Hey there, folks! Austin Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Now, I know what you’re thinking – Kale Chips? Ain’t nobody got time for that rabbit food! But let me tell you, these crispy little morsels are about to change your mind.

Growing up, my mama was always trying to get me to eat my greens. She’d make us eat a whole plate of collard greens or mustard greens before we could have dessert. Well, let’s just say I wasn’t a big fan back then. But these air fryer kale chips? Game-changer!

With just a few simple ingredients and that magical air fryer, those tough kale leaves transform into the most addictive snack you’ve ever tasted. Crispy, salty, with a kick of spice – they’re like nature’s potato chips, but way better for you.

Once you pop one of these babies in your mouth, you won’t be able to stop. They’re that good. So let’s get cooking and show kale who’s boss! Even a die-hard fried food lover like me is about to become a kale chip convert. For more crunchy snacks, you can try Fried Zucchini Chips.

Overview: How To Make Kale Chips?

I know what you’re thinking – kale? But trust me, once you try these bad boys, you’ll be a total kale convert. The air fryer works its magic, transforming those sturdy leaves into irresistibly crispy chips with just a kiss of olive oil and some zesty seasoning. A sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder, and a tiny kick of cayenne really amps up the flavor.

Now, the key to getting them perfectly crunchy is cooking the kale in batches. We’re not steaming veggies here, folks! By giving the leaves some room to breathe in the air fryer basket, they get nice and crispy without any sogginess.

Believe me, these kale chips make for one addictively delicious snack. They’re a total game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy their greens in a whole new way. Let’s get cooking!

Tips that Will Help!

It doesn’t matter if you are an expert chef or new to using an air fryer. This air fryer kale recipe will come out perfectly crispy every time with a few tips. Get ready to add some fiber to your day!

Dry kale leaves well: Drying your kale leaves is theÂ keyÂ to getting crispy air fryer chips. It is recommended to use a salad spinner or lay your washed kale on a paper towel-lined tray for complete dryness. It’s important to note that you should also not let your kale sit out for too long, as the leaves will lose their firmness.
Gently rub kale with oil: A light, even coating of oil is necessary to give your kale chips enough crunch. For this reason, it’s essential that you gently rub your leaves with the oil for 30-40 seconds before adding them to the air fryer.
Arrange leaves in a single layer: For proper cooking, it’s crucial to arrange your kale leaves in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent the chips from crisping up evenly. Remember that you’ll likely have to cook your kale in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Shrinkage Expected The kale pieces will shrink in size when they turn into chips. This is normal and to be expected.
Avoid Overcooking Overcooking them will cause them to taste burnt and crumble easily, so keep a close eye on them after about 3 minutes.
Cover Loose Pieces If you have an air fryer that causes pieces to blow around, cover them with another air fryer rack.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to properly and safely use your air fryer. If it requires you to preheat the air fryer, simply cut back on the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Use Oil Sparingly Do not overdo it with oil. Using too much oil will cause the kale chips to become soggy.
Single Layer Do not overlap the kale pieces – keep them in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
Use Remaining Kale Any remaining kale can be used to make more kale chips, added to soups, used in place of lettuce for a wrap or sandwich, or frozen to be used in smoothies at a later date.

Consider These Seasoning Options!

Nutritional yeast: Sprinkle a small amount of nutritional yeast in addition to salt to give the kale chips a cheesy flavor.
Everything but the bagel seasoning: Use this instead of salt because this seasoning already contains salt.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Sprinkle a small amount in addition to salt onto the kale pieces.
Salt and pepper: Salt is necessary, and the pepper adds some extra flavor.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Kale Chips?

Managing Leftovers for These Chips!

Eating them fresh if possible is best, as they will become less crispy over time.
I usually leave my kale chips in a bowl on the counter, and with everyone snacking on them, they are gone by the end of the day.
However, if you want to store your kale chips – let them cool down completely, then put them in an airtight container and store them for 2-3 days.
Some people also recommend adding a few grains of rice or silica packs to the airtight container to help the chips stay crispy.

What Are Some Other Ways We Can Make These Chips?

Bake them in the oven – Spread the seasoned kale on baking sheets and bake at 300Â°F for 12-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp. For crunchier chips, bake a little longer. You can also use a dehydrator for an even crunchier texture. Or, pan-fry the kale in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat until crispy.

Does Air Frying Kale Remove Nutrients?

While air frying does expose kale to some high heat, it is a much better option for preserving nutrients compared to traditional deep frying. Air frying uses just a light coating of oil and circulating hot air to get that desirable crispiness. This gentle cooking method helps retain more of kale’s beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make it such a nutritional powerhouse vegetable.

Is Kale Really that Healthy?

Absolutely, kale is incredibly healthy! This leafy green powerhouse is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like manganese and copper. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and fiber. Incorporating kale into your diet can support healthy digestion, vision, and even bone health. Plus, it’s low in calories yet high in nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any well-balanced diet. So don’t shy away from this nutritional superstar!