Crispy Kale Recipe- Besan & Spiced Indian Air Fryer Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Kale Recipe – Besan & Spiced Indian Air Fryer Snack

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a total game-changer for snack time. I stumbled upon this a few months ago while trying to sneak more greens into my diet, and honestly, it’s become a bit of an obsession. Crispy, spiced kale? Yes, please! It’s the perfect blend of healthy and delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average kale chip. We’re taking inspiration from Indian flavors, using besan (gram flour) and a beautiful blend of spices to create a snack that’s seriously addictive. It’s quick, it’s healthy, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy kale if you’re not a huge fan of salads. Plus, the air fryer makes it wonderfully crispy without a ton of oil.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this goodness:

• 1 small bunch curly green or purple kale
• 0.5 cup gram flour/besan (about 60g)
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 0.33 cup water (about 80ml)
• 1 tablespoon oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

Kale Varieties (Curly Green vs. Purple)

You can use either curly green or purple kale for this recipe. I personally love the look of the purple kale – it adds a beautiful color! Both varieties work equally well in terms of flavor and crispiness.

Besan (Gram Flour): Nutritional Benefits & Alternatives

Besan is a staple in Indian cooking, made from ground chickpeas. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a much healthier coating option than regular flour. If you absolutely can’t find besan, you could use chickpea flour as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Digestive Properties & Flavor Profile

Don’t skip the carom seeds! They have a unique, slightly pungent flavor that adds a wonderful depth to the snack. They’re also known for their digestive properties – a little bonus! You can find them at most Indian grocery stores.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Color & Mild Heat

Kashmiri red chili powder is special. It gives a beautiful vibrant red color without a lot of heat. If you only have regular chili powder, use a little less to avoid making it too spicy.

Oil Options: Regional Preferences & Health Considerations

I usually use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for spraying the basket. But feel free to use what you have on hand – even a little ghee (clarified butter) adds a lovely flavor!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your kale a good rinse. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into pieces about 3-4 inches in size. It’s important to dry the kale really well – a salad spinner is your best friend here, or pat it dry with paper towels. Wet kale won’t get crispy.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, carom seeds, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Gradually add the water, mixing until you have a smooth batter. It shouldn’t be too thick or too runny – think pancake batter consistency.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This prevents sticking and helps with crisping.
5. Now, dip each kale piece into the batter, coating just the edges. You don’t want to fully submerge the kale, or it will become soggy.
6. Arrange the battered kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it – you might need to work in batches.
7. Lightly spray the kale with oil.
8. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as air fryers can vary!

For oven method: If you don’t have an air fryer, no problem! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the battered kale on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

Expert Tips

• Dry, Dry, Dry: Seriously, the drier the kale, the crispier the result.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Working in batches ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Light Coating: A light coating of batter is key. Too much batter = soggy kale.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!

Gluten-Free Confirmation: Besan is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot): Adjust the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptation (Diwali/Holi Snack): This makes a fantastic festive snack! My aunt always makes a big batch for Diwali – it’s always the first to disappear.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy kale is best enjoyed fresh! It’s perfect on its own as a snack, or you can sprinkle it over salads, soups, or even use it as a crunchy topping for yogurt.

Storage Instructions

While it’s best fresh, you can store leftover kale in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. It will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be tasty.

FAQs

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes! The oven method works great, though it takes a bit longer.

What is the best way to get the kale really crispy?

Drying the kale thoroughly and not overcrowding the air fryer basket are the biggest factors.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of besan?

You could try chickpea flour, but the flavor won’t be the same. Besan really adds a unique taste.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Adjust the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

What are carom seeds and where can I find them?

Carom seeds (ajwain) are small, brown seeds with a unique flavor. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.

Is this a healthy snack option?

Absolutely! Kale is packed with nutrients, and besan provides protein and fiber. It’s a much healthier alternative to processed snacks.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what you think. I can’t wait to hear from you!