These Air Fryer Kale Chips flavored with ranch seasoning provide a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional potato chips that you can enjoy as a midday snack or party appetizer.
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Ingredients
- Kale - Wash and rinse the kale to remove any remaining dirt from the leaves. If you have a salad spinner, it makes life easier. Just like in my Tahini Kale Salad, I've used curly kale here, but you could also use another type of kale, such as Lacinato kale (also known as Tuscan kale and Dinosaur kale)
- Olive oil - Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt - Just a pinch or leave out if ranch seasoning is already high in sodium.
- Ranch seasoning - Store-bought or homemade mix.
How To Make Kale Chips in Air Fryer
- Wash and dry kale leaves. Spread each leaf in a single layer on a cutting board. Cut the leaves from the spine.
- Discard the spine and roughly tear the leaves into larger bite-sized pieces. Let the kale dry properly and entirely, otherwise, it will not be crispy.
- It is better to leave bigger leaves so they don't burn that much, some of the edges will burn and it is fine, just discard them from the bunch later.
- Transfer kale to a bowl. Toss with olive oil and ranch seasonings, making sure each leaf is coated with a thin layer of oil.
- Transfer them to air-fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches based on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes. No need to shake the basket.
- Healthy Kale chips are ready. Remove in a serving plate. Enjoy as is or with a tasty dip.
If they are less crunchy, air fry them again for a minute or two.
Which Kale Variety To Choose?
For these chips I've tried curly kale which is widely available in most stores and Lacinato kale (also known as Tuscan kale and Dinosaur kale). I prefer curly kale for its tender leaves and for fine flavor.
Tips
- Dry the kale - Pat leaves dry or they won't crisp up.
- Use minimal oil - Just enough to coat and help seasoning stick.
- Don't overcrowd - Cook in batches for best air circulation and crispiness.
- High heat is key - Shake the basket during cooking for even results.
- Watch closely - Remove when crispy and lightly browned. Trim any burnt bits.
- Flavor it your way - Try seasonings, nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, or parmesan. A squeeze of lemon or dip is optional-these are great solo!
Try more healthy snacks: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and Crispy Chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as it with toppings and dipping sauces:
- Avocado Crema
- Sweet and Spicy Tahini Dressing
- Spinach Dip
- Guacamole
- Caramel Sauce - Something Sweet
Storing Instructions
- To Store. Let the chips cool completely. Then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature. If they are less crunchy, air fry them again for a minute or two.
- To Make Ahead. Wash and rinse kale, and arrange these on large baking sheet to dry. Once ready, add oil and toss in seasoning and then air fry.
Kale Chips Variations
- Simple and Classic - salt + black pepper + olive oil. Massage the kale leaves with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper before cooking.
- Make it Hot - add spicy sauce or sprinkle with chili powder, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or just a drizzle of hot sauce. We also like to use simple smoked paprika that will add flavor and smoky flavor without added spicy element.
- Garlic Kale Chips - add freshly minced garlic and grated parmesan to your chips before baking. Or for nondairy cheesy flavor option: sprinkle the kale chips with nutritional yeast right after cooking.
- Fresh citrus flavor - add dried herbs (favorites include: basil, rosemary, cilantro, oregano) and lemon or lime juice.
- Flavorful sauces - add some depth and dimension by tossing the kale leaves with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil instead of regular olive oil.
- Mexican inspired - season kale chips with homemade fajita, burrito or taco seasoning, or use two or more of popular taco-inspired seasonings: chili powder, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cilantro.
- Sweet - If you prefer a sweeter snack, you can sprinkle the kale with cinnamon and sugar before baking. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
For a full collection hop on to our Air Fryer archives.
Before You Head Out
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Kale Chips
These Air Fryer Kale Chips flavored with ranch seasoning provide a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional potato chips that you can enjoy as a midday snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry kale leaves. Spread each leaf in a single layer on a cutting board. Cut the leaves from the spine. Discard the spine and roughly tear the leaves into larger bite-sized pieces. Let the kale dry properly and entirely, otherwise, it will not be crispy. It is better to leave bigger leaves so they don't burn that much, some of the edges will burn and it is fine, just discard them from the bunch later.
- Transfer kale to a bowl. Toss with olive oil and ranch seasonings, making sure each leaf is coated with a thin layer of oil. Transfer them to air-fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches based on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry them at 375F for 3-4 minutes. No need to shake the basket.
- Healthy Kale chips are ready. Remove in a serving plate. Enjoy as is or with a tasty dip.
Nutrition
Notes
- How do you keep kale chips crispy? Allowing the chips to cool completely before storing them is essential. Once cooled, these kale chips should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. Adding a few grains of raw rice or silica packs (those you find in packaged kale chips) can also be added to the airtight container.
- Why do my kale chips taste bitter? Kale is naturally bitter in taste and requires some gentle massaging of the leaves to reduce that bitter taste. Adding olive oil to the kale leaves can also increase bitterness, especially if you are sensitive to the sharp, bitter flavor of some olive oil brands. In that case, I recommend using a different oil instead of olive oil.
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Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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Julia | The Yummy Bowl
air fryer kale chips with ranch seasoning are delicious and healthy snack that is readyin 4 minutes!