Kale chips are a fantastic snack to have around in the event that your garden is overflowing with kale like mine is. The other great reason to keep these around is to snack on something with a tad more nutritional value than potato chips! We love crunchy food around here and this crispy kale chips recipe is easy and addicting!
What are Kale Chips?
Kale chips are a crunchy, delicious snack made by baking kale leaves until they are crisp. They serve as a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips, providing a satisfying crunch without the excess calories and unhealthy fats. Kale chips can be flavored with various seasonings, making them a versatile snack.
How Did Kale Chips Become Popular?
Kale chips surged in popularity as the health food movement gained momentum. With kale being recognized as a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, health enthusiasts began exploring various ways to incorporate it into their diets. The simplicity and ease of making homemade kale chips contributed to their popularity, making them a favorite among health-conscious individuals. It feels like such a millennial thing!
When is Kale in Season?
Kale is typically in season in the spring through fall. The cooler months tend to bring out the sweetest and most tender kale, making it an ideal time to enjoy this leafy green vegetable. Kale doesn’t love the hot summer weather, but our plants just keep producing, so we continue seeking ways to use it in recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of curly kale, lacinato kale, or tuscan kale
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or maple syrup
Kale Chips Recipe
- Wash Kale: Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides. A salad spinner can help remove excess water, or you can pat the leaves dry with cloth towels.
- Prepare Kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the leaves are completely dry, as any remaining moisture can result in soggy kale chips.
- Season Kale: Place the kale pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves to ensure they are evenly coated. Add your preferred seasonings, such as sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or nutritional yeast, and toss to combine.
- Bake Kale Chips: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Arrange the kale leaves in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the leaves are crispy but not burnt. Keep a close eye on the kale chips to prevent burning.
- Cool and Store: Allow the kale chips to cool to room temperature on the baking sheet. Transfer the cooled chips to an airtight container for storage. For the best results, store the chips at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
How to Store Kale Chips to Keep Them Crispy
The best way to store kale chips is in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the chips are completely cooled before storing them to prevent trapping any residual moisture. If you find that the chips have lost some of their crispiness, you can reheat them in a low-temperature oven (around 250 degrees F) for a few minutes to restore their crunch. You can also add some uncooked rice to the container that you store it in to absorb some of the moisture. I prefer to eat them right away, it can be a challenge to keep the moisture out.
Additional Tips for Making the Best Kale Chips
- Use Little Oil: Using too much oil can result in soggy kale chips. A light coating is all you need.
- Single Layer: Arrange the kale leaves in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Low Temperature: Baking at a lower temperature for a longer time helps achieve crispy chips without burning.
- Variety of Kale: Experiment with different types of kale, such as curly kale, lacinato kale, or tuscan kale, for varied textures and flavors.
- Additional Seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, while chili flakes or cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick.
Homemade kale chips are an easy recipe that allows you to enjoy a great healthy and delicious snack that can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy them on their own or as a great addition to salads, soups, or as a side dish.
More Snack Ideas:
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale lacinato kale or curly kale
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides. A salad spinner can help remove excess water, or you can pat the leaves dry with paper towels.
- Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the leaves are completely dry, as any remaining moisture can result in soggy kale chips.
- Place the kale pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves to ensure they are evenly coated. Add your preferred seasonings, such as sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or nutritional yeast, and toss to combine.
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Arrange the kale leaves in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the leaves are crispy but not burnt. Keep a close eye on the kale chips to prevent burning.
- Allow the kale chips to cool to room temperature on the baking sheet. Transfer the cooled chips to an airtight container for storage. For the best results, store the chips at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
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