Kale chips have become a favorite healthy snack for many, offering a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional potato chips. Making kale chips in the oven is easy, quick, and allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste. If you’ve ever wondered how to make kale chips in the oven that are perfectly crispy and not bitter or chewy, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why Make Kale Chips at Home?
Homemade kale chips are:
– A nutritious snack packed with vitamins and fiber
– Vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb
– Easy to customize with different seasonings
– A great way to enjoy kale even if you don’t like it raw
Plus, they’re simple to make with just a few ingredients and your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh curly kale (curly kale works best for volume and crispiness)
– Olive oil (or avocado oil for a different flavor)
– Salt
– Optional seasonings: nutritional yeast, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or your favorite herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Kale Chips
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to a low temperature, ideally around 250°F to 300°F (120°C to 150°C). Baking at a lower temperature ensