Air Fryer Kale Chips are a delicious, quick, and easy snack that takes just minutes to prepare. Simply seasoned, these are a healthy way to get your crunch on!
If there's one thing that I find hard to resist, it's a salty chip. And while there's nothing wrong with indulging in a big bag of Ruffles, I've been trying to be a tiny bit healthier lately and have found kale chips to be the healthy answer to my salty, crunchy cravings. (They're also fantastic served alongside air fryer corn dogs, air fryer cod, air fryer tilapia, sloppy joe sliders, sweet and spicy bacon smash burgers, or my favorite Spanish chicken wings!)
I've always made them in the oven, which isn't incredibly difficult, but the air fryer truly is a game-changer when it comes to making these babies. They come out perfectly crispy each and every time, and you don't even have to turn your oven on! Give these a try - I'm convinced this air fryer kale chips recipe will have you saying goodbye to your potato chips craving!
(Looking for more simple veggie sides? Try my roasted asparagus with lemon, these air fryer zucchini fries, my Instant Pot broccoli, or my easy maple bacon brussels sprouts!)
Key Ingredients
These easy kale chips can be made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Fresh kale. Fresh curly kale works best for this recipe, but you can also use dinosaur kale for a slightly different texture.
- Olive oil. Adds a healthy fat that helps the kale crisp up perfectly.
- Garlic powder and cayenne. These seasonings give your chips a nice kick of flavor. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking or swap them out with your favorite seasonings like onion powder, bagel seasoning, or taco seasoning.
- Salt. A very light sprinkle of sea salt adds flavor and gives kale chips that satisfying salty taste that I'm always craving with potato chips.
How To Make The Best Air Fryer Kale Chips
Maying this crunchy snack is a breeze, and takes just 5 minutes. Here's how to do it:
- Prep the kale. Start by washing the kale thoroughly in cold water and using a salad spinner to dry the kale completely. Remove the tough stems and tear the kale leaves into small pieces or chip-sized bits. This recipe works best when the kale is completely dry, so if it's still a bit damp after using the salad spinner, use a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
- Massage the kale. By massaging a small amount of oil onto each piece, you ensure the kale cooks evenly resulting in a savory snack with lots of crunch. In a large bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and thoroughly massage each piece, ensuring an even coating (without adding much oil). It feels weird, but this step is best done using your hands. Make sure to massage every piece, really working the oil into the kale leaves.
- Season. Sprinkle the garlic powder, cayenne, and salt over the top and toss again to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F using the preheat function.
- Fry the kale. Lay the seasoned kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. (If you're cooking a large amount of kale, you'll likey need to do this in 2-3 batches.) Air fry the kale for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the first batch as the cooking time may vary based on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of your kale.
- Finish and serve. Remove the crispy kale chips from the fryer and transfer to a bowl. Repeat the process with the remaining kale until done. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Variations And Substitutions
There are loads of ways to customize this healthy snack!
- Change up the oil. I like using plain old olive oil in this recipe, but you could try avocado oil, garlic oil, or even sesame oil for a different flavor.
- Add some cheese. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
- Nutritional yeast. I've recently been experimenting with nutritional yeast to produce a fair-free, cheesy flavor. This would be a great addition to kale chips.
- Different seasonings. Using different seasonings is a great way to add a unique twist to your kale chips. Try different seasoning blends like ranch seasoning, chili powder, or black pepper.
- Try a different kind of kale. For a more delicate crunch, try using baby kale, though it may need a shorter cooking time. (I'd recommend starting at 2 minutes and checking closely from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Store your crispy kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keeping them dry will prevent fogginess.
Using a salad spinner is the most efficient way to ensure your kale is completely dry before air frying. You can also pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. (I often do both to make sure the kale is completely dry.)
If your chips aren't crisping up, they might be overcrowded in the air fryer or they may still have moisture on them. Lay the kale in a single layer and ensure it's thoroughly dry before cooking.
Yes, you can make oven kale chips by spreading the kale on a baking sheet and roasting at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. But, if it's speed you're after, the air fryer is truly the best way to get perfectly crispy chips in no time.
Honestly? Anything! I love them all on their own as a snack or appetizer, and they make a great substitute for regular chips. They're the perfect side for something like a delicious tuna avocado sandwich, a chopped Italian sandwich, or a turkey & apple grilled cheese.
If you try this Crispy Air Fryer Kale Recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!
More Easy Snacks
- Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips With Maple Tahini
- Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Cook Energy
- Frozen Corn Dogs In The Air Fryer
- Cheesy Cheddar Straws
- Fried Yukon Gold Potato Chips
- Simple Chili Lime Pumpkin Seeds
- Sweet Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Recipe
5-Minute Air Fryer Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of fresh kale (I like curly cake for this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Wash the kale and dry it thoroughly. You may wish to use a salad spinner to dry the kale, in addition to using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Remove the kale from the stalks and tear it into smaller pieces (about chip size).
- Add the kale to a large bowl. Pour the olive oil over the top and thoroughly massage each piece of kale so that it's coated in the oil. (Note - you really only need a little bit of olive oil here so use it sparingly.
- Sprinkle the salt over the kale and toss to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Add the kale chips in a single layer (do not crowd the kale!) in your air fryer basket.
- Air Fry the kale chips for 3-4 minutes (thicker kale may take longer to become crisp).
- Once the chips are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Continue frying the chips in batches until complete.
Notes
- If you don't want soggy kale chips, don't crowd the kale in your air fryer basket. Be sure to add it in a single layer, with enough space for the air to circulate.
- To store leftover kale chips, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container (like a zip lock bag), lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture.
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Sarah says
I've always made these in the oven but the air fryer makes them so easy. Love this for a quick snack or appetizer.