Picture this: it’s a chilly afternoon, and the leaves are just starting to turn those incredible shades of red and gold. You’ve got some downtime and, oh, the air fryer is calling your name—offering the promise of crispy kale chips that are both delightfully crunchy and guilt-free. These chips, with their earthy green hue, remind me of those unexpected moments of joy, like finding a forgotten $20 bill in your coat pocket.
Steps
- Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Remove the kale leaves from their stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a big bowl and mix with olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne until evenly coated.
- Put a layer of the seasoned kale into the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes, then shake the basket and transfer the kale to a cutting board or baking sheet to cool and become crisp. Repeat this process in batches with the remaining kale to prevent it from steaming.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces of kale, leaves only
- 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- A pinch of ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 272 | Total Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1036mg | Total Carbohydrate: 20g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 8g | Vitamin C: 204mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 4mg | Potassium: 812mg
FAQ
- Can I use different spices for air-fried kale chips?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various spices to suit your taste preferences. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or try a combination of your favorite spices.
- What should I do if my kale chips turn out soggy?
- Ensure you are not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the kale in small batches to prevent steaming, which can lead to soggy chips. Also, make sure the kale is well coated with oil and seasoning before frying.
- How can I adjust cooking time and temperature for my air fryer model?
- Air fryers can vary significantly, so it’s important to monitor your kale chips as they cook. You might need to adjust the cooking time or temperature based on how your specific air fryer operates. Start with the recommended settings and make minor adjustments as needed.
- Are air-fried kale chips a healthy snack option?
- Yes, air-fried kale chips are a nutritious snack. They are low in calories and provide a good source of vitamins, such as Vitamin C, and minerals, including calcium and iron.
- Can I prepare the kale chips in advance?
- While kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a day or two. However, they may lose some of their crispiness over time.
Tips
- Ensure the kale leaves are completely dry before seasoning, as excess moisture can lead to soggy chips instead of crispy ones.
- When placing the kale in the air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the hot air to circulate freely and crisp up the chips evenly.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends to suit your taste preferences. You can try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Keep a close watch on the kale chips while they are cooking, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer’s performance.
Equipment
- Air fryer
