I recently bought a bag of kale chips that sorely disappointed me. Maybe that’s a weird thing to say about a snack, but I take my snacks pretty seriously. 🙂 The flavor was just way off to me (sort of a peanut butter meets bad Dorito taste) and although I do want my kale chip crispy, I don’t want it to taste like it dissolves into ash as soon as I put it in my mouth. My review of these store-bought kale chips was basically ‘one star, would not recommend.’ Which I fully admit is too much drama for a kale chip review, but there you have it.
So obviously I resolved to learn to make my own.
The results are these flavorful, fresh, crispy, crunchy, totally delicious and still-tastes-like-an-actual-plant kale chips. I mean YUM. Even if the thought of a kale chip doesn’t get you excited, you should try these. They are like a fancy restaurant appetizer. 🙂
This recipe will also get you eating a whole bunch of kale at once, which is kind of cool. I add a little flavoring, which is optional but give it a try, please. 🙂 One of the ingredients is nutritional yeast which adds just a little protein to this too.
I like to grind the seasoning in a mortar and pestle to get it super fine, but this isn’t totally necessary in case you don’t have one. I love mine though, plus it’s pretty sitting out on the counter. I mostly use it to grind up my multivitamin though, for blending in smoothies when I don’t feel like swallowing pills. Ha! I admitted this online recently and I was shocked how many other people do this too!
Speaking of kitchen items you may or may not have, this recipe utilizes an air fryer. So if you haven’t gotten on the air fryer train yet, I get it, but you may be out of luck on this one. I love the air fryer here though because you use very little oil but still end up with super crispy kale chips—it’s awesome.
These are totally great on their own as a snack or appetizer with a little fresh lemon juice squeezed over the top. I think they would also be delicious on top of rice bowls or tacos, but that’s just me. These are best the day they are made. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with the ACS for Desktop actions.
Homemade Crispy Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 200 grams of kale large stems/veins removed
- 4 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Rinse and dry the kale. Pull the leaves from the stems/veins, removing any large pieces (anything you would not enjoy chewing through).
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Combine the salt, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. In two batches, drizzle the kale leaves in oil and toss with seasoning.
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Air fry at 356°F for 3 minutes, toss, and fry for another minute.
Recipe Notes
You want to air fry these in two batches so you don't overcrowd the pan, causing many pieces to remain soggy.
19 Comments
i love kale chips but i agree, i haven’t found store bought ones to be as good as homemade! i haven’t made them in the air fryer yet, so i’ll definitely have to give it a try.
Thank you for posting! I am so excited to try this. I just bought an air fryer + I have been so excited to attempt crispy fried spinach. Palak Chaat inspired by Rasika DC.
These look delicious, definitely going to give these a go
P x
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I’ve been wanting to try these for ages! Totally making them this week!
Paige
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These look so good! I agree that some store bought options are straight ashy lol.
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I agree with you about kale snack chips and cant wait to try this recipe! Looks so pretty too!
This looks so yummy! I’ve recently come back around to the joys of eating kale. I’ve been enjoying kale-based salads but this recipe seems like it would be a great addition to my kale endeavors 🙂
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Looks so good.
I haven’t had kale chips in the longest time, but they really are so good! I don’t have an air fryer, but the oven ones turn out great.
Eva | www.shessobright.com
I have never tasted kale chips, so I’m really curious! Maybe I’ll try them in the future!
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Ah! Kale chips are one of my favorite snacks! I don’t have an air fryer, so I make mine in the oven. I toss the kale with a tablespoon or two of sesame oil, some parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder and salt. I usually bake them at 425 in the oven, just until they are crispy. YUM!
Sounds delicious! I love Parm when I’m eating dairy, adds a little saltiness too. 🙂
Oooh I am for sure saving this recipe to try! I love this idea!! xx
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These look delicious, I love kale chips.
Those without an air fryer can substitute step 3 with 5-10 minutes in a 356F oven (I never really check the exact time, just start checking after 5 minutes whether they’re crispy already).
Great tip-haven’t tried it but totally worth a shot.
I wish kale wasn’t so expensive here in Hong Kong! It’s such a cheap vegetable for you guys in the US, but it’s priced crazily here. These look delicious, maybe if I’m willing to splurge one day! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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How interesting, and a little sad too because I LOVE kale. It’s probably one of my favorite vegetables, and yes it’s quite affordable here in the US. Is lettuce or other leafy greens super expensive too?
I’m not sure how hard it would be to grow in soil or hydroponically, but that’s a thought! 🙂