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Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy, Addictive Snack

Discover the secret to perfectly crisp, unbelievably addictive Air Fryer Kale Chips with this no-fail recipe! Forget soggy greens or expensive store-bought versions; in less than 20 minutes, you can transform a humble bunch of kale into a deliciously satisfying snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. Whether you’re seeking a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips or simply looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet, these homemade kale chips are an absolute game-changer. Made with minimal oil in the air fryer, they offer maximum crispiness and a guilt-free indulgence.

Kale chips have soared in popularity for good reason – they’re incredibly versatile, packed with essential nutrients, and surprisingly easy to prepare. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the freshest kale to mastering the art of air frying for that coveted crispy texture. Get ready to elevate your snack game with a recipe that’s not only quick and budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to enjoy one of nature’s superfoods. Prepare to make these crispy, seasoned delights a staple in your healthy eating routine!

Crispy kale chips in a plate, perfectly seasoned and ready to eat.

Looking for more easy and healthy snack ideas? Diversify your culinary repertoire with our delightful Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries for a sweet treat, or perhaps our Funfetti Baked Oats Cake for a fun breakfast-dessert hybrid. If you’re in the mood for something lighter and elegantly refreshing, our Strawberry French Tart offers a delightful and sophisticated option for any occasion!

Why These Air Fryer Kale Chips Will Become Your Go-To Snack

There’s a reason why homemade air fryer kale chips have garnered such a loyal following. Beyond their irresistible crunch, they offer a multitude of benefits that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a wholesome and delightful snack. These chips are more than just a passing trend; they’re a smart, tasty, and satisfying addition to any lifestyle.

Budget-Friendly & Economical: Say goodbye to overpriced bags of store-bought kale chips! Crafting these at home is remarkably more cost-effective. A single bunch of fresh kale, which is typically quite affordable, yields a generous batch of chips. This allows you to indulge in a healthy snack without straining your budget, and you maintain full control over the ingredients, bypassing the fillers and preservatives often found in commercial alternatives.
Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly: Prepare for a pleasant surprise – these crispy morsels are an ingenious way to introduce even the most selective eaters to the goodness of greens! Children are naturally drawn to crunchy textures, and when seasoned appealingly, they often won’t even realize they’re consuming kale. The air fryer bestows a satisfying crispness reminiscent of potato chips, making this a smart and healthy substitution that the entire family is sure to embrace.
Incredibly Delicious & Satisfying: The unique texture of perfectly air-fried kale chips is nothing short of a culinary revelation. They boast a light, airy, and exquisitely crispy bite that is profoundly satisfying. With endless seasoning possibilities, these chips can be tailored to be savory, cheesy, spicy, or even subtly sweet, offering a dynamic flavor journey that effectively curbs snack cravings. Their sheer ease of preparation only enhances their appeal.
Quick to Prepare & Effortless: Thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer, the journey from raw kale to a delectable snack is astonishingly swift. Most batches are ready in a mere 15-20 minutes, including all prep work. This makes them an ideal solution for a last-minute craving or a convenient component of your weekly meal prep. The simplicity of the recipe translates to minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment, fitting seamlessly into a busy schedule.
A Truly Healthy Alternative: Kale stands as a genuine nutritional powerhouse, and transforming it into chips largely preserves its inherent goodness. These homemade chips represent a significantly healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried snacks, delivering a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber without the burden of excessive unhealthy fats. It’s an ingenious and enjoyable method to effortlessly boost your daily vegetable intake in a fun and exciting format.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Kale is So Good For You

Kale isn’t just a fleeting food trend; it truly is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. By incorporating crispy kale chips into your diet, you’re not merely enjoying a delicious snack; you’re actively fueling your body with an incredible spectrum of health benefits. This leafy green is a champion of wellness, offering a robust nutritional profile that supports overall health from various angles.

