Crunchy Kale Chips
It might not surprise you but I love kale. I’ve already declared that sauteed kale is my favorite side dish, but let’s talk about my other love: kale chips! These kale chips have the crisp and saltiness of potato chips, but also offer a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens! I prefer them simple with sea salt, but please check out my seasonings section for flavor suggestions! Btw, my kids absolutely love these kale chips and will happily eat bowl after bowl of them. So if you’re looking to switch up their veggie straw/pretzel snacks, try these kale chips for them! Looking for more crunchy homemade snack recipes? Check out my Baked Corn Nuts, Baked Apple Chips, Baked Spinach Chips and Roasted Soybeans too!
The Dryer, The More Crispier
After you wash the kale leaves, make sure they’re thoroughly dry. A salad spinner works wonders here – the drier the leaves, the crispier your chips will be.
How to Bake Kale Chips
Begin by preheating your oven to 275 degrees F. Remove kale from the stems and then tear up into bite size pieces. Wash and dry the kale, either by using a salad spinner or a towel to dry the leaves. It’s important the kale leaves are dry as this will make crispier chips. Place kale on baking sheet, and then drizzle with olive oil. Toss them gently to ensure each leaf is coated in the oil. This is where the magic begins! Sprinkle salt evenly over the kale. The salt not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving that delightful crunch. Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the kale chips bake. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly crispy to slightly burnt in a matter of minutes. Typically, it takes around 20-22 minutes for the edges to start browning. Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. The kale chips will continue to crisp up as they cool. Then, it’s time to dig in and savor the satisfying, guilt-free crunch!
Seasoning Ideas
If you’re looking to add extra flavor to your kale chips, here are some ideas. To season your kale chips, simply toss the prepared kale leaves in your chosen flavorings before spreading them on the baking sheet.
Storing kale chips
Once cooled, store kale chips in an airtight container, like plastic or glass containers that have tight-fitting lids (they key to maintaining crispiness is to keep the air out). Store kale chips in a cool, dry place at room temperature. While you might be tempted to store them in the refrigerator to extend their life, the moisture in the fridge can actually make kale chips lose their crispness faster. If your kale chips start to lose their crunchiness, you can attempt to re-crisp them in the oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 250°F), spread the kale chips on a baking sheet, and heat them for a few minutes (3-5 minutes). Watch them closely to prevent burning. Pin for later:
