Crispy Baked Kale Chips Recipe – Healthy & Crunchy!
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These baked kale chips are so crunchy and addictive – what a perfect healthy snack! Even if you are not a “leafy greens” type, you will absolutely love these yummy little crisps! This recipe makes the crispiest kale chips ever!
Are you looking to add more kale into your diet? With these deliciously crispy homemade kale chips, you can crunch through a pound of kale in no time! Even kale haters LOVE crunching these addictive kale chips :)
Have you seen the prices of packaged kale chips in grocery stores? Ridiculous! You can make your own organic kale chips for a fraction of the store-bought prices – and they’ll be tastier too!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Kale Chips
- Crispy Perfection: These kale chips are baked to a perfect crisp, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. No soggy leaves here—just light, airy chips!
- Easy to Make: With just three ingredients and a few simple steps, this recipe is as beginner-friendly as it gets. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques to whip up a batch.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These chips are a guilt-free way to indulge in a crunchy snack while sneaking in your greens.
- Customizable Flavors: From a touch of Parmesan to spicy chili powder, you can season these chips any way you like. Get creative and make them your own!
- Cost-Effective: Store-bought kale chips can be expensive, but this recipe lets you make a big batch for a fraction of the price. Plus, you know exactly what goes into them.
There are 2 secrets to crunchiest kale chips: the first one is to make sure the kale is completely dry before baking, and the second secret is to add the salt after baking them – not before! All kale chips recipes that I’ve seen online tell you to sprinkle salt and seasonings before baking the chips, but salt causes the liquid to be released from the leaves and makes them less crispy! This is the same principle I use for any roasted veggies (such as roasted broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and potatoes) – salt after baking, not before!
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Kale Chips
- Kale – The star of the recipe! Use fresh, vibrant kale leaves for the best results.
- Olive Oil – A little goes a long way to help the kale crisp up in the oven.
- Salt – Adds the perfect touch of seasoning to enhance the flavor of the chips.
For the exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Making the kale chips is extremely easy – just cut washed and dried kale leaves into chip-sized pieces, toss in a little olive oil and bake at 300F for 20 minutes – that’s all there is to it! After the kale chips are done baking, sprinkle them with salt and any other seasonings of your choice. You can add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, chili powder or cumin – whatever flavor you like!
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Crispy Baked Kale Chips
- Scissors – Perfect for cutting out the thick stems and trimming the kale into chip-sized pieces.
- Paper Towels – Essential for drying the kale thoroughly to ensure crispy chips.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure out the olive oil and salt accurately.
- Baking Sheet – A flat surface for baking the kale chips evenly.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Eating kale is so easy in the form of these yummy crisply homemade kale chips – they go so quickly :) If you are looking for more kale recipes, check out my delicious orange almond kale salad and cranberry pine nuts kale salad.
How To Make Crispy Baked Kale Chips Step By Step
Step 1: Wash And Dry The Kale Leaves
Wash the kale, then shake off excess water. Lay out the kale leaves on paper towels to dry. I do this step several hours before making the kale chips, so they have time to completely dry. If you are in a rush, you can dry them right away by blotting the kale leaves with a lot of paper towels on both sides, until all the water is absorbed by paper towels.
Step 2: Discard The Stems And Cut Kale Leaves Into Chips
I always use regular scissors to cut the kale – scissors make it super easy! Cut out and discard the thick stems. Cut the kale leaves into chip-sized pieces.
Step 4: Coat Kale With Oil
Drizzle a little olive oil over kale chips and toss with your hands to coat the kale with oil. The olive oil helps to make the kale chips crispy! Put the chips on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Bake Kale Chips In The Oven
Bake the kale chips in a pre-heated 300F oven for 20 minutes. After the chips are done baking, sprinkle them with salt and enjoy!
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Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these crispy kale chips as a standalone snack for a light and healthy treat.
- Pair them with your favorite dips, such as hummus or guacamole, for added flavor.
- Use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups to add texture and nutrients.
- Serve them as a side dish alongside Turkey burger or chicken wrap for a wholesome lunch.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a portable snack that’s perfect for on-the-go munching.
Tips for Success
- Dry the Kale Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy kale chips. Be sure to shake off excess water after washing and blot the leaves completely dry with paper towels. If possible, let them air dry for an hour or so before proceeding.
- Cut Uniform Sizes: Ensure all pieces are roughly the same size so they bake evenly. This prevents smaller pieces from burning while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Use Just Enough Oil: Too much oil can make the chips greasy and less crispy. A light drizzle is all you need to coat the leaves evenly.
- Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the kale in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding traps steam and results in soggy chips.
- Don’t Add Salt Before Baking: Adding salt beforehand draws out moisture from the leaves, making them less crispy. Always season after baking for the best results.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Since kale chips can burn quickly, especially toward the end of baking, watch them closely during the last few minutes.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Besides salt, try garlic powder, nutritional yeast, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for variety.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Greens: If kale isn’t available or you want to try something new, substitute with other leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. They might bake faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Flavorful Additions: Elevate the taste with a variety of seasonings. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor perfect for a vegan option. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder can bring a savory or spicy twist.
- Oil-Free Option: For those avoiding oil, you can lightly spritz the kale with water or broth and then add seasonings. While they might not be as crispy, the flavor will still shine through.
- Sweet and Savory: Experiment with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet take on kale chips. This unexpected flavor combination is sure to surprise and delight.
- Cheesy Boost: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the baked chips for a rich, cheesy layer of flavor. Alternatively, use vegan cheese shreds for a plant-based version.
- Pre-Packaged Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, use pre-washed and pre-cut kale. Just make sure to dry it thoroughly before baking.
- Different Oils: While olive oil is a classic choice, you can experiment with avocado oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil for unique flavor profiles.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep the kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. Avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture can make the chips soggy. They are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheating: If the chips lose their crispness, you can revive them by reheating. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use curly kale instead of flat kale?
Yes, curly kale works just as well! The chips may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious and crispy.
Why aren’t my kale chips crispy?
The kale may not have been completely dry before baking, or there might have been too much oil. Additionally, overcrowding the baking sheet can trap steam, preventing crispiness.
Can I make these kale chips in an air fryer?
Yes, kale chips can be made in an air fryer! Use the same preparation steps, but air fry at 300°F for about 7-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
What’s the best way to season kale chips?
Salt is a must, but you can get creative with other seasonings like nutritional yeast, garlic powder, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Can I freeze kale chips?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the chips can lose their texture and become soggy. Stick to making fresh batches for the best results.
Other Easy Kale Recipes
Healthy Kale and Apple Salad – Quick and Delicious – A refreshing and crunchy salad combining kale, crisp apples, and a light vinaigrette.
Refreshing Kale and Quinoa Salad – Simple and Nutritious – A wholesome blend of kale, quinoa, and fresh vegetables for a hearty and healthy meal.
Air Fried Kale Chips – Crispy and Healthy Snack – Light, crispy kale chips made in the air fryer for a quick and guilt-free snack.
Perfectly Crispy Stir-Fried Kale Recipe – Kale sautéed to perfection with a touch of seasoning for a simple and flavorful side dish.
Kale Salad with Raisins and Sunflower Seeds – Sweet and Crunchy – A delightful mix of kale, sweet raisins, and crunchy sunflower seeds with a tangy dressing.
Sautéed Kale with Bacon – Flavorful and Easy Side Dish – Smoky bacon pairs with tender kale for a rich and savory side dish.
Instant Pot Steamed Kale – Fast and Effortless Recipe – Perfectly steamed kale in minutes with the ease of an Instant Pot.
Crispy Baked Kale Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Scissors
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300F.
- Wash the kale leaves and thoroughly dry them, so no water remains on the kale. (First shake of the water, then blot the kale leaves on both sides with paper towels). In order for the chips to be crispy, the kale must be completely dry.
- Cut out and remove the thick part of the stem.
- Cut the kale leaves into chip-sized pieces.
- Drizzle the olive oil over kale and toss with your hands to coat the kale with oil.
- Line the baking sheet with non-stick parchment paper.
- Put the kale pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Put in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the kale chips from the oven and sprinkle with salt.
Notes
- The kale must be completely dry before baking to ensure crispiness.
- Experiment with seasonings to suit your taste—nutritional yeast makes a great vegan cheesy topping.
More Fried Recipes
- Quick Pan-Seared Bay Scallops Recipe – Done in 5 Minutes!
- Simple Pan-Sautéed Chicken Liver and Onions – 15-Minute Dish
- Garlic-Infused Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant Recipe
This sounds like a really good snack. My only question is…I buy the real curly kale. Will it work the same with this?
Yes, it will still work, just your chips will be curly :) Same recipe.
I just made these kale chips! Awesome ! Like many others I’ve been adding salt before baking . Now and again I would get an ok batch. After a few pans they would be too salty. Not crisp, inconsistent. These are great!! Thank you! I added a little salt and nutritional yeast for seasoning. Yum!!
Quick, easy, and tasty! This recipe is a keeper for sure.
These kale chips are the best, I added a touch of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.