Air Fryer Kale Chips Recipe (Quick and Easy)

Easy Air Fryer Kale Chips that take minutes to prepare! These crispy kale chips turn out fantastic and take less than 5 minutes to prepare. You can have a fresh healthy snack quickly with this easy recipe.

Air Fryer Kale Chips Recipe

I love how quick and easy it is to make kale chips in the air fryer. Plus they are not expensive to make and you can make the specific portion size that you need right then.

This quick and easy air fryer kale chips recipe only takes a few ingredients and most of those are pantry staples.

All you need is a bunch of fresh kale, olive oil, and some salt. You can easily change up the flavor and use different seasoning salts or blends that you love.

The hardest part of the entire recipe is washing the kale and cutting the leaves. I like to wash a large bowl of kale and then tear the leaves at one time so it is all ready at the same time.

I cook kale chips in batches in the air fryer until I have the amount I want for the day. This is such a great quick and easy gluten-free snack.

This is one of our favorite vegetarian air fryer recipes.

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make a Air Fryer Kale Chips! Specific measurements and step by step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

• Fresh Kale
• Olive Oil
• Salt

Seasoning Ideas

You can use any seasoning salts or blends that you love. Just add the seasonings of choice after the kale has been air fried.

• Parmesan Cheese tastes amazing sprinkled on the kale chips.
• Garlic powder
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper
• Greek Seasoning
• Ranch Seasoning
• Taco Seasoning
• Cinnamon
• Chili Powder
• Curry Powder
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Nutritional Yeast
• Cumin Powder
• Hot Chili Sauce
• Umami, soy, miso sauce
• Garam Masala
• Onion Powder

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer - We suggest getting an air fryer that is bigger than you think you will need. We found once we started using the air fryer, we ended up using it for more meals and larger meals.

Kitchen Tongs - We highly suggest getting a good pair of kitchen tongs to remove items from the air fryer and save your hands from getting burned.

How to make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post but here's a quick version.

Step 1 - Wash the kale and dry it really well with a paper towel or cloth.

Cut the leaves from the spine of the kale so you do not get the bitter flavor of the spine. I work in batches and cut all of the kale and put it in a pile.

Once you have all the kale cut from the stem you can rip it into pieces. The pieces should be close to bite-size but remember they will shrink in the air fryer.

Step 2 - Sprinkle the kale with olive oil and make sure the leaves are evenly coated.

If you have spray olive oil it works great to lightly coat the kale.

Sprinkle with a bit of salt and place in the air fryer basket.

Step 3 - Air fry for 4 minutes to start to make sure the kale chips don't burn.

Don't be surprised that the kale will shrink in the air fryer.

If the chips are not as crispy as you want them you can air fry for an additional minute or 2.

Recipe Tips

Don't forget to dry the kale before placing it in the air fryer basket so it will turn crispy.

Make sure to shake the basket so the kale leaves move around.

Keep a close eye on the kale while it is cooking to make sure it doesn't burn. Especially the first time you air fry the kale leaves.

If your kale leaves are flying around inside of the air fryer while cooking you can cover them with the air fryer rack to keep them in one place.

Store the kale chips at room temperature if you don't finish them all in one sitting.

Printable recipe card instructions are below.

Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin c, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead – These can be made a day or two ahead of when you need them. After 2-3 days they do tend to lose a bit of their crispness.

Storage – Kale chips should be stored in a paper bag or in a plastic bag with a paper towel at room temperature.

Freezing/How to freeze – We do not suggest freezing or storing kale chips in the refrigerator. They will absorb moisture and become soggy.

How to reheat – If your kale chips lose a bit of crunch you can toss them in the air fryer for another minute or two.

 

Recipe Variations

Substitutions - We use olive oil but you can easily use avocado oil or another oil.

Vegetarian Option - This recipe is vegetarian.

Vegan Option – This recipe is vegan. Just make sure you use dairy free seasoning.

Gluten Free - This recipe is gluten-free

Smaller Serving Size – The serving size can be changed in the recipe card below to a smaller serving.

Make it Spicy – Toss with red pepper flakes or use a hot spicy oil to rub into the kale leaves.

Larger Group/More servings – This recipe can be doubled. We suggest air frying them in batches so the hot air in the air fryer can easily move around the kale chips.

We hope you enjoy these air fryer kale chips! They are a great savory snack that takes minutes to prepare.

When to serve Kale Chips

• Savory Snack
• Appetizer
• In a grain bowl at lunch
• At breakfast
• Garnish soups
• Toss them with popcorn

Kale Chips are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and vegan! So there is no wrong time to enjoy them.

Great Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chickpeas 

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes

Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Frozen Hashbrowns

Check out all of our Air Fryer Recipes

We love serving this as a great side dish for BBQ Ribs.

Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.

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