Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

My crispy air fryer kale chips recipe has just a hint of seasoning.

Air fryer kale chips are not just easy to make, and they offer a guilt-free crunch.

Air fryer kale chips are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a snack. Using minimal oil, these chips have a crispy texture that rivals traditional frying methods.

This air fryer kale chips recipe is a snack that will make you forget potato chips. For a sweeter treat try my air fryer apple chips.

Ingredients needed:

• 3 cups kale leaves
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• ⅓ teaspoon pepper
• ⅓ salt

Choosing the Right Kale For Chips:

The type of kale you choose affects the texture of your chips

Curly kale is what I prefer because that I what I used when I first learned to make kale chips. Due to the curly texture, you may need to spend extra time blotting excess moisture out of the curls of the kale.

Moisture will prevent proper air frying. 

If Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) is available, give it a try! It has flat, tender leaves that become crispy and supper yummy.

Oil and Seasoning for Flavorful Kale Chips

The right oil and seasonings elevate the flavor of kale chips. I recommend using extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and benefits. Lightly massaging the oil into the kale ensures each leaf is well-coated, which is essential for even cooking.

More Seasoning Ideas for Air Fried Kale

Season the kale with salt and any additional flavors you prefer but here are my top suggestions. 

• Garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast are popular choices for a savory taste.
• For a bit of zest, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice while the chips are still hot out of the air fryer.
• Olive oil, Parmesan Cheese, and fresh cracked black pepper make for a delicious seasoning combination for your next batch of kale chips.

How to make crispy air fryer kale chips

1. Start by washing the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat it dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Remove the stems as they can be tough and fibrous.
2. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Keeping the pieces uniform in size helps them cook evenly. Lay the prepared kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
3. Once seasoned, I spread the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important to prevent overlapping, which can lead to uneven cooking. If needed, I cook in batches to achieve consistent results.
4. The air fryer is preheated to 360°F (or 180°C). I cook the kale for about 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the chips cook evenly. I keep a close eye on them after the 3-minute mark to avoid burning.

Cooking Times and Temperatures To Air Fry Kale Chips

When making crispy kale in an air fryer, the right cooking times and temperatures are crucial for the best results.

Temperature: I usually set the air fryer to 360°F (or 180°C). This temperature ensures that the kale becomes crispy without burning.

Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary slightly based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the kale leaves. Here are some general guidelines:

• First Batch: Typically, I cook for 3-5 minutes. It's essential to keep an eye on the kale to avoid overcooking.
• Shake: Halfway through, I shake the basket to move the leaves around for even cooking.
• Additional Time: If needed, I add an extra 2-3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.

Serving and Storage Tips

Enjoy your air fryer kale chips right away for the best texture and flavor. Proper storage ensures they remain crispy and delicious for future snacking.

Top Tips To Make Kale Chips In The Air Fryer

• Single Layer: I place the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overlap the leaves too much. Overcrowding can prevent the kale from getting crispy.
• If making a large batch, cooking in multiple rounds is better to achieve the desired texture. This method helps each piece cook evenly.
• Preheating is crucial for obtaining those perfectly crispy kale chips. I've found that skipping this step can result in less consistent texture and flavors. Preheating typically takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on the model of the air fryer.
• Monitor Closely: After the first 3 minutes, I closely watch the kale. It can quickly turn from crispy to burnt.
• Avoid Overlapping: Laying the kale leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket prevents them from overlapping and ensures even cooking.
• Batch Cooking: If I have a lot of kale, I cook in batches rather than overcrowd the basket.

📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

Chef Tip

Once the kale is in the basket, I set the air fryer to cook for around 3-5 minutes. Checking the kale after 3 minutes and shaking the basket to promote even cooking is important.

Keeping a close eye during this phase is crucial, as kale can quickly go from crispy to burnt. The goal is for the kale to turn a bright green with slightly browned edges.

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