These crispy air fryer kale chips deliver the perfect guilt-free crunch in just 10 minutes total. Perfectly seasoned and light as air, they’re a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips with only 31 calories per serving.
The air fryer transforms fresh kale into delightfully crisp, paper-thin chips that satisfy snack cravings while keeping things wholesome. Whether you’re meal prepping healthy snacks or need a quick appetizer, these emerald-green chips hit all the right notes.
Ingredients for Crispy Air-Fried Kale
- Fresh Kale: 3 cups, destemmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (ensure leaves are thoroughly dried for maximum crispiness)
- Oil: 1 tablespoon (helps achieve even crispiness and seasoning adhesion)
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste (adjust according to your preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Wash kale leaves thoroughly and pat completely dry. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into chip-sized pieces.
- Season: Drizzle oil over kale pieces and gently massage to ensure even coating on all surfaces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Air Fry: Arrange seasoned kale in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.
- Monitor: Check halfway through cooking, adjust pieces if needed. Look for slightly browned edges and crispy texture.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl immediately and enjoy these nutritious, crispy chips while warm!
Cooking Techniques
Getting super-crispy kale chips comes down to three simple tricks! First, dry your kale leaves completely – any water will make them steam instead of crisp. Next, massage that oil into every nook and cranny of the leaves – this helps them crisp evenly and adds great flavor. Lastly, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – arrange the kale in a single layer so the hot air can circle around each piece.
Tasty Variations
Want to jazz up your kale chips? Try sprinkling on some garlic powder or smoked paprika before air frying. For a cheesy kick without dairy, nutritional yeast works like magic! Love spicy food? A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will give your chips an exciting zip. You can also try a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
Storage Tips
Kale chips taste best right out of the air fryer when they’re super crispy! If you have leftovers, store them in a paper bag – plastic containers can trap moisture and make them soggy. Keep them at room temperature and try to enjoy them within 2-3 days. If they lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer for 1 minute to crisp up again!
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh kale destemmed and cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Be sure to remove stems and tear large leaves into smaller pieces.
- Add oil to the kale and massage to coat evenly.
- Season kale with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Place kale into air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until crispy with slightly browning edges. Check basket about halfway through cooking.
- Serve and enjoy!
