- Kale chips are a tasty, healthy alternative to potato chips and can be made in an oven or air fryer.
- The key to achieving ultra-crispy kale chips is ensuring they're evenly coated in oil.
- Homemade kale chips can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container or plastic bag.
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Roasting or air-frying kale can bring out its pleasant earthy flavor while also lending a crave-worthy crunch. As an added bonus, kale chips are healthier for you — unlike their processed potato chip counterparts, this leaf green veggie is packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K and other phytochemicals that have cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Fortunately, kale chips are also super easy to make at home, says Avant-Garde Kitchen chef and founder Renaldas Kaveckas. You only need three ingredients: kale, oil, and a preferred seasoning.
A faster way: Kale chips in the air fryer
If you're short on time, try using an air fryer — which takes just 5 to 7 minutes. There are a couple of other advantages to this method: the rapid circulation of hot air yields remarkably crispy results, and since excess oil drips through the holes of the tray, these chips tend to be lower in fat.
To make kale chips in the air fryer, simply follow steps one to four from above. Then, Kaveckas advises spreading the leaves out in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
Air fry the kale chips for five to six minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the pan halfway through. Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model and they can go from crispy to charred fast, so keep an eye on them.
Seasoning suggestions
Get creative when seasoning kale chips — this super versatile veggie works just as well with savory and salty flavors as it does with spicy ones.
- Cayenne pepper: Sanford often uses this spice to add an unexpected punch of heat to kale chips.
- Tahini: With a creamy texture and nutty flavor, Sanford says this paste — which is made from sesame seeds — complements kale chips nicely. To try it, marinate the kale leaves in a combination of oil, lemon juice, and tahini before adding any other desired spices.
- Nutritional yeast: This deactivated yeast is not only vegan but also adds a pleasantly cheesy, umami-like flavor that pairs well with kale, says Sanford. It also happens to be rich in vitamins and minerals — it's considered a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids. If you're not vegan, though, Kaveckas notes that you can also try powdered parmesan for a similar flavor.
- BBQ seasoning: Most BBQ seasonings include a combination of brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder or cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder — the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and smoky for mouthwatering kale chips.
- Soy sauce: For some salty, umami-packed flavor, try marinating kale chips in a couple of teaspoons of soy sauce after massaging them with oil. Sesame oil and garlic powder work especially well with the soy sauce.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Everything bagel seasoning not only adds a powerful punch of flavor to kale chips thanks to the dried onion and garlic, but it also provides some satisfying crunch from the sesame and poppy seeds.
Kale chips are an obvious substitute for potato chips, so serve them alongside burgers and other sandwiches, or snack on them solo. Sanford also likes sprinkling them over baked pasta dishes for an added layer of crunch, while Kaveckas uses them in salads to add some crispy texture.
How to store kale chips
While kale chips can last for up to a week, Sanford and Kaveckas say it's best to enjoy them within two to three days.
Make sure to let the chips cool completely before storing them, or they'll release condensation that could make them soggy. Kaveckas recommends storing leftover chips in an airtight container or plastic bag. Keep them in your pantry, snack cabinet, or on the counter — according to Sanford, storing them in the fridge will expose them to too much moisture, causing them to lose their crunch.
Insider's takeaway
Kale chips are a tasty, healthy snack that's surprisingly easy to whip up in the kitchen, whether you use the oven or the air fryer. The air fryer is faster and can yield extra crispy results, but the oven may provide more time for any seasonings or other added flavors to seep into the kale.
Whichever method you choose, there are several tips to keep in mind for maximum crispiness: dry the leaves thoroughly after washing them, make sure they're evenly coated in oil, and don't overcrowd the pan or tray.