Start by washing the kale thoroughly under cold water and dry it completely using a salad spinner or by patting it dry with paper towels.
Trim the kale leaves from the thick stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the kale pieces with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the salt and white pepper powder over the kale and toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Place the seasoned kale in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry the kale in a preheated air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the kale as it can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly.
Once the kale chips are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to retain crispiness.
Notes
Use Fresh Kale: Fresh kale makes the best chips. If it’s wilted or old, it won’t crisp up well.Dry the Kale Well: Make sure the kale is completely dry before you season it. Any moisture can make it steam instead of getting crispy. A salad spinner or paper towels work great for this.Lightly Coat with Oil: Toss the kale with just enough olive oil to coat it lightly. Too much oil makes them greasy, while too little can leave some pieces uncooked.Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Lay the kale out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you pack it too tightly, some chips will cook unevenly. It’s better to cook in batches if needed.Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Kale chips can burn quickly, so start checking them around the 3-minute mark. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.Adjust the Temperature: If your air fryer cooks too fast or slow, adjust the temperature. Lower it if the chips are browning too quickly, or raise it if they’re not crisping up.Cool Before Storing: Let the chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to two days.Try Different Flavors: Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, experiment with different seasonings like nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, paprika for smokiness, or garlic powder for a little kick.Serving Ideas: Kale chips are great on their own, but they’re also a tasty, crunchy topping for salads, soups, or grain bowls.