If you have ever tried to make kale chips in the oven, you will know the struggle. One minute they are soft, the next they are burnt and bitter! That’s where the air fryer completely transforms things. With its even heat and quick cooking, you can turn simple kale leaves into light, crunchy chips in under 10 minutes. This air fryer kale recipe is the ultimate way to make the most of this nutrient-packed leafy green. It’s quick, healthy, and endlessly customisable. You can season it simply with salt and olive oil or jazz it up with smoky paprika, garlic, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
Kale chips are brilliant as a snack, but they are also a great topping for soups, stews and salads, or an easy way to add some extra crunch to a Buddha bowl. Once you try this version, you will never go back to oven-baked kale again!
Not only is this recipe easy and fast, but it is also a great way to make a healthy snack from just a handful of ingredients. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium and antioxidants, and air frying helps retain much of that goodness.
It is also a brilliant way to use up leftover kale lurking in the fridge. You can make a small portion just for snacking or a big batch for topping soups and bowls throughout the week.
Another bonus? Cleaning up is effortless. With no oven trays to scrub, it’s a win-win for busy weeknights.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 5 – 7 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, a large mixing bowl and a salad spinner or kitchen paper.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Kale
100g (about 4 cups) of kale leaves, washed and thoroughly dried
1 tbsp of olive oil (or spray oil)
½ tsp of sea salt
Optional seasonings:
¼ tsp of garlic powder
¼ tsp of smoked paprika or chilli flakes
1 tbsp of nutritional yeast or finely grated parmesan
Method
Start by washing the kale to remove any dirt. Then dry it completely as this step is crucial for crispy results. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with kitchen paper. Any moisture left on the leaves will cause them to steam rather than crisp.
Once dry, strip the leaves from the tough central stems and tear into large bite-sized pieces. They’ll shrink slightly as they cook, so don’t make them too small.
Place the kale pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or lightly spray with oil spray, then toss well with your hands to coat every leaf. Sprinkle over salt and any extra flavourings. So garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast all work beautifully.
You only need a small amount of oil; just enough to help the seasoning stick and encourage that lovely crisp texture.
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Once hot, arrange the kale in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd it as the air needs space to circulate for even crisping. If you’re making a larger batch, cook it in two or three rounds.
Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye towards the end, as kale crisps up quickly and can burn if left too long.
You’ll know it’s ready when the leaves are dry, crisp and slightly curled around the edges.
Finally, transfer the kale to a bowl or plate and leave to cool for a few minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Air-fryer kale is best eaten fresh but you can store it in an airtight container for up to two days. If it softens slightly, pop it back in the air-fryer for a minute to re-crisp.
Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Kale
Getting kale perfectly crisp can be tricky, but these tried-and-tested tips make all the difference.
1. Dry it thoroughly:
So after washing, take time to dry your kale completely. A salad spinner works wonders, or you can gently pat it with kitchen paper. Any leftover moisture will cause the kale to steam instead of crisp — and that’s the number one cause of soggy chips!
2. Go light on oil:
A drizzle or mist of oil is all you need. Too much oil makes the kale heavy and limp rather than light and crackly. It’s just enough to help the seasoning stick and encourage browning.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket:
Air fryers need space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed. It’s so worth it for even, crisp results. Crowding the kale leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
4. Shake halfway:
Give the basket a good shake or toss halfway through cooking to make sure all the leaves crisp evenly.
5. Experiment with flavours:
Kale is a brilliant base for experimenting. Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, or even curry powder for something bold. You can also sprinkle parmesan, sesame seeds or nutritional yeast after cooking for an extra layer of flavour.
6. Keep a close eye:
Kale cooks fast, some air fryers crisp it in under 4 minutes. So peek early to prevent burning, as burnt kale tastes bitter.
7. Store smartly:
If you have leftovers, let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container. To refresh them later, pop them back in the air fryer for 1 minute at 160°C.
Follow these tips and you’ll have consistently crisp, light and flavourful kale every single time.
Related Recipes
So if you loved this air fryer kale, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy these other veggie-forward air fryer recipes. All so easy, flavour-packed, and designed to make healthy eating feel effortless.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and seasoned to perfection. These wedges make a brilliant side for anything from burgers to grilled chicken, and they’re a hit with kids too.
Air Fryer Broccoli
An underrated gem! Air frying gives broccoli gorgeous charred edges and a nutty flavour. Toss with garlic, salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a quick, healthy side.
Roasted Carrots
These caramelised carrots are naturally sweet and incredibly moreish. Try them with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cumin for an irresistible twist.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Forget soggy sprouts, these are golden, crisp and delicious with balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.
Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas
Perfect for snacking or sprinkling over salads, these crunchy chickpeas are full of protein and fibre. You can season them in endless ways — smoky paprika, curry powder, or even cinnamon sugar for something sweet.
Each of these recipes celebrates how the air fryer brings out the natural flavours of vegetables while keeping them light and nutrient-rich. Whether you’re meal prepping, making quick snacks or just experimenting, these dishes show that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring — or time-consuming.
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