Air Fryer Kale Chips
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Ready to make the best Air Fryer Kale Chips? Not only are they crispy every time, but they make for an easy, healthy snack with tons of seasoning ideas!
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I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of sautéed or steamed kale, although I do like the leafy green in salads and baked as chips. But cooking it in the air fryer? It’s a game changer (and super addictive!).
One reason I love air fried kale chips is that they actually have the texture of chips and have a fantastic crunch every time. I know some people say that the air fryer doesn’t taste the same when it comes to certain “fried” foods, but this recipe is a total winner!
Be sure to read until the end because I am going to be giving some tips and answering common questions people have when they try to make kale chips in the air fryer.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Kale Chips
Kale – you will need 1 bunch, which is about 10-12 ounces, more if you want to make a double batch
Garlic powder
Salt
Oil – avocado oil or olive oil works well here
How to Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer
Start by washing and drying the kale. I’ve found the quickest way to do this is by using a salad spinner – easy peasy!
Then preheat your oven and start preparing the kale.
Remove the leaves from the kale stalks. You can do this by grasping the base of the stalk with one hand and pulling the leaves upwards with your other hand. Or you can use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the leaves away from the stalk.
Tear the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces (you’ll want chips that are about 2-3 inches).
Add the kale pieces and oil to a large mixing bowl and be sure to evenly coat the leaves. Then season with garlic powder and salt and toss to combine.
Place the oiled and seasoned kale chips in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. At the 6 minute mark, shake the basket then finish cooking.
Once they are done, let them sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Seasoning Ideas for Fried Kale Chips
Looking for more ways to season your kale chips? You have come to the right place. There’s not a right or wrong way.
These are just a few variations to switch things up from time to time. Be adventurous and try your favorite seasonings next time.
You can sprinkle the seasoning on while the kale is in the mixing bowl or after it’s finished cooking.
- Ranch Seasoning (the dry mix in the packets)
- Parmesan cheese
- Use popcorn seasonings (the options are endless)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
Why Are My Kale Chips Not Crispy?
If your chips come out a little soggy you may have used too much oil or didn’t get the leaves dried enough when you rinsed them. Again the salad spinner is the best option for getting all of the water out.
Do Kale Chips Have to be Refrigerated?
No, and refrigerating them actually makes them soggy and they will not reheat well. If you have leftovers (we never do!), store the chips in an airtight container on the counter then reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer before serving.
How To Keep the Kale From Flying Around in the Air Fryer
If you find that the kale is moving around too much while it’s cooking, you can place a trivet on top to hold it down. This technique works really well and doesn’t interfere with the air frying process.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Naan Pizza
- Air Fryer Ravioli
**Pin Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips for Later**
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, about 10-12 ounces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Wash & dry the kale. A salad spinner is the easiest way to dry the kale.
- Preheat air fryer to 280 degrees F.
- Remove leaves from kale stalks – grab the bottom of the stalk with one hand, grab the lowest leaves with your other hand and strip from the stem by sliding up the stalk. Or you can remove the leaves by cutting them away from the stalk.
- Tear the leaves into smaller, chip size pieces, about 2-3” pieces.
- Add the kale and oil to a large bowl. Gently massage the oil into the kale, making sure the leaves are evenly coated. Season with the garlic and salt and toss to combine.
- Place the seasoned kale in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes (check at the halfway mark). Shake the basket and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Let chips dry for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you notice the kale flying around in the fryer, weight it down with the trivet that came with your air fryer.
- Try these seasoning options: Ranch dressing mix, Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, grated Parmesan or popcorn seasonings.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
