Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
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For a wholesome snack, make crispy kale chips in the air fryer! This kale chip recipe is easy to make, and a fun way to turn nutrient-packed greens into something special.
Kale chips are a great snack, but in the oven, it can be tricky to get them crispy without burning. The air fryer makes it so much easier, turning the leaves perfectly crisp in just a few minutes.
A bright, garlicky lemon aioli takes this simple kale recipe to the next level. It’s one of my favorite ways to add a little crunch to a meal or enjoy for a quick, flavorful snack!
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
Like most of my air fryer snack recipes, this recipe is super quick and easy to make. Just toss the kale in olive oil and seasonings, air fry for a few minutes, whip up the lemon aioli, and you’re done!
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
Not to mention, you don’t have to preheat the air fryer! Unlike oven roasting, the air fryer comes up to temperature quickly. This will save time – and maybe a little bit of money on your energy bill.
Give your kids air fried kale chips with any kind of dipping sauce, and I think you will be amazed at how much they love it! The crispy-creamy combo is simply delicious!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this recipe! I’ve made it countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Kale shrinks as it cooks, so avoid cutting the pieces too small.
- Make sure the leaves are dry before seasoning them. You can use a salad spinner to remove most of the moisture, or pat it dry with paper towels or a clean tea towel.
- Air fry in batches if needed. Arrange the kale in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Some overlap is okay, but try to arrange the leaves in a single layer for the best crispy texture.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few simple ingredients to make kale chips in the air fryer, and most of them are seasonings.
Substitutions and Variations
- Kale: A sturdy and earthy green, kale crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. If you can’t find full size leaves, use baby kale instead.
- Oil: Any cooking oil meant for high heat can be used. Avocado oil and olive oil are good options.
- Nutritional yeast: This dairy-free ingredient has a nutty flavor, similar to Parmesan cheese. It can be omitted if desired, or substitute with freshly shredded Parmesan.
Different seasonings: If you have any favorite seasoning blends, use them instead! A pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder can bring extra depth and a hint of smoky heat. My kids love the chips with ranch seasoning.
How to Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
- Prepare the kale. Wash, dry, and cut the kale into pieces about 2-3 inches each. Air fry the kale for about 4 minutes, or until the chips are crispy.
- While the kale cooks, make the lemon aioli or other dipping sauce of choice. Be sure to take a taste and if needed, adjust the seasonings.
Kale Chip Recipe FAQs
Yes! Kale chips usually stay fresh 3-4 days, so you can definitely make it in advance.
Totally! To make kale chips in the oven, spread the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 12 to 15 minutes, checking often to prevent burning.
Storing the Chips
Store your kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture will make them soggy.
They keep well at room temperature for about 4 days.
Serving Ideas
Kale chips are a great snack, but they are a delicious side with sandwiches or burgers instead of potato chips or French fries.
There are plenty of dipping sauces that you can make to serve with your veggie chips!
- Aioli is basically flavored mayo, and everyone at our house loves it! We have recipes for lemon, horseradish, and avocado aioli.
- Salad dressing: Of course, ranch dressing is a kid-friendly favorite, but avocado salad dressing is another tasty dipping option.
- Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce
If you make this recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below to let me know how it went!
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale or baby kale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast optional *see Notes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale, then use a sharp knife to remove the leaves from the thick center ribs.
- Cut or tear the leaves into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Transfer pieces to a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper, and toss well to coat, making sure each leaf has a thin layer of oil.Arrange the chips in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may need to cook in more than one batch.
- Air fry the kale chips at 375ºF for 3 to 4 minutes, checking them at the 2-minute mark for doneness.
- Serve with any dipping sauce of choice. Our favorites include lemon aioli, avocado aioli, healthy ranch dressing, warm marinara sauce, and spicy hummus.
Notes
- Kale shrinks as it cooks, so don’t cut your pieces too small.
- Nutritional yeast has a nutty flavor, similar to Parmesan cheese. It can be omitted if desired, or substitute with freshly shredded Parmesan.
- Store chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them crisp. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture will make them soggy.
- Store lemon aioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Other Easy Air Fryer Snacks
Check out these simple air fryer appetizers and snacks:
Thanks for the tip about the kale shrinking in the air fryer… very helpful! Our kale chips were perfect and crispy!