This Air Fryer Kale Chips recipe churns out a batch of deliciously crispy kale chips in just 10 minutes. Season simply with salt or one of our tasty seasoning combinations!
In today’s edition of “Things you can make in your air fryer”…KALE CHIPS! While I’m a huge fan of Oven Baked Kale Chips, making them in the air fryer is not only faster but it saves on electricity.
Plus, if you’re not using your air fryer to make delectable little snacks like this, then why do you have it at all?
I used a Philips Air Fryer (affiliate link) to make these kale chips and absolutely love it, though any air fryer should do the job! (Curious about which air fryer is right for you? We rounded up the best air fryers here.)
Ingredients for these air fryer kale chips
- Kale: You can use any kind of kale for these kale chips.
- Oil: You don’t need much oil, just enough to lightly coat the leaves. To make kale chips with less oil, spray the leaves with cooking spray rather than using the full amount of oil.
- Salt: As with any good chip, these kale chips require a healthy pinch of salt.
- Optional seasonings: Add some flavor to your chips using any of these seasonings (Ranch and Dorito are my favorites!)
How to prep kale for chips
Start by washing the kale and drying it well with paper towels or a clean cloth. Cut the leaves from the spine; the spine is bitter and you just don’t need that in your life. Then roughly tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
How to air fry kale chips
Massage the oil into the leaves, making sure each piece of kale has a thin coat of oil. Sprinkle on some salt then toss everything into your air fryer basket. Spread the leaves into a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
Pro-tip: If you notice that your kale chips are flying around in the air fryer, cover them with another air fryer rack. This will keep them in place while allowing air to flow around them.
Air fry the kale chips at 375 degrees F (190 C) for 4 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them after 3 minutes. Be sure to shake the pan halfway through cooking. They’re done when crispy!
Seasonings for kale chips
You can easily season kale chips with your favorite herbs or spices after cooking. I love sprinkling on nutritional yeast and coarse sea salt. For 7 more tasty flavoring ideas, check out these seasonings (originally for popcorn, but they also work well for kale chips).
FAVORITE AIR FRYER
After trying out a bunch of different air fryers, this is my favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale about 5 cups, 8-10 oz
- 1 Tbsp olive oil 15 mL
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional flavorings see notes
Instructions
- Prep: Wash and dry kale. Cut the leaves away from the spine, then roughly tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage oil into the leaves, making sure each piece of kale has a thin coat of oil. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.
- Transfer: Lay kale in a single layer in your air fryer basket, uncurling the leaves as much as possible while keeping them from overlapping too much (you may need to cook in batches).
- Cook: Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking the pan once to help them cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them after 3 minutes. They’re done when crispy!
Tips & Tricks
- Optional flavorings: Sprinkle on after air frying. Find a full list of my favorite seasonings here.
- Store kale chips in a paper bag, or in a loosely sealed plastic bag lined with a paper towel. They keep well at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crunch, throw them back in the air fryer for a minute or two.
Nutrition Information
Which air fryer is best?
Not sure which air fryer is best? Here are a few of our favorites (complete list of best air fryers here).
More Air Fryer Recipes
Here are a few more air fryer recipes you'll love (find all of our vegetarian air fryer recipes here).
Buttermilk Fried Mushrooms
With air fried oyster mushrooms and a crunchy coating, this tastes just like fried chicken!
Air Fryer Pizza
Perfectly crispy, easy to make, personal pan pizzas that are about to revolutionize pizza night.
How to Cook Air Fryer Potatoes
How to make baked potatoes, homemade French fries, and potato chips in your air fryer, using both white potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Cynthia J Aiken says
What is the measurement for ‘One serving?” The USDA states that there are 1.4g carbs per one cup of raw kale. I thought 7.4g carbs in your nutritional info – seems high…must be for the whole recipe, right?
Sarah says
Hi Cynthia! Strange, when I run kale through a number of nutritional info sites I get a slightly higher carb count. Currently the nutritional info for this recipes is for 1 serving (1/4 of the entire recipe), calculated using verywell.com. I’ll comment if I find any info that supports that lower carb count!
Charlie Trotter says
I use chefman air fryer. But, I want to use another air fryer. Can you please suggest me another air fryer?
Sarah says
Great question! I rounded up my favorite air fryers here. 😀
Stacy cobb says
The kale chips came out sooo good!! Followed recipe and it they were perfect!
Joei Carlton hossack says
Brand new to the air fryer. Made yam fries in two batches today. Not great but I have to start someplace. Looking forward to zucchini tomorrow.
Elena Till says
I honestly don’t really like kale at all, but these chips are amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe!
barbara says
A great snack that’s healthy and low calorie and this comment comes from someone that was NOT a big kale-fan previously, but I’m growing it now in my backyard, and both of us are very happy with this as our new go-to snack. I add garlic salt and parmesan cheese and spray leaves with olive oil spray. The pandemic has made me more into growing my own greens and veggies. Doesn’t matter your age, you can always learn new things!😎
paul kostandin says
I’ve always thought oven-baked kale chips were subpar when compared to deep-fried ones, but this recipe has me rethinking that judgment. I loved how crispy the air fryer was able to make the kale, the flavor was absolutely perfect! Thank you for sharing.
Lena says
They can turn out a little burnt but no complain besides that
Ken says
LOVE THESE‼️
Thanks for posting 🤗
Mary demeo says
Easy and delicious, I kept them in for 6 minutes with a shake after 5, then 1 more minute, they were perfect
Sierra says
Kale stems, although not something to chip, are incredible for you. Bitter things often offer the best for our bodies 😉
LaDawn Miller says
This recipe is simple and quick after wor all day. The kale chips are very tasty and surprisingly filling!
DK says
With my Philips air fryer I don’t have to put these in a single layer. I just fill the basket.
The uneven shape of the kale means that the leaves have lots of space around them, so the heated air circulates really well.
I’ve got the Philips Snack Master lid accessory which works perfectly to stop the kale from flying up into the element, but a rack like you suggested is a good alternative.
Tori says
I lowered temp to 350, 5 minutes was perfect!
Stef says
Perfection! Simplicity! And delicious. I used dino kale, it’s thinner and not as curly, so 3 minutes is the magic number.
Very thankful for this easy, simple recipe!! Thank you for sharing ☺️
Terry says
I had high hopes, oh well. They crisped up fine, tasted good on first crunch, but the aftertaste was too bitter. I took the rest of the uncooked and pan fried with garlic butter.
Sarah Bond says
Sounds like they may have burned a bit! I’d just reduce the time on your next go around.
Babe says
A bunch were bunch within 4 mins at this temp.
Lydia says
Another healthy snack that’s great on the go. I love terra chips but this kale chips are amazing 🤩
Paul McDonald says
I don’t leave comments very often but the kale chips are so good. I had a rate it 5+ stars. This is amazing. This is the first time I’ve had kale. never wanted it before I will have it again little salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder whatever you like it’s great. Easy and 3 minutes in my air fryer
Sarah Bond says
I’m so happy to hear it, Paul! Enjoy! 😀
Mel says
Do you have any recipes for the kale leaf spine? Or is it too tough to eat?
Sarah Bond says
It’s generally not eaten because it’s so tough! You could try chopping it up and throwing it in a stew or slow cooked dish though.
Lisa Kay Kucera says
Add the spines to veggie scraps and make vegetable broth
Amanda says
Perfect after 5 mins! I used Slap Ya Momma seasoning on them. So good.