Crispy kale, often known as kale crisps or kale chips, can be made in just 5 minutes in the air fryer. Air Fryer Kale mades a delicious side dish or snack, or even stirred into pasta. Deliciously salty and crispy kale is the BEST way to eat kale.
Crispy kale is so easy to make in the air fryer, and it takes just 5 minutes from start to finish and you only need 3 ingredients. A low calories snack or side dish, this will impress even people that think they don't like kale!
If you are looking for some more kale recipes, why not try our delicious Garlic Kale Spaghetti, easy Kale Soup, quick Kale Smoothie or our tasty Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad?
Jump to:
Why You Will Love It
- Healthy snack - We are big fans of snacking and definitely think that snacks can be part of a healthy diet. As well as things like biscuits and cakes, we like trying to find more nutrient dense things to snack on and this air fryer kale is perfect for that. They have all the saltiness of a savoury snack, but full of nutrients too.
- Adaptable - Once you have the kale and oil, there are lots of different ways that you can adapt the recipe will different seasoning. We even have some dip suggestions.
- A delicious way to enjoy kale - Think you don't like kale? Just give this a go! If you have a lot of kale in your vegetable box, then this is a great way to use it up so that nothing goes to waste.
- Kids LOVE it - You might not think that kale is a kid's favourite, but when it is cooked like this and nice and crispy, it is a big hit.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Kale - The star of the recipe. We used green curly kale, but there are other options. You could use cavolo nero, which has larger leaves and would be easier for dipping. But we prefer curly kale because it's easier to find and also more budget friendly.
- Oil - This is what gets the kale nice and crispy. Try to use the best quality olive oil you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
- Salt - This is all you really need to season the kale, but there are other options too. Some black pepper, onion powder or garlic powder are all good.
Variations
- Spice - If you want to add some spice, then you can sprinkle them with some cayenne before they go in the air fryer.
- Garlic - Don't use fresh garlic, as it will burn. Add some garlic granules before cooking for some garlic flavour.
- Cheesy - A tablespoon of nutritional yeast gives these air fryer kale chips a lovely cheesy flavour.
- Smoky - Some smoked paprika will give the air fryer kale a nice smoky flavour.
- Asian - For some Asian flavour, add a splash of soy sauce.
- Vinegar - A little bit of vinegar with the salt gives it that salt and pepper crisp flavour.
How to Make Air Fryer Kale - Step by step
One: Put the washed and dried kale into the air fryer basket. Add the oil and salt and mix well to coat all the kale.
Two: Air fry at 190°C for 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket to toss half way through cooking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Kale
This is meant to be served as a snack, so we wouldn't serve anything on the side of it. However, these are really good dipped in our Healthier Ranch Dressing. You could need fairly big kale leaves, to be able to hold them for dipping.
You don't just have to serve these as a snack though, and we love them on top of noodle dish, as the crispiness adds a really lovely texture to the soft noodles. Why not try our super tasty Soy Sauce Noodles, quick and easy 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef, delicious Soy Ginger Salmon Noodles or our impressive Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry?
Storage
Store: Allow them to cool completely and then store in an airtight container. They will keep for 2-3 days, if you can stop yourself from eating them for that long.
Freeze: No, we wouldn't recommend freezing these. Once defrosted they get a big soggy.
Reheat: You can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Extra Tips
- Don't throw away the kale stems. They can be kept in a freezer bag in the freezer to make stock with.
- Keep checking the kale, as all air fryers cook at different rates and you don't want it to burn.
- These are best eaten straight from the air fryer so they are still nice and crispy.
- Don't forget to remove the kale stalks, as they won't get crispy.
- Try using green and purple kale to give it a mix of colour.
- Make sure the kale is fully dried after washing, as water on it means the kale steams, rather then getting crispy. You could use a salad spinner to get it really crispy.
- Don't be tempted to use too much oil, as it makes them go soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. If you want an oven version of this, follow our recipe for Kale Crisps.
If yours is not crispy, then it is likely that the kale was not dried properly when washed. If there is too much water on the leaves, then the heat in the air fryer will turn it to steam and you will get steamed soggy kale rather than crispy.
Yes, these are gluten free. Just make sure that there is no cross contamination.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you’ve tried this air fryer kale recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Air Fryer Kale
Ingredients
- 100 g (1.5 cups) Kale - washed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt
Instructions
- Put 100 g Kale into the air fryer. Add 1 tablespoon Olive oil and 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt and mix well to coat all the kale.
- Cook at 190°C/375℉ for 4-5 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Don't throw away the kale stems. They can be kept in a freezer bag in the freezer to make stock with.
- Keep checking the kale, as all air fryers cook at different rates and you don't want it to burn.
- These are best eaten straight from the air fryer so they are still nice and crispy.
- Don't forget to remove the kale stalks, as they won't get crispy.
- Try using green and purple kale to give it a mix of colour.
- Make sure the kale is fully dried after washing, as water on it means the kale steams, rather then getting crispy. You could use a salad spinner to get it really crispy.
- Don't be tempted to use too much oil, as it makes them go soggy.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Tessa says
Absolutely scrumptious
Dannii Martin says
So glad you enjoyed it.
stephanie says
I've only ever had kale chips in the oven, but these were soooooo good!
Biana says
Another great air fryer recipe! I like how easy it is to make kale in the air fryer.
Kate says
This is such a great way to make kale chips! So easy in the air fryer.
Kate says
This came out great. We had it with Trader Joe's creamy dill dressing and my kids love it.
Sara says
We have been looking for new air fryer recipes and loved kale this way!
Michelle says
I made this at lunch time today and they kale turned out perfect! Such a great healthy snack!
Beth says
I actually love kale, and kale chips are some of my favorite snacks. I know this air fryer version is going to be tasty.
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this kale yesterday. It's perfectly crispy and great for snacking. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Ned says
No joke, these were incredible! Nice and crispy. Thank you so much!
Eni says
Never liked kale before this recipe!