Easy Kale Chips Recipe – Air Fryer Paprika Garlic Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Kale Chips Recipe – Air Fryer Paprika Garlic Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a snack that’s both healthy and satisfying. And honestly? These air fryer kale chips are it. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to sneak more greens into my diet, and now it’s a regular thing in my kitchen. They’re seriously addictive – crispy, flavourful, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a bag!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, kale sometimes gets a bad rap. But trust me, when transformed into crispy chips with a little paprika and garlic, it’s a total game-changer. This recipe is super quick – ready in under 10 minutes! – and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, using an air fryer means no messy oil and a perfectly crispy texture every time. It’s a guilt-free snack that even kale skeptics will enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these delicious kale chips:

• 5 cups kale (about 60g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (1.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (1.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Kale: This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. You can use curly kale, lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale), or even red Russian kale for this recipe. Each has a slightly different texture, but they all work beautifully.
• Olive Oil: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for its flavour, but any good quality olive oil will do. A lighter olive oil will give a more neutral flavour if you prefer.
• Paprika: I love the smoky sweetness paprika adds, but feel free to experiment with different types! Smoked paprika is amazing in this recipe, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little heat.
• Garlic Powder: Don’t skimp on the garlic powder! It really makes these chips sing. You can even use granulated garlic if you have it on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. Nobody wants a mouthful of stem!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the kale with the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Now comes the fun part – massage the kale with your hands until the leaves are evenly coated. This helps break down the kale and makes it extra crispy. Seriously, massage it for a minute or two!
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it, or it won’t get crispy. You might need to work in batches.
5. Air fry for 3 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until the kale is crispy and the edges are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it – they can burn quickly!
6. Transfer the kale chips to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving. This helps them stay crispy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Dry Kale is Key: Make sure your kale is thoroughly dry after washing it. Any excess moisture will steam the kale instead of crisping it up.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Seriously, this is important! Work in batches if you need to.
• Shake it Up: Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick. My friend loves adding a little red pepper flake!
• Different Seasoning Blends: Experiment with different spice combinations! Everything Bagel seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour are all fantastic.
• Oven-Baked Option: No air fryer? No problem! Spread the seasoned kale on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Vegan Adaptations: This recipe is naturally vegan!

Serving Suggestions

These kale chips are perfect on their own as a snack. But they’re also great:

• As a topping for salads
• Crumbled over soups
• Served with dips like hummus or guacamole

Storage Instructions

Store leftover kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as they tend to lose their crispness over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• How do I get my kale chips crispy? Make sure the kale is dry, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and massage the kale well with the oil and seasonings.
• Can I use different types of kale? Absolutely! Curly kale, lacinato kale, and red Russian kale all work well.
• What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• How long do kale chips stay fresh? They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, stored in an airtight container.
• Can I add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour? Yes! About 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast will give them a lovely cheesy taste.