These crunchy and salty kale crisps are a delicious and nutritious snack, and a great alternative to potato crisps. I know what you might be thinking - snacking on kale? Who does that? But just give it a try and you will be wowed by this crispy salty snack that is packed full of iron too. A great way to use up a bag of kale, and you can flavour it with so many different seasonings too. Your snack time is about to revolutionised.
These kale crisps (or kale chips) really are a fool-proof savoury snack with a healthy twist, and they are quick and easy too. You just toss everything together and then throw it in the oven for 20 minutes until perfectly crispy. But there are a few things that you need to do to ensure these come out perfect.
Whilst kale crisps might not be a new thing, we are sharing all the tips to make them perfectly, and the different ways to season them, so make sure to check them all out.
Think you don't like kale? Think again! Even people that dislike kale, have loved this kale crisps recipe. Baking them with a little salt totally changes the texture and the flavour. We used just standard green kale to make these, but if you can find some purple kale too, then use a mixture as it gives is a nice contrast of colour.
Looking for other ways to use kale? Why not try our Kale Soup, Kale Smoothie, Air Fryer Kale, or Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad. We also love adding kale to any of our Slow Cooker Recipes to give it a bit of a greens boost.
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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.
- Olive 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 and pepper - This is all you really need to season the kale, but there are other options too.
Kale Crisps Variations
Like your snacks spicy? Add some spices like cayenne pepper or a fajita/Cajun seasoning. You could keep it simple with some oregano for an Italian twist. If you are a fan of salt and vinegar crisps then you could toss these in a little malt vinegar just before serving.
If you want to add a bit of an indulgent twist to this, then add some parmesan cheese. Cheese makes everything better, right? 3 minutes before the end of cooking time, grate some parmesan on the kale and put it back in the oven.
How to Make Kale Crisps - Step by Step
Prep: Preheat your oven to190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Step 1: Put the kale into a large bowl and add the oil and salt (and any other seasoning you are using). Mix well.
- Step 2: Spread out on a baking tray and put in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, until crispy.
What to Serve with Kale Crisps
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. For a high protein dip try our Creamy Cottage Cheese Dip.
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 15 Minute Noodle Bowl, Soy Sauce Noodles, 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef, Soy Ginger Salmon Noodles or Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry.
Extra Tips
- Don't throw away the kale stems. They can be kept in a freezer bag in the freezer to make stock with.
- You have to be careful not to cook it too high or for too long otherwise it will burn. Every oven cooks differently, so keep an eye on them.
- These are best eaten straight from the oven 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 will mean 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.
- Use your fingers to mix the oil into the kale to make sure every bite is coated so it gets nice and crispy.
- Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet. If they are all piled on top of each other they won't cook evenly or get very crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
No, we wouldn't recommend freezing these. Once defrosted they get a big soggy.
Yes, this is a delicious vegan snack. Just make sure that you don't add the optional parmesan. You could add some nutritional yeast if you wanted some cheesy flavour, but still keep it vegan.
The key to getting them crispy is firstly to make sure they are dried before being mixed with oil. You then need to make sure that you have a baking tray big enough so they cook and get crispy rather than just steaming. This is the baking tray that we use.
More Snack Recipes
If you’ve tried this Kale Chips 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
Kale Crisps
Ingredients
- 200 g (3 cups) Kale
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Add the oil and seasoning to the Kale and mix well.
- Put onto a baking tray and spread out. Cook for 15 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.
- You have to be careful not to cook it too high or for too long otherwise it will burn. Every oven cooks differently, so keep an eye on them.
- These are best eaten straight from the oven 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 will mean 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.
- Use your fingers to mix the oil into the kale to make sure every bite is coated so it gets nice and crispy.
- Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet. If they are all piled on top of each other they won't cook evenly or get very crispy.
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.
De Dobbelaere Jarno says
I really like the idea of making a very healthy snack wtih very simple ingredients. My first impression of this recipe was to be honest not enthusiastic. Making crisps of kale, who does that? I'm also not such a fan of vegetable chips because they don't taste of anything. But when I was reading this recipe, my opinion changed. It all sounded so tasty that I felt like trying it for myself. Like I said, I really like the idea and I'm surely going to try it by myself.
Tracy says
GREAT recipe. Totally fulfilled my crunchy snack craving while being super healthy!
Noelle says
So simple!! Why have I not thought of this?? Amazing! I tried last night instead of snacking on cracker it was perfect!
Sharon Chen says
Love this super healthy alternative for my snacks! Another good way to use the oven. Thanks for sharing!
ali randall says
I was hesitant to try roasted kale the first time I did but roasting really does transform the flavor and of course there is no guilt eating these chips. Delish!
Julia says
Now this is a great healthy snack! Will be trying it soon!
Sherri says
Such a perfect healthy snack idea! I always have an abundance of kale in my fridge, so I definitely need to make this!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says
I'm all about snacks and these healthy kale chips would definitely make my day! Can't wait to try the recipe!
Emily says
I never think to make kale chips, even though I love it when I do. I also love that this recipe is naturally low carb. 4g net carbs is not too shabby!
Heidy L. McCallum says
After seeing how delish your photos look I might just give these Kale Crisps a try. They look wonderful.
Anna says
This is such a good idea. Even my kids would eat these.