chips.

Remember, even with proper storage, kale chips are best enjoyed fresh. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a minute or two to revive their crispness.

Frequently asked questions