These Air Fryer Kale Chips are a quick, simple way to turn a bunch of kale into a crispy snack in just 15 minutes. They're easy to customize with different seasonings and perfect for prepping ahead when you want something crunchy on hand.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Simple snacks like these air fryer kale chips are exactly the kind of recipes I rely on when I want something easy, affordable, and made with basic ingredients. My favorite snack recipes are the ones that don't require a long list of ingredients or extra steps, especially when prepping a healthy snack for the week. I've experimented with dozens of kale recipes over the years and this one is the simplest AND one of my favorites.
This recipe just uses kale, oil, and salt, and comes together in about 15 minutes in the air fryer. It's also easy to customize, which makes it great for experimenting with different seasonings depending on what you're craving. Whether you keep them classic or try one of the flavors below, this kale chips recipe is a simple snack you can prep in batches and enjoy throughout the week.
Kale Chips Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of what you will need. Scroll to the printable recipe card for exact measurements.
- Kale: you'll need one bunch of fresh kale
- Olive Oil: avocado oil would be a good alternative
- Salt
How to Make Kale Chips in Air Fryer
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make this recipe in the air fryer.
- First, tear the kale into 2-3 inch pieces. Be sure to remove and discard the woody stem. Wash the kale in cold water, drain, and then dry well using a salad spinner.
- Now, spread the kale out on a clean kitchen towel and blot with a second clean kitchen towel. Repeat this process as much as needed to remove all water droplets from the kale leaves.
- Next, add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle with the oil. Now mix well using a spatula until each leaf is coated *thinly* with oil. Then you can sprinkle with salt and toss again for even coverage.
- Now it's time to air fry! Add the kale then place the trivet on top of the kale in the air fryer. This prevents the kale from flying around and getting stuck in the heating element. *Note-It will likely take 2-3 batches to fry all the kale depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees for 3 minutes, remove the trivet and toss with tongs, cook 3-5 more minutes until crisp.
How long to air fry kale chips
You will cook them for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees before tossing the chips and cooking for another 3-5 minutes. These times may differ slightly depending on the size of your air fryer and how densely you add the kale to the air fryer. I discuss some tips below to make sure you have crispy chips and don't take the chips out too early.
Tips for Making Kale Chips in Air Fryer
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's better to make in multiple batches rather than put too much kale in the air fryer at once. This is very important to have crispy chips.
- To check if they're done, take the biggest chip and give it a little poke in the middle. If the middle is flexible and bendy, it is not ready to come out. If it's rigid and firm, your chips are ready to serve.
Air Fried Kale Chip Topping Ideas
- ranch- toss in olive oil (no salt); spread out on baking sheet and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons homemade ranch seasoning per 4 cups kale
- cheezy- toss in olive oil & salt, spread out on baking sheet, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast/ 4 cups kale
- The topping ideas above are two I have experimented with, but there are numerous other flavor combos you could try. A few suggestions would be honey hot, BBQ, and garlic parmesan.
More Plant-Based Recipes
- How to Cut a Pomegranate
- Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Broccolini
- Cauliflower Rice
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Kale Chips Recipe (Air Fryer)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Tear kale into 2-3 inch pieces, removing and discarding the woody stem. Wash in cold water, drain and dry well using a salad spinner.
- Spread the kale out on a clean kitchen towel and blot with a second clean kitchen towel. Repeat as necessary to remove all water droplets from the kale leaves.
- Add the kale to a large bowl, then drizzle with the oil. Use a spatula to mix well, ensuring that each leaf is coated *thinly* with oil. Sprinkle with salt and toss again for even coverage.
- Add the kale to the air fryer (this will likely take 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer) and place the trivet on top of the kale. This prevents the kale from flying around and getting stuck in the heating element. Cook at 350 degrees for 3 minutes, remove the trivet and toss with tongs, cook 3-5 more minutes until crisp.
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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