Kale chips pack crispy nutrition into an easy, lightly seasoned snack that you can enjoy without any guilt!
Simply season and bake for a light snack! Swap up the seasonings to change them up.
This kale chip recipe can also be prepared in an air fryer or a dehydrator (refer to user guides) but not every kitchen has these appliances. This oven-baked version is one of the best ways to make kale chips.
Is Kale Healthy?
Yup! Kale is a popular superfood these days because it’s economical, easy to find, and loaded with B-vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Kale chips are a healthy, delicious way to snack without with less fat (and no chemicals) compared to commercial snacks. Finally, a guilt-free snack for movie night or a get-together with family and friends!
Ingredients/Variations
KALE
Look for moist, crisp, unwilted kale to use in this recipe. Any variety will work just fine!
OIL
Olive Oil is what we used in this recipe, but there are a lot of oils that would taste great! Try avocado oil, coconut oil, or even grapeseed oil to give these chips a delicious crunch!
SEASONINGS
Salt is sprinkled on the kale chips before being baked, but feel free to add your own mix of seasonings! Try taco seasoning, BBQ seasoning, powdered ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, or garlic or onion powder!
How to Make Kale Chips
Healthy and super savory, this snack will be ready in no time!
- Select kale leaves that are crisp and colorful and free from debris or dirt. Lightly wipe any dirt off the leaves and pat dry with a paper towel if you rinse them (printable recipe below).
- Toss torn leaves with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Season them and bake until kale is dried out. Serve immediately or let them cool.
Tips for the Perfect Crunch
- They Shrink. Tear kale leaves a little bit bigger than you think, about palm-sized. They will shrink as they bake.
- Dry Well. Wash the kale but be sure to dry well (I usually wash the day before if I remember). Water will cause it to steam instead of bake.
- Under Season. As the kale chips shrink, this means the seasoning has less surface area. This is one of the few places you’ll want to season a bit less than you might think you should.
- Light on the Oil. Adding to much oil can make these soggy, add just enough to coat. Cooking spray can be used in place of oil.
Kale chips last up to 7 days, but they will lose their crunch before that. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp!
Did you make these Kale Chips? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Crispy Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- seasonings if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Wash and dry kale very well. Remove leaves from thick stems.
- Tear kale into large pieces (it will shrink as it bakes). Toss leaves with olive oil to ensure all leaves are coated but not soaked.
- Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and other seasonings if desired.
- Bake 17-23 minutes or until kale is dried. Cool before serving.
Notes
- They Shrink. Tear kale leaves a little bit bigger than you think, about palm-sized. They will shrink as they bake.
- Dry Well. Wash the kale but be sure to dry well (I usually wash the day before if I remember). Water will cause it to steam instead of bake.
- Under Season. As the kale chips shrink, this means the seasoning has less surface area. This is one of the few places you'll want to season a bit less than you might think you should.
- Light on the Oil. Adding to much oil can make these soggy, add just enough to coat. Cooking spray can be used in place of oil
- Do Not Brown. Cook just until crisp but not browned or the flavor will turn bitter.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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