Air Fryer Kale Chips: 5 Ways to Satisfy Your Cravings

Name: Air Fryer Kale Chips: 5 Ways to Satisfy Your Cravings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch of kale; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 2, 2025

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Healthy snacks have taken the world by storm, and let me tell you, I’ve jumped right on that bandwagon! If you’re looking for a crunchy treat that doesn’t weigh you down, then Air Fryer Kale Chips are your new best friend. I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for something to munch on during a movie night. I had a bunch of kale sitting in my fridge, and after a quick scroll through Pinterest, I decided to give it a whirl. Wow! The aroma of garlic and the satisfying crunch of those chips completely blew me away! They’re not just low in calories but also packed with flavor. Trust me, once you make these, you won’t be able to stop at just one handful!

Air Fryer Kale Chips - detail 1

Ingredients for Air Fryer Kale Chips

To make the most delicious and crispy air fryer kale chips, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 bunch of kale: Make sure it’s washed and dried thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer!
1 tablespoon of olive oil: This adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the kale. You can use extra-virgin for a more robust flavor.
1 teaspoon of salt: A must for enhancing the natural flavors of the kale. You can adjust this based on your taste preferences!
1 teaspoon of garlic powder: This gives the kale chips a lovely savory kick. Feel free to experiment with more or less, depending on how garlicky you like it!

That’s it! With these ingredients, you’re set to whip up a healthy and satisfying snack that’s sure to impress!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Kale Chips

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – making those crispy air fryer kale chips! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your kale chips cook evenly and get that perfect crunch. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Prepare the Kale

Now, let’s get that kale ready! Start by washing the leaves thoroughly in cold water to get rid of any dirt or grit. Once they’re nice and clean, dry them well – you can use a salad spinner or just pat them gently with a kitchen towel. This is super important because any moisture left on the leaves can lead to soggy chips. Next, remove the tough stems and tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Think of pieces that you’d love to munch on – not too big, not too small!

Season the Kale

In a large bowl, toss the kale pieces with the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Make sure every leaf is coated evenly – I like to use my hands for this part! It’s so satisfying to feel the kale getting all the seasoning. Just remember to be gentle so you don’t tear the leaves too much.

Cook the Kale Chips

Next, it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of kale, you might need to do this in batches. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them; every air fryer is a little different, and you want them crispy but not burnt!

Check for Crispiness

After the time is up, check your kale chips for that desired crispiness. If they’re not quite there yet, pop them back in for another minute or two. Just be careful not to overdo it – nobody likes burnt chips!

Cool and Serve

Finally, once they’re perfectly crispy, take them out and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This cooling time helps them crisp up even more and makes them easier to handle. Once they’re cool, grab a handful and enjoy your delicious homemade air fryer kale chips!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Air Fryer Kale Chips turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

Use fresh kale: The fresher the kale, the better your chips will taste! Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting or yellowing.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest results, make sure the kale pieces are spread out in a single layer. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with different seasonings! Try adding a sprinkle of paprika, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them crunchy and delicious!

With these tips, you’ll be a kale chip pro in no time!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Kale Chips

Curious about the nutrition in these delightful air fryer kale chips? Each serving packs a punch of flavor while keeping things light! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

Calories: 100
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 200mg

Keep in mind that these values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But regardless, you can feel good about snacking on these crispy treats!

FAQ About Air Fryer Kale Chips

Got questions about making the perfect Air Fryer Kale Chips? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my tried-and-true answers.

Can I use other seasonings?

Absolutely! The beauty of kale chips is their versatility. You can experiment with a variety of seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination. Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky touch, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or even some cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftover kale chips (which is rare, but it happens!), make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their crispiness. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can lead to soggy chips. Just remember, the fresher they are, the better they taste!

What can I serve with kale chips?

Kale chips make a fantastic snack on their own, but they can also be paired with some delicious dips! Consider serving them with hummus, guacamole, or a zesty salsa for a fun twist. They’re also great alongside a fresh salad or as a crunchy topping on soups. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the fence about trying Air Fryer Kale Chips, let me give you a little nudge! Here are just a few reasons you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick: They come together in under 20 minutes, perfect for a last-minute snack!
Easy: Just a few simple steps, and you’re on your way to crunchy goodness.
Healthy: Packed with nutrients, these chips are a guilt-free snack option.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic and seasoning makes each bite irresistible.
Vegan: A plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy!

You won’t just snack on these; you’ll crave them!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear what you think about these Air Fryer Kale Chips! If you give the recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your kale chip creations on social media. Happy snacking!