Looking for a crispy, savory snack that’s incredibly easy to make? This Kale Chip Recipe transforms fresh kale leaves into light, crunchy chips with just a little oil and seasoning. Baked until crisp, they’re a delicious alternative to traditional snack foods and a great way to add more leafy greens to your day. They are seriously one of my favorite snack foods; I just love them!
How astounding are these kale chips!! Crisp, light as air and full of wonderful kale flavor that really has a lovely, slightly bitter taste. Pairing up the kale with the salty, wonderful parmesan is fantastic. As a result, these were an instant hit and one that we have made again and again.
Yes, kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides fiber along with vitamins and minerals. Baking it with a modest amount of oil can make a flavorful, vegetable-based snack.
Why I Love This Kale Chip Recipe
When you pick up these chips, they are as light as air. The moisture bakes out of the kale very quickly, giving you a crisp, perfect chip. Just make sure to spread them out with space in between and not overlapping them when baking.
More Reasons Why I Love This Recipe
- So easy to make
- Healthy, but who cares; they are delicious!
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for snacking
- Made me fall in love with kale
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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Stainless Steel Ultra Fine Cheese Grater Great for Hard Cheeses, Chocolate, Nutmeg, and Lemon Zest
Large Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl 8 Quart – Extra Large Metal Mixing Bowl, Set of 2
Kale Chips Ingredients
Ingredients
Green kale – This needs to be trimmed and the thick center rib removed. Curly kale is a popular choice because its ruffled leaves develop lots of crispy edges when baked. Lacinato kale, also called Tuscan or dinosaur kale, can also be used and produces flatter, slightly sturdier chips. Whichever variety you choose, look for fresh, firm leaves without yellow or wilted areas.
Olive oil – Use a good quality EVOO for this recipe, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Parmesan cheese – This needs to be very finely grated and freshly grated. Don’t use pre-grated Parmesan.
Salt and pepper – Use this to taste, but beware: don’t oversalt, as Parmesan is salty too.
How to Make Kale Chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 2 large baking sheets with vegetable oil.
Tear the kale leaves into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the oil, Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Using your hands, massage the leaves for about 2 minutes to soften them. Arrange the leaves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or just until crisp. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets.
Even kids enjoy this crunchy, leafy green snack. Ask them to join you in the kitchen to help you prepare it. It’s a great way to educate children about this healthy alternative to the standard potato chip.
Recipe Pro Tips
Tips for the Best Crispy Kale Chips
- Dry the kale thoroughly. Any water left on the leaves can create steam and prevent them from becoming crispy.
- Remove the tough stems. Strip the leafy portions away from the thick center ribs before baking.
- Tear into similar-sized pieces. This helps the kale cook evenly.
- Don’t use too much oil. A light coating is all you need. Too much can leave the chips greasy instead of crisp.
- Massage the oil into the leaves. Use your hands to distribute a small amount evenly over the kale.
- Spread in a single layer. Overlapping leaves can steam instead of roast.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Watch them closely. Kale can go from perfectly crisp to burnt fairly quickly.
- Let them cool. The chips can become even crispier as they cool.
Kale is a superfood, and 1 cup (250 mL) provides more than your daily needs for vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for eye health, and vitamin C strengthens your immune system. Kale chips are a great low-calorie snack: 1 cup (250 mL) contains only 33 calories, 3 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fibre.
You can serve them with your favorite dip if you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to massage kale for kale chips?
You don’t need to massage it as extensively as you would for a kale salad, but gently rubbing the oil into the leaves helps create an even coating and encourages consistent crisping.
Can I make kale chips without oil?
You can, but a small amount of oil helps the seasonings adhere and encourages even browning and crispness.
How do you keep homemade kale chips crispy?
Let the chips cool completely before storing them. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and protect them from moisture.
How long do kale chips last?
Homemade kale chips have their best texture when eaten fresh. If completely dry and stored airtight, they can remain crisp for a few days, although humidity may soften them. Mine disappear well before they have ever gotten soggy.
Can you make kale chips in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fryers work well for kale chips because the circulating hot air helps remove moisture quickly. Cook them in small batches so the leaves have room to crisp, and check frequently because they cook quickly.
How to Store Kale Chips
Allow the kale chips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature rather than refrigerating, as refrigerator moisture can make them soggy.
For the best crunch and flavor, enjoy homemade kale chips as soon as possible.
The second time I made these, I served them on the table as a side dish for everyone to snack on with dinner. They were gobbled right down, with everyone enjoying them immensely. I have now made these chips countless times and actually crave them.
WANT MORE SNACK IDEAS?
We are snackers, so they have to be on the healthy side too. Here are some of our favorites.
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Pin it HERE!!
Kale Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch green kale trimmed and thick centre rib removed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil 30 mL
- 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese 30 mL
- Salt and pepper to taste, don't oversalt as Parmesan is salty.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 2 large baking sheets with vegetable oil.
- Tear the kale leaves into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the oil, Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Using your hands, massage the leaves for about 2 minutes to soften them. Arrange the leaves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or just until crisp. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Even kids enjoy this crunchy, leafy-green snack. Ask them to join you in the kitchen to help you prepare it. It’s a great way to educate children about this healthy alternative to the standard potato chip.
Comments & Reviews
Deb Harvey says
My husband hates kale in every form except for these chips. At first he wasn’t interested in trying but ended up liking them. I loved them. Great for a change.
Tara Noland says
I just absolutely adore these and could eat an entire head of kale myself when they are done into chips. I love kale raw too though. So glad you both enjoyed them.
janis says
These are great! My daughter is vegetarian, so she would love these (and the parmesan adds a great flavor).
Kelly Hutchinson says
I need to get more greens in my diet. This would be such an easy and delicious way to do that!
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
i just started eating kaly chips a few years back and love them
Nicole Etolen says
I like this. Kale is so healthy so I will definitely be doing this. My son will surely love to eat this!
Liz Mays says
I’ve always wondered about those myself. I can totally see how the parmesan pairs perfectly too.
Sarah Johnson says
Hmmm, well have to try these. We like kale! Always good to have the super healthy foods in the recipies 🙂 thanks!
Janeane Davis says
When I was a little girl, my mother used to make us kale all the time. I guess she was ahead of her time because kale is now all the rage!
Cathi Crismon says
I love Kale Chips but have never been able to master a recipe. I’m definitely going to give your recipe a go!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Mmm, these look delicious. I love kale and I bet the parmesan gives it that extra oomph!
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, so simple, yet I would have never thought of making these… I am totally going to be making a batch or two for my family
Allie D. says
I’ve made kale chips before, but never thought to add parmesan cheese! That’s genius! It’s a great snack, and I don’t feel guilty eating it!
Tara Noland says
Soooo good with the Parmesan, you will have to make them again!!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Those sound so good. I’m always on the lookout for snacks like this since I’ve started trying to eat healthier.
Tara Noland says
They sit on my counter for a great snack at anytime.