Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips 

Air fryer kale chips are crisp, light, and ready in just a few minutes with only 4 simple ingredients. This easy recipe turns fresh kale into a crunchy, healthy snack with very little oil. 

There was a small organic market near the apartment I stayed in one summer, where bunches of kale were stacked outside in wooden crates every morning. Most people grabbed it for smoothies or salads, but one afternoon, I watched someone buy several bunches just to make kale chips at home. I remember thinking it sounded strange at the time, but after trying them myself, I understood the appeal immediately. When kale turns crisp in the air fryer, it almost feels more like a savory snack than a vegetable, especially if you enjoy quick bites like my Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread. 

Now I make them whenever I want something crunchy without opening a bag of chips. What I like most about this recipe is how simple it is. Just kale, olive oil, salt, and white pepper powder. The air fryer gives the leaves crisp edges while keeping them light and delicate in the center. I also love how quickly they cook compared to the oven. In less than 5 minutes, you have a bowl of crispy kale chips that work as a snack, side dish, or something to nibble on while dinner finishes cooking. They are also great next to my Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Greek Yogurt or served with Easy Homemade Guacamole for dipping.  

Key Ingredients in Kale Chips

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.

• Kale: I always use a full bunch for this; it shrinks a lot when it cooks, so you'll want more than you think. Make sure to remove the thick stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little goes a long way here. It helps the leaves crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while adding a touch of richness. 
• Salt: I use just enough to bring out the natural flavor of the kale. It gives that satisfying savory bite. 
• White Pepper Powder: I love using white pepper in this recipe because it has a softer, more subtle heat than black pepper. It blends in without overpowering the kale. 

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:

1. Prep and Season the Kale: Trim the thick stems from the kale leaves and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the kale with extra virgin olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle salt and white pepper on the kale, then toss to mix evenly.

2. Air Fry Until Crispy: Arrange the seasoned kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry the kale at 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

3. Cool the Kale Chips: Once the kale chips are crispy, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool a bit. They'll get even crispier as they cool.

4. Serve or Store for Later: Serve right away or keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days to stay crispy.

How to Store Kale Chips

These kale chips are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they soften slightly, a quick minute in the air fryer helps bring back the crunch.

What to Serve With Kale Chips

I like serving these crispy kale chips alongside sandwiches, wraps, or simple lunches when I want something crunchy on the side. They also work well with dips like hummus or guacamole for an easy snack board.

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Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

These crispy air fryer kale chips are light, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. A quick healthy snack that comes together in minutes and stays perfectly crisp. 

5 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 49

Author: Estefania

Ingredients 

US CustomaryMetric

 

½x1x2x

• ▢ 200 g kale - 1 bunch, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder

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Instructions

• Wash 1 bunch kale (about 7 oz / 200 g) thoroughly under cold water and dry it completely using a salad spinner or paper towels.  
• Remove the thick stems and tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the kale to a large bowl with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder. Toss until evenly coated.  
• Arrange the seasoned kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket.  
• Air fry at 375°F / 190°C for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the kale is crispy and lightly golden around the edges.
• Remove the kale chips from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. 

Notes

Dry the Kale Well: Wet kale will steam instead of crisp, so I always dry the leaves really well before seasoning them. 

Use Just Enough Oil: I like using only 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil because too much can make the chips heavier instead of light and crisp. 

Check Early: Kale chips can burn quickly in the air fryer, so I usually start checking them around the 3-minute mark. 

Let Them Cool Slightly: The chips crisp up even more after sitting for a minute or two out of the air fryer. 

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 4995IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.