Rich in Essential Vitamins: Kale is an outstanding source of Vitamin K, which is vital for proper blood clotting and plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy bones. It also provides an excellent supply of Vitamin A, indispensable for optimal vision, healthy skin, and a robust immune system. Furthermore, kale delivers a significant dose of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that actively supports collagen production for skin health and strengthens your body’s defenses against illness.
Packed with Potent Antioxidants: This verdant green is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds work diligently to combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals within the body, which can contribute to aging and various chronic diseases. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods like kale helps protect your cells and promote long-term well-being.
High in Dietary Fiber: The abundant dietary fiber found in kale is a boon for digestive health. It aids in regular bowel movements, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and contributes significantly to a feeling of satiety, which can be highly beneficial for weight management and preventing overeating.
A Treasure Trove of Minerals: Kale provides an impressive array of important minerals essential for numerous bodily functions. It’s a good source of calcium, fundamental for strong bones and teeth, and potassium, which is critical for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance. Magnesium, another mineral present in kale, is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, supporting muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and energy production.
Remarkably Low in Calories: Despite its dense nutrient profile, kale is exceptionally low in calories. This makes it an ideal food for anyone seeking to eat healthily without excessive caloric intake, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying and nutrient-rich snack without guilt.

Transforming kale into irresistible crispy chips makes it an incredibly approachable and enjoyable way to harness these fantastic health benefits, even for those who might typically find raw kale challenging to incorporate into their meals. It’s a testament to how delicious healthy eating can truly be!

Essential Ingredients for Perfectly Crispy Kale Chips

Crafting truly delicious air fryer kale chips requires just a handful of simple ingredients. The secret to their irresistible crispiness and robust flavor lies not only in the quality of these components but also in their correct preparation. Let’s delve into what you’ll need to create this fantastic healthy snack.

Fresh kale, a bottle of olive oil, and a container of ranch seasoning on a rustic wooden cutting board, prepped for making kale chips.

Fresh Kale: The unquestionable star of this recipe. When selecting kale, always prioritize vibrant green leaves that feel firm and crisp to the touch. It’s crucial to avoid any bunches that appear limp, yellowed, or have soft, bruised spots, as these characteristics indicate a lack of freshness and will compromise the final texture of your chips. Curly kale is a popular and excellent choice due to its ruffled edges, which adeptly capture and hold seasoning. However, Lacinato kale (also known as Dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale) or even Red Russian kale can also be used with beautiful results, offering slightly varying textures to explore.
Olive Oil: A minimal amount of olive oil is indispensable. It plays a dual role: first, it assists the kale in crisping up beautifully in the air fryer, and second, it acts as a binder, helping your chosen seasonings adhere evenly to the leaves. While extra virgin olive oil works wonderfully and adds a pleasant flavor, feel free to experiment with other healthy oils such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even a neutral-flavored sunflower oil. The key is a very light coating; avoid drenching the kale, as too much oil can lead to greasy, rather than crispy, chips.
Seasoning: This is where your culinary creativity truly shines, allowing for endless customization! The original recipe suggests classic ranch seasoning for a familiar savory profile, which is indeed a fantastic and popular starting point. However, the possibilities for flavor variations are vast and exciting. We will delve into a comprehensive array of additional seasoning ideas in a dedicated section below. Popular choices include nutritional yeast for a distinctly cheesy, dairy-free flavor, aromatic garlic powder, savory onion powder, smoky paprika, warm chili powder, or simply a timeless combination of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step-by-step image demonstrating the proper technique to remove the tough, central stem from kale leaves before cooking.

