Air Fryer Kale Chips
Make crispy kale chips in the Air fryer in just 5 minutes! Air fryer kale chips are so easy to make, taste so delicious, and will be a nice alternative to potato chips.
Homemade, crispy Air fryer kale chips are the best low-calorie, low-carb snack to have on hand if you’re craving something crunchy. This healthy snack is super simple to make and only needs a few ingredients.
I’m not that into kale but I can snack on an entire bunch of kale if it’s in chip form. I was hesitant to make kale chips in the air fryer but I was blown away by the results. It’s super easy to make and all it takes is just 5 minutes.
You can keep this Air fryer kale chips basic with just salt or add any seasonings you like. But the lesser the better. We don’t want to weigh these delicate leaves down with too many seasonings. They won’t be crispy and crunchy as you like.
Try Air Fryer Apple Chips for a sweet snack. For more Air fryer recipes, check our Air Fryer Recipe Collection.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfectly crispy and crunchy
- Healthy snack- Gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carb, keto and vegan friendly
- Cooks in just 5 minutes
- Can be seasoned in many ways for a variety of flavors
Ingredients and Notes
- Kale – use a fresh bunch of kale. There are many varieties of kale but the most commonly used are curly leaf. Red kale or lacinato kale(Tuscan or dinosaur kale) can be used too.
- Olive oil – I use light olive oil. Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other mild-flavored oil.
- Salt – sea salt or kosher salt
- Seasonings – optional, find ideas below.
How To Prep Kale For Chips
You need to prep the kale before it can be turned into chips. Don’t be put off by the huge bunch of kale. It’s actually easy to clean and prep once you know how.
First, cut the leaves off the spine or the stem. You can also tear the leaves away from the stem with your fingers. Next, tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Lastly, rinse them well and let the water drain. Pat dry between two paper towels. Or use a salad spinner to get rid of all the moisture.
How To Air Fry Kale Chips
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.
STEP ONE: Place the kale in a large mixing bowl, add oil, salt, and any seasonings you’re using.
STEP TWO: Massage the oil into the kale making sure all the leaves have a thin coating of oil.
STEP THREE: Place the kale in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
TIP – Place an air fryer rack on top of the kale. This will prevent the kale from flying around and getting stuck in the heating element.
STEP FOUR: Air fry kale at 300˚F for 4 to 5 minutes shaking the basket halfway through. Keep checking at 3 minute and increase the timing if you need to. Kale chips are done when they’re crispy! Some chips may be a bit more browned than others and the edges more than the rest of the chip.
*Air fryers come in different sizes and models, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the kale leaves thoroughly – Make sure you use a paper towel and/or salad spinner to dry the kale as much as possible. We don’t want soggy chips.
- Go easy on the oil and seasonings – you want a thin coat of oil on the chips to make them crispy. As for the seasonings just use enough so it’s not overpowering in taste.
- Keep a close eye on the kale – They cook quickly and tend to burn. So increase the timing in 1-minute intervals.
- Cook in batches – you will need to cook in two batches for a large bunch of kale leaves.
Seasoning Ideas
These healthy air fryer kale chips taste good with just a pinch of salt. However, you can customize these with tons of seasoning options. Here are a few you can try. Toss them before or after cooking. Remember not to overdo the seasoning; start small and increase.
- Parmesan cheese
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Storage
Store– These air-fried kale chips can be stored in a paper bag or a loosely covered plastic bag lined with a paper towel and kept at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They taste the best on the day of cooking and will lose their crispiness after 2-3 days.
Reheat– They can be reheated in air fryer at 300˚F for a minute or two if they lose their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are! They’re packed with vitamins and minerals and so good for you.
Make sure to dry the kale thoroughly after rinsing. Use paper towels or a kitchen cloth. Using a salad spinner will make it easier to drain water.
Also, use oil as stated in the recipe. Too much oil and seasonings could make the kale chips soggy.
I don’t recommend refrigerating kale chips. Store them at room temperature for best results.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
Love air frying? You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or join our Free Facebook Air Frying Group.
Recipe
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cut the kale from the spine and discard it. Tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Place the kale in a large bowl, and add oil, salt , and any seasonings you're using. Massage the oil into the kale making sure all the leaves have a thin coating of oil.
- Place the kale in the air fryer basket. Place an air fryer rack on top of the kale.
- Air fry kale at 300˚F for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy. Shake the basket halfway through.
Notes
- Seasonings– parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper can be used to add more flavor.
- Store air-fried kale chips in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and keep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They taste the best on the day of cooking and will lose their crispiness after a few days.
- They can be reheated in air fryer at 300˚F for a minute or two.
Nutrition
