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Kale chips were something of a revelation to me. Growing up, I never thought a vegetable like kale could be transformed into something as delicious and crave-worthy as these crunchy snacks. The first time my mother par-boiled the vibrant leaves before baking them in the oven with just a light oil sprinkling and some seasoning, I was amazed at how flavorful they were! Nowadays, when it comes to healthy snacks for myself or my family, we almost always turn to homemade kale chips – they’re too good not to!
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! Baked kale chips are another great option, offering a simple and healthy alternative to traditional snacks. I’ve included steps for how to make these kale chips in the oven and dehydrator as well. My first attempt making kale chips was incredibly easy. It took about 30 minutes from start to finish in the oven. However, making them in the dehydrator takes longer, but the texture is a little nicer. The cool thing I love the most is picking the kale from the field, bringing it inside to wash, and making this delectable treat in 30 minutes.
Introduction to Crispy Kale Chips
Crispy kale chips are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made in just a few minutes using an air fryer. This tasty treat is perfect for those looking for a crunchy and flavorful alternative to traditional potato chips. With its numerous health benefits and versatility in seasoning, crispy kale chips have become a popular snack among health-conscious individuals and foodies alike. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a salty craving or add a nutritious snack to your diet, kale chips are a fantastic choice. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy a fresh batch anytime you want.
Choosing the Right Kale for Kale Chips
When it comes to making crispy kale chips, choosing the right type of kale is crucial. There are several varieties of kale to choose from, including curly kale, lacinato kale, and dinosaur kale. Curly kale is a popular choice for kale chips due to its tender leaves and mild flavor. Its ruffled edges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crunch. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, has a slightly sweeter taste and a more delicate texture, making it another excellent option. Regardless of the type of kale you choose, make sure to select fresh leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing. Fresh kale ensures the best flavor and texture for your chips.
Preparing Kale for Air Fryer
Preparing kale for the air fryer is a simple process that requires just a few steps. Start by washing the kale leaves in a large bowl of water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves completely, as excess moisture can prevent the kale from becoming crispy. If you don’t have a salad spinner, pat the leaves dry with paper towels. Next, remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a knife to cut the leaves into smaller pieces if desired. Properly prepared kale leaves are key to achieving that perfect crunch in your air fryer.
We enjoy using Wildflower Honey for this recipe
How to Make Kale Chips
First, gather all the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. These crispy air fryer kale chips are a fun and healthy way to encourage kids and adults alike to eat kale, thanks to their delicious flavor and ease of preparation.
Seasoning with Olive Oil and Salt
Seasoning your kale chips with olive oil and salt is a classic combination that brings out the natural flavors of the kale. Simply drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the kale pieces and sprinkle with salt to taste. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, chili powder, or nutritional yeast to give your kale chips an extra boost of flavor. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without the dairy, while chili powder can give your chips a spicy kick. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
AIR FRYER METHOD
- Start by washing and drying the kale leaves thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry to ensure crispiness.
- Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, removing the tough stems.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale pieces with a drizzle of honey and coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Season the kale with your choice of optional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a sprinkle of bagel seasoning. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the seasoned kale in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fryers are perfect for making kale chips as they ensure even cooking and prevent the chips from flying around during the process.
- Air fry the kale for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the kale chips are perfectly crispy, transfer them to a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Enjoy your crispy kale chips as a healthy snack or side dish! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to a week.
DEHYDRATOR METHOD
- Melt Coconut oil, and add all ingredients.
- Using a fork, scramble ingredients like an egg until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the seasoning blend over clean, dry kale, and use your hands to squash the blend evenly through the kale.
- Place on drying racks if using a dehydrator or a cookie sheet if using the oven.
- Dehydrate for 5 hours at 140 degrees until completely dry.
- Store in an air-tight container.
OVEN METHOD
- Place in oven at the lowest rack rung. This method ensures that each kale chip is evenly baked and maintains its crispiness.
- Bake at 270 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Check every 10 minutes until crisp, turning chips once during the drying process until completely dry.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Tips for Extra Crispy Kale Chips
To achieve extra crispy kale chips, make sure to follow these tips:
- Use a single layer of kale pieces in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the kale chips at a high temperature (around 375°F) for a shorter amount of time (around 3-4 minutes).