Mastering the Art: How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Making kale chips in an air fryer is a surprisingly simple process, yet a few key steps are absolutely essential to guarantee consistently crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive results every single time. Follow these detailed instructions closely, and you’ll be enjoying the best homemade kale chips you’ve ever tasted in no time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer to the Optimal Temperature. Initiate the process by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This crucial step ensures that the air fryer reaches its ideal cooking temperature before the kale is introduced. Preheating promotes immediate crisping of the kale upon contact with the hot air, effectively preventing it from steaming (which leads to soggy results) and instead encouraging that desirable crunchy texture. A properly preheated air fryer is paramount for achieving the perfect crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Kale Meticulously. This step is arguably the most critical for achieving truly crispy kale chips. Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh kale bunch under cold, running water to dislodge any dirt, debris, or residual pesticides. Once washed, it is absolutely paramount to dry the kale completely and painstakingly. Any lingering moisture is the arch-nemesis of crispiness, as it will inevitably cause the kale to steam rather than crisp in the air fryer. For best results, use a salad spinner to remove the bulk of the water, then meticulously pat the leaves dry with paper towels until they are bone-dry to the touch. Next, address the tough, fibrous central stems of each leaf. These stems are unpleasantly chewy and tough when cooked into chips, so it’s important to remove them. You can easily do this by tearing the leafy greens away from the rigid center rib or by carefully cutting them out with a knife. Focus on utilizing only the tender leaf portions. Finally, tear or cut the kale leaves into uniform pieces, approximately 3 inches in size. Keep in mind that kale undergoes significant shrinkage during the cooking process, so avoid making the pieces too small initially.

Torn kale leaves in a bowl, perfectly prepped and ready for the next step of seasoning.

Close-up shot of kale leaves in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly tossed with olive oil and seasoning, ensuring even coating.

Step 3: Season the Kale to Perfection for Optimal Flavor. Transfer all the meticulously dried and prepped kale pieces into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a very light amount of olive oil over the kale. Start conservatively with about 1-2 tablespoons for a generous bunch of kale, and only add a tiny bit more if genuinely needed to achieve a light, even coating. Remember, an excessive amount of oil will lead to undesirable soggy or greasy chips. Evenly sprinkle your chosen seasoning – whether it’s classic ranch seasoning, nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick, or a simple yet effective blend of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – over the oiled kale. Now, using your clean hands, gently but thoroughly massage the oil and seasoning into every individual kale leaf. This hands-on approach ensures that every nook and cranny is coated, guaranteeing both even flavor distribution and uniform crispiness in the final product.
Step 4: Air Fry in Strategic Batches. Carefully arrange the seasoned kale leaves in a single, non-overlapping layer within your preheated air fryer basket. This step is absolutely critical: it is paramount not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding severely restricts the necessary airflow, which prevents the kale from crisping properly; instead, it will simply steam, yielding soft, unsatisfactory results. You will almost certainly need to air fry the kale in multiple, smaller batches to maintain a single layer. Air fry each batch for approximately 3-5 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (typically after about 2 minutes), gently shake the basket to toss the kale, promoting even exposure to the hot air and ensuring consistent crisping. Throughout this process, maintain a very close watch on the chips, especially during the final minute or two. Kale chips can transition from perfectly crispy to regretfully burnt in a matter of mere seconds due to their delicate structure. The precise cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, its wattage, and the thickness of the kale leaves.

Kale leaves cooking in a single, even layer in an air fryer basket, achieving perfect crispness.

Step 5: Cool and Relish Every Crispy Bite! Once the kale chips have achieved a beautiful golden-brown hue and are wonderfully crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Transfer them to a plate or a clean cooling rack and allow them to cool completely for a few minutes. This cooling period is not merely a formality; it’s a crucial step during which the kale chips will continue to crisp up, developing their ultimate, satisfying crunch factor. Serve them immediately after cooling and savor every single light, airy, and flavorful bite. Enjoy your perfectly homemade, healthy snack!

Crispy Kale Chips in the Oven: A Traditional Alternative

While the air fryer undeniably offers unmatched speed and efficiency for producing perfectly crispy kale chips, a conventional oven can also yield fantastic results. If you don’t own an air fryer, are preparing a larger batch that might overwhelm an air fryer basket, or simply prefer the oven method, follow these detailed steps to achieve wonderfully crispy kale chips that rival their air-fried counterparts.

Preparation for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a large, non-stick cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper. This critical step not only prevents the delicate kale from sticking but also ensures incredibly easy cleanup afterward. Now, prepare your kale exactly as described in the air fryer method: wash it thoroughly under cold water, dry it completely (this step is just as paramount for oven baking as it is for air frying, as any moisture will lead to steaming), remove the tough central stems, and tear the leafy greens into uniform 3-inch pieces.
Seasoning for Flavor: Transfer all the meticulously prepped and dried kale pieces into a spacious mixing bowl. Drizzle them with a judiciously small amount of olive oil – again, approximately 1-2 tablespoons for a large bunch of kale is usually sufficient – and then sprinkle your preferred seasonings generously over the leaves. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly massage the oil and spices into the leaves until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Ensure there are no dry patches and no excessively oily spots.
Baking for Crispness: Spread the seasoned kale in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet. It is vital to ensure that the pieces are not overlapping or crowded, as overcrowding will trap moisture and cause the kale to steam rather than crisp up properly. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Begin checking for crispness around the 8-minute mark. The kale chips are perfectly done when their edges are delicately browned, and the leaves are entirely crispy to the touch but not burnt. Due to their delicate nature, they can transition from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly, so diligent observation during the last few minutes is key.
Cool and Serve: Once the kale chips have reached their optimal crispness, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the chips to cool on the pan for a few minutes. Just like with air-fried chips, this cooling period is essential as they will continue to crisp up even further as they cool. Serve them immediately to enjoy their maximum crunch and delightful flavor.

While the oven method typically requires a slightly longer cooking time compared to the air fryer, it remains a highly reliable and effective way to achieve those coveted crispy results, especially when you’re preparing a larger volume of chips that might exceed the capacity of a standard air fryer basket.

Expert Tips for Unbeatable Air Fryer Kale Chips

Achieving consistently perfect, crispy kale chips is an art that comes with understanding a few crucial details. These expert tips will empower you to bypass common pitfalls and guarantee that your chips are perfectly crisp, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying every single time you make them. Master these nuances, and you’ll be creating culinary magic!

Dry Your Kale Completely – No Exceptions: This cannot be overemphasized. Any lingering water on the kale leaves will inevitably cause them to steam rather than fry in the air fryer, resulting in disappointingly soggy, chewy chips instead of the desired crisp texture. A salad spinner is an invaluable tool here for removing most of the moisture, followed by a meticulous pat-down with paper towels until the leaves are absolutely bone-dry.
Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket – The Golden Rule: For optimal air circulation and uniform crisping, it is imperative that kale pieces are arranged in a single, non-overlapping layer. If your air fryer basket is packed too full, the hot air cannot effectively reach all surfaces, leading to uneven cooking, soft spots, and a lack of crispness. It is always far better to air fry in two, three, or even more smaller batches if necessary to maintain this crucial single layer.
Always Remove the Tough Stems: The thick, fibrous central stems of kale leaves are quite tough, chewy, and frankly unpalatable once cooked into chips. Make sure to tear or cut them away diligently before proceeding with seasoning. Concentrating solely on the tender leaf portions ensures the best possible texture and eating experience.
Don’t Drown Your Kale in Oil – Less is More: A very light coating of oil is absolutely essential for encouraging crisping and ensuring that your chosen seasonings adhere properly. However, using too much oil will lead to greasy, heavy, and ultimately soggy kale chips that lack that desirable airy crunch. Aim for just enough oil to lightly glisten the leaves, ensuring every piece is coated but none are dripping. When it comes to oil, less is most certainly more.
Watch Them Closely – Speed is Key: Kale chips cook remarkably quickly and can transition from perfectly crisp to regretfully burnt in a matter of mere seconds. Maintain a constant, watchful eye on them, especially during the final minute or two of air frying. Be aware that different air fryer models, their wattages, and even the specific type of kale used can influence precise cooking times.
Massage the Seasoning Thoroughly: Do not simply sprinkle the seasoning over the kale. After drizzling with oil, use your clean hands to gently but firmly massage the oil and spices into every surface, every ruffle, and every crevice of the kale leaves. This hands-on method ensures even flavor distribution and helps the seasonings cling tightly to the kale, maximizing taste in every bite.
Cool Completely for Ultimate Crispness: Much like many baked goods, kale chips continue to crisp up significantly as they cool down. Resist the tempting urge to devour them all straight out of the air fryer. Transfer them to a plate or a cooling rack and allow them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes. This brief cooling period is crucial for them to achieve their maximum, satisfying crunch factor.
Embrace Seasoning Experimentation: Never limit yourself to just one flavor profile! The incredible versatility of kale chips means you have a fantastic opportunity to try a different seasoning blend every single time you make them. This keeps your snacking exciting, prevents flavor fatigue, and allows you to tailor them perfectly to your specific cravings and preferences.

