Air Fryer Kale Chips
Kale chips might just be the ultimate healthy snack hack—they’re crunchy, they’re flavorful, and they’re ridiculously easy to make in the air fryer. This recipe takes just 6 minutes to make from scratch, and I think you’re going to love the results! No need for overpriced store-bought versions when you can turn fresh kale into crispy perfection with just a little olive oil, some dried herbs, and a pinch of salt.
Whether you’re looking for a nutrient-packed snack or a crispy side dish to pair with your meals, these air fryer kale chips check all the boxes. (One of my favorite ways to serve these is as a side dish for Chinese takeout style food – they taste so much like the crispy seaweed that I absolutely love from takeouts and restaurants, and I love that I can recreate it at home!).
Let’s skip the soggy greens and make kale chips the right way—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely snackable.
Ingredients
- Kale
- Olive oil
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt & pepper
How To Make Air Fryer Kale Chips
I know that many of you prefer a printable recipe card, so I’ve included one for you at the bottom of this post to print out and use in your kitchen for screen-free cooking!
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C (if necessary for your model). Trim off the tough parts of the kale leaves. Cut large leaves into several pieces.
- Add olive oil, salt, herbs and pepper. Stir so the leaves are fully coated.
- Transfer the kale leaves to the air fryer basket and fry for 4 minutes, shaking at the halfway point. Note that these cook super fast, so I recommend checking after 3 minutes to prevent burning!
Hints & Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Check Your Air Fryer Manual – Some air fryers require preheating, while others don’t. Double-check your model’s instructions to ensure the best results. If preheating is needed, set it for a couple of minutes before adding the kale.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Airflow is key to crispy kale chips! Spread the kale in a single layer to allow even cooking. If you’re making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds rather than cramming too much in at once.
- Watch Closely – Kale chips cook fast in the air fryer, and different models vary in intensity. Start checking after 3 minutes to avoid burning.
- Enjoy Fresh for Maximum Crunch – Kale chips are best right out of the air fryer, but if storing, keep them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
You can switch up your air fryer kale chips with these delicious seasoning ideas!
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a bold, fiery crunch.
- Cheesy & Savory – Sprinkle on nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor) or a little grated Parmesan for extra umami.
- Herby Garlic – Mix in garlic powder and a touch of onion powder for a savory, all-purpose seasoning blend.
- Zesty Lemon Pepper – A sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after air frying adds a bright, tangy twist.
- Smoky & Nutty – Try smoked paprika and a dash of sesame seeds for a deep, smoky flavor with a little crunch.
- Sweet & Salty – Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup with a pinch of sea salt for a unique sweet-savory combo.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 3 cups kale leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried herbs oregano, basil, thyme
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- 1/3 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C (if necessary for your model). Trim off the tough parts of the kale leaves. Cut large leaves into several pieces.
- Add olive oil, salt, herbs and pepper. Stir so the leaves are fully coated.
- Transfer the kale leaves to the air fryer basket and fry for 4 minutes, shaking at the halfway point. Note that these cook super fast, so I recommend checking after 3 minutes to prevent burning!
Have you tried this recipe? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you could take a minute to leave a quick review in the comments section below! Don’t forget that you can also tag me in your creations on Instagram @slimmingviolet – I love seeing what you’ve been making!