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent the kale chips from sticking together.
- Use a light hand when seasoning with olive oil, as excess oil can prevent the kale from becoming crispy.
By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy kale chips every time.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while making crispy kale chips, don’t worry! Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Kale chips are not crispy: Check if the kale leaves are dry enough. If not, try drying them further with a salad spinner or paper towels.
- Kale chips are too oily: Reduce the amount of olive oil used for seasoning.
- Kale chips are burnt: Reduce the cooking time or temperature.
- Kale chips are not seasoned evenly: Try using a different seasoning method, such as sprinkling seasonings over the kale chips after cooking.
By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can achieve perfectly crispy kale chips every time. Enjoy!
Grow kale and other veggies in your own backyard by planting an organic garden
How to Properly Store Kale Chips
Once you’ve made your delicious batch of crispy kale chips, it’s important to store them correctly to maintain their crunch and flavor. Proper storage is key to ensuring that each kale chip remains crispy and flavorful for as long as possible. To keep your kale chips fresh and perfectly crispy, follow these simple storage tips:
- Cool Completely: After air frying your kale chips, make sure they cool completely on a baking sheet. This helps prevent any residual moisture from making them soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled kale chips into an airtight container. This helps to lock out moisture and air, which can make the chips lose their crispiness.
- Avoid Refrigeration: While it may seem like a good idea, storing kale chips in the fridge can introduce moisture, leading to sogginess. Keep them at room temperature instead.
- Store in a Dark, Cool Place: Place the airtight container in a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This helps preserve their flavor and texture.
- Consume Within a Week: For the best taste and texture, try to eat your stored kale chips within a week. Over time, they may start to lose their crispiness.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade kale chips as a healthy snack or side dish whenever the craving strikes!
Make this recipe your own
We want you to use this recipe as a guide. Kale Chips are super easy to customize based on what you like or have in the kitchen. Whether you prefer air-fried or baked kale chips, you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Here are a few ways on how we like to change it up:
- Don’t have cayenne but still want the heat? Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top instead!
- Not a fan of nutritional yeast? Sprinkle a combination of garlic and onion powder onto the kale for a flavor boost.
- If you like them a little hotter, double the cayenne pepper.
- Try making some homemade ranch seasoning for your kale chips instead.
- Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top if you're a cheese lover.
- Add 1 tsp of kelp flakes for added iodine.
- Already a kale fan? Just sprinkle with salt or garlic salt and pepper to let the flavor stay true. Topping air fryer kale chips with toasted sesame seeds is another great way to switch it up without taking away from the flavor of the kale leaves.
Above all, remember to store them in an airtight container to keep your chips crispy!
Try dipping these chips in homemade Blueberry Ketchup for extra flavor
Making All Kinds of Delicious Air Fryer Vegetables
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook vegetables, making it incredibly easy to create delicious and healthy dishes with minimal effort. With just a few simple steps, you can transform fresh vegetables into a crispy and flavorful side dish or snack that everyone will love. The beauty of using an air fryer is that it requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in perfectly crispy vegetables without the added saturated fat.
Quick and Simple Preparation
Start by selecting your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. Wash and dry them thoroughly, using a salad spinner or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Seasoning and Cooking
In a large mixing bowl, toss the vegetables with a light drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the vegetables.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Enjoy Your Healthy Snack
Once the vegetables are perfectly crispy, transfer them to a plate and enjoy them immediately as a healthy snack or side dish. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
With these simple steps, making delicious air fryer vegetables is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious and tasty treat with minimal effort.
Serve these air fryer kale chips with a delicious and healthy Black Bean Chickpea Burger
Try These Crispy Kale Chips
If you’re still not convinced that kale chips are worth your time, I dare you to try this recipe. Just one warning – make sure you buy a big bag of kale, because these things go fast. Trust me, even if you’re skeptical like I was, you’ll be hooked after just one taste. Not only are these air fryer kale chips delicious, but they are also a great way to eat kale and enjoy its numerous health benefits. We have tons of other ways to add kale to your diet, too. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some kale chips!
