Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are easy to make with simple ingredients and just 7 minutes in the air fryer. They satisfy that savory, crispy snack craving and make a delicious side dish too!
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When it comes to snacks, I usually go for salty and crunchy. There's just something about the taste and texture that is so satisfying.
Whether it's mid-afternoon or late night, you'll find me reaching for savory snacks like these air fryer tortilla chips or air fryer pita chips.
Can you tell I'm obsessed with snacks in my air fryer?!
So, when I recently had an abundance of kale, I knew just what to do with it (besides making this strawberry kale salad)! I had to make kale chips and I knew the air fryer would be the perfect way to get quick and ultra crispy results!
Why you'll love this recipe
- It's a quick and delicious way to add more kale to your diet. (The recipe calls for 6 cups of kale and I have no trouble polishing off a batch)!
- The garlicky and cheesy flavor is so simple yet so addictive! You just need salt, pepper, garlic powder and nutritional yeast.
- It's also easy to change up the seasoning by substituting different herbs and spices. Suggestions are included below!
- You get the texture and flavor of oven baked kale chips but in less time. (Just 7 minutes in the air fryer compared to 20-25 minutes in the oven)!
Details on the ingredients
- Kale - I normally use curly kale which is the most common variety, but you can also use tuscan kale (also called dinosaur kale). I would avoid using baby kale as it's not as sturdy and I'm not sure how it would hold up in the air fryer.
- Oil - The recipe calls for avocado oil but you can also use extra virgin olive oil. I've used both with the same results.
- Nutritional yeast - This adds a savory and cheesy flavor to the kale chips without actually adding any cheese. Nutritional yeast has a taste that's similar to parmesan cheese but it's just a deactivated yeast, so it's completely dairy-free.
- Other seasonings - To complement the nutritional yeast, you'll need a little garlic powder, salt and pepper to toss with the kale before air frying.
How to prepare kale to make chips
I usually start by rinsing the kale leaves under cold running water. You just want to wash away any dirt or debris.
Thoroughly dry the leaves using a clean, lint-free tea towel.
Remove the stems and the ribs from the kale leaves. The easiest way to do this is just to use your fingers to tear the leaves away from the ribs. (Make sure to tear the kale into small pieces).
If the kale still feels wet, pat it dry again or use a salad spinner.
Add the kale, oil and seasonings to a large bowl. Use your fingers to rub the oil and seasonings into the kale leaves. You want to make sure the kale is completely coated.
Now you're ready to air fry!
How to air fry kale for chips
Place the seasoned kale in the air fryer basket. (The leaves don't need to be in a single layer, but you shouldn't overfill your air fryer).
Air fry on 300F for 4 minutes.
Remove the basket and toss the kale, making sure the leaves on the bottom rotate to the top.
Air fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are crispy. (Be careful not to brown them too much).
Let them rest for a few minutes before removing from the air fryer. (They will continue getting crispy as they cool).
Tips for crispy kale chips
- Make sure you thoroughly dry your kale before seasoning and air frying. Any excess water will cause the chips to steam, so they won't get crispy.
- Shake the air fryer basket and rotate the kale so the chips on the bottom of the air fryer come to the top.
- You only need a little bit of oil to make the chips crispy, so don't over do it. Too much oil can make the chips a bit soggy.
Seasoning variations
Feel free to switch up the flavor of these chips. Just add oil and substitute with some of the seasoning options below:
- Keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
- Add a smokey flavor with chili powder, smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- For a savory flavor, sprinkle on oregano, basil or an Italian seasoning blend.
- For an all-in-one option, try everything bagel seasoning or chili lime seasoning.
Frequently asked questions
This can happen if your air fryer has a forceful fan. I tested this recipe in a Cusinart toaster oven style air fryer and a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and I didn't have an issue with the kale blowing around. If it happens with your air fryer, you can lay a metal rack or trivet over the chips. This will prevent them from blowing around but also allows air to circulate so they air fry evenly.
A little browning is normal, but if all of your chips are brown, it likely means you air fried them for too long.
Kale chips are best enjoyed right away. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll only last for 1-2 days and then start to get soft.
Key recipe tips
- Coating the kale in oil and seasonings. For maximum coverage, use your fingers to rub or massage the oil and seasoning into the kale to make sure all the leaves are covered.
- Avoid soggy chips. Make sure you dry the kale leaves thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. If there is water left on the leaves, they will not get crispy.
- Air fry in two batches. I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer for this recipe, which is large enough for 6 cups of kale. If your air fryer is smaller, you'll need to air fry the chips in two batches.
- Type of air fryer. Depending on the brand or model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and/or air frying time slightly.
- Preheating air fryer. My Cosori has a preheat function but I didn't use it for this recipe. Without preheating, the chips take just 7 minutes at 300F.
- Shake the basket. No need to arrange the kale in a single layer, but to ensure the chips air fry evenly, you'll need to shake the basket and rotate the chips so the ones on the bottom come to the top.
- Keep an eye on your kale chips. They will brown and burn fast so make sure you check on them as they near the end of their air frying time.
More air fryer snack recipes
- Air Fryer Turnip Fries
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- Air Fryer Potato Slices
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 small bunch of kale, about 6 cups, torn and loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the kale under cold running water and thoroughly dry by using a clean, lint-free tea towel.
- Remove the stems and ribs from the kale leaves and tear the kale into small pieces. (If the kale still seems wet, pat dry again or use a salad spinner).
- In a large bowl, add the kale, oil and seasonings. Use your fingers to rub the oil and seasonings into the kale leaves so the kale is completely covered.
- Place the kale in the air fryer basket. (The leaves don't need to be in a single layer).
- Air fry on 300F for 4 minutes. Remove the basket and toss the kale, making sure the leaves on the bottom rotate to the top. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are crispy.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before removing from the air fryer. (They will continue getting crispy as they cool).
- Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 1-2 days.
Notes
- Make sure you dry the kale leaves thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. If there is too much moisture on the leaves, they will not get crispy.
- I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer for this recipe, which is large enough for 6 cups of kale. If your air fryer is smaller, you'll need to air fry the chips in two batches.
- Depending on the brand or model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and/or air frying time slightly.
- Keep an eye on your kale chips. They will brown and burn fast so make sure you check on them as they near the end of their air frying time.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen says
I'm not a huge kale fan (totally overrated!) but well-seasoned and air-fried until nice and crisp? I'm in!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Your kale chips are perfect, Leanne! I recently started making them again when I remembered how much I love kale chips. I've definitely got to try your air fryer version!
Terry says
I’m impressed, you actually made kale look delicious! Haha.
Was never a big fan of kale but I think I will have to try this recipe. Quick and easy.