Close-up of golden brown, perfectly crispy kale chips on a white plate, invitingly ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Kale Chips

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when making and enjoying crispy air fryer kale chips, along with helpful, detailed answers to ensure your success and enhance your culinary experience.

What other seasonings can I use for kale chips?

The true beauty of homemade kale chips lies in their incredible versatility! While ranch seasoning offers a fantastic and familiar savory starting point, you possess the creative freedom to customize the flavor profile to perfectly match your personal preferences. Here is an expanded list of popular and undeniably delicious seasoning options to inspire your next batch:

For a Cheesy Kick: Try nutritional yeast for a distinctly savory, umami-rich, and dairy-free cheesy flavor that’s incredibly popular. Alternatively, sprinkle finely grated Parmesan cheese immediately after air frying for a classic cheesy taste and texture.
For Savory & Aromatic Profiles: Garlic powder and onion powder are staples for a reason, adding fundamental savory depth. Smoked paprika imparts a wonderful smoky richness, while chili powder and cumin can bring a warm, earthy character. Don’t forget the convenience of an Everything Bagel Seasoning blend for a complex, salty, and savory crunch.
For a Spicy Zing: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce (tossed with the oil before air frying) can elevate the chips with a fiery kick.
For Herbaceous Freshness: Dried Italian seasoning offers a classic blend, while dried dill, rosemary, or thyme can each introduce unique aromatic notes that pair beautifully with kale.
For a Tangy Brightness: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice, applied immediately after air frying, coupled with a sprinkle of sea salt, adds a vibrant tang. Lemon pepper seasoning provides a convenient and balanced citrusy-peppery punch.
For the Adventurous Sweet & Savory Palate: For a truly unique experience, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or honey combined with a sprinkle of sea salt can create an intriguing sweet and savory contrast. Use these very sparingly to avoid burning due to sugar content.
For a Fun Twist: Many commercial popcorn seasonings work exceptionally well on kale chips, offering a quick and easy way to experiment with a variety of exciting flavors.

Can I make these ahead of time? How should I store them to maintain crispness?

For the absolute pinnacle of crispiness and flavor, kale chips are always best savored immediately after they have fully cooled. Their delicate structure means they are most fragile and delicious when fresh. However, if you find yourself with delightful leftovers or wish to prepare a small batch slightly ahead of time, careful storage can help preserve their texture. Place cooled kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should retain a good level of crispness for 1-2 days. It is crucial to avoid refrigerating them, as the inherent moisture in the fridge environment will inevitably cause them to soften and become soggy. If your stored chips do soften slightly, fear not! You can easily re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for just 1-2 minutes. Watch them extremely carefully during this brief reheating period until they regain their desired crunch.

What type of kale should I use for kale chips? Are some better than others?

You’ll be pleased to know that almost any type of fresh kale can be successfully transformed into delicious kale chips! The most commonly available varieties in grocery stores include Curly kale, Lacinato kale (also widely known as Dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale), and Red Russian kale. Each offers slight nuances in texture and appearance once cooked. Curly kale, with its characteristic ruffled edges, often yields a very crinkly chip that is excellent at trapping and holding seasonings, resulting in an intense flavor burst. Lacinato kale, on the other hand, tends to produce flatter, slightly thicker chips that can have a bit more chew. All varieties will crisp up beautifully and provide a satisfying crunch when prepared correctly following the drying and cooking guidelines. Therefore, feel free to use whichever fresh kale variety you prefer or have readily available; the choice largely comes down to personal preference for subtle textural differences.

Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?

Unfortunately, using frozen kale is strongly discouraged for this recipe. Frozen kale, once thawed, has a significantly higher water content and a different cellular structure compared to fresh kale. This alteration prevents it from achieving the desirable light, airy, and truly crisp texture that is the hallmark of delicious kale chips. For guaranteed light, crunchy, and satisfying results, fresh kale is absolutely essential for this recipe.

Why are my kale chips not crispy, or why do they turn out soggy?

Soggy or less-than-crispy kale chips are a common frustration, but usually, the culprit can be identified and corrected. Here are the most frequent reasons why your kale chips might not be reaching their crispy potential:

Insufficient Drying: This is, by far, the most prevalent issue. Any residual moisture on the kale leaves will cause them to steam rather than crisp in the hot air. Ensure your kale is meticulously dried – bone-dry – before you even think about adding oil or seasoning.
Too Much Oil: While a light coating of oil is necessary for crisping, an excessive amount will make the chips greasy and heavy, preventing them from becoming light and airy. Use oil sparingly; less is often more.
Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: If kale pieces overlap or are packed too tightly, the hot air cannot circulate effectively around each leaf. This creates pockets of steam, leading to soggy spots instead of uniform crispness. Always cook in small, single-layer batches.
Not Cooking Long Enough: While vigilance is key to prevent burning, sometimes chips simply need an extra minute or two to achieve peak crispiness. Don’t be afraid to give them a tiny bit more time if they still feel a bit pliable.
Improper Cooling: Kale chips continue to crisp up as they cool. If you eat them immediately when hot, they might seem softer. Allowing them to cool on a plate or rack helps them achieve their final, firm crunch.

By addressing these points, you’ll be well on your way to consistently perfect, crispy air fryer kale chips!

Looking for More Delicious and Healthy Recipes?

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed these crispy air fryer kale chips and are eager to discover more wholesome, flavorful meal ideas that never compromise on taste, then you’ve certainly come to the right place! We are dedicated to providing you with an array of nutritious and incredibly easy-to-make dishes that will leave you feeling fantastic and satisfied. Dive into our diverse collection and expand your repertoire of healthy cooking!

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We genuinely hope that you enjoy every single recipe we meticulously share with you, especially this utterly delicious and surprisingly simple Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips recipe. It represents a delightful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying addition to your regular snack repertoire. We wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try, savor the incredible crunch, and then share your valuable thoughts and experiences with us!

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Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

An easy to make snack with the most satisfying crunch, these no-fail Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are so addictive. Made in under 20 minutes, you can have a batch of these tasty chips in no time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

1 large kale bunch
2 tbsps. olive oil
1 tsps. ranch seasoning, per preference

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Meanwhile, wash the kale thoroughly and dry very well, preferably with a salad spinner and then patting dry with paper towels. Remove the tough back stem and cut the leaves into approximately 3-inch pieces. Remember the kale will shrink significantly during cooking.
Transfer the prepped kale to a large bowl and add the olive oil and chosen seasoning. Massage the leaves with your hands to coat them lightly and evenly with the oil and seasoning.
Arrange the seasoned kale leaves in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket gently once halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them during the last minute to prevent burning.
When done and crispy, remove from the air fryer and let them cool on a plate for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately to enjoy their ultimate crunch.

Notes

It’s crucial to dry your kale completely. If there’s water on the kale leaves, the oil won’t stick well, and the chips will steam instead of crisping. A salad spinner is highly recommended.
Overcrowding your air fryer basket prevents proper airflow, leading to soggy chips. Air fry in small batches if needed to ensure a single layer.
Always remove the tough central stems; they are unpleasant to eat when cooked.
Use just enough oil to lightly coat the leaves. Too much oil will make the kale chips greasy and prevent them from becoming truly crispy.
Watch the kale chips very closely during the last minute of cooking, as they can burn quickly.

Nutrition

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