If you’ve ever opened the oven to check on kale chips and watched them go flying like paper in the wind, you’re not alone. Been there, cringed at that. The good news? The air fryer totally fixes that issue and gives you crispy, flavorful kale chips that stay put and cook evenly.
We love this recipe for the simplicity and crunch. It’s vegan, healthy, and perfect for when you want something salty and satisfying without reaching for the potato chips. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami kick that makes these chips seriously addictive.
You’ll get light, crispy edges with a slight chew in the center if you don’t overdo it. The texture is everything—and the air fryer makes it happen in just a few minutes.
Best part? It only takes about 5 minutes in the air fryer and a little prep. No flipping, no stress, and no chips flying all over the kitchen. Let’s make your new favorite snack!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy kale chips:
- Kale: Go for curly kale or lacinato (aka dinosaur kale). Remove the thick stems and tear into large, palm-sized pieces. Smaller bits tend to burn faster.
- Olive oil: Just a half tablespoon goes a long way. Too much and the chips get soggy, not crispy.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a nutty, cheesy flavor without any dairy. You’ll find it in the health food section at most grocery stores.
- Salt: Just a pinch! Especially if your nutritional yeast is already salted.
Dietary Notes: This recipe is vegan and gluten-free as written. Want it oil-free? Use a spritz of water and bake longer (but they may not crisp quite the same).
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the kale. Wash the kale thoroughly and dry it very well using a salad spinner or paper towels. Remove thick stems and tear the leaves into large pieces.
2. Season. Toss the kale in a large bowl with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat every piece lightly.Pro Tip: Massage the kale gently while tossing—it helps the seasoning stick and improves the texture.
3. Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 360°F (182°C). This helps the kale crisp up quickly and evenly.
4. Arrange in the basket. Spread the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key to crispiness.
5. Air fry. Cook at 360°F for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check at the 3-minute mark to prevent burning.
6. Cool and enjoy! Let the chips cool for a minute before eating—they crisp up even more as they cool.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much oil. It weighs the leaves down and keeps them from crisping.
- Overcrowding the basket. This causes uneven cooking and soggy chips.
- Skipping the dry step. Water on the leaves leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Cooking too long. Kale chips can go from crispy to burnt fast!
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Kale Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheesy (Dairy) Version: Swap the nutritional yeast for 1-2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan.
- Kid-Friendly: Use a mild seasoning like garlic powder or a little ranch seasoning to appeal to younger taste buds.
- Everything Bagel Kale Chips: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning before air frying for a savory twist.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and keep them crisp.
Avoid refrigerating—they’ll lose their crunch.
If they go a little soft, pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to re-crisp.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Each serving is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Nutritional yeast also adds a small protein boost!
Crispy Kale Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Remove stems and tear into large pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, nutritional yeast, and salt.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
- Arrange kale in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway and checking frequently.
- Cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in airtight container with paper towel for up to 2 days.
- Use Parmesan instead of nutritional yeast if desired.
- Add cayenne for heat or garlic powder for kid-friendly flavor.
If you give these crispy kale chips a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! They’re my go-to when I want something crunchy and healthy without turning on the oven. Feel free to make them your own with fun seasoning twists. Craving another easy snack? Check out my air fryer chickpeas—they’re crunchy, salty, and totally satisfying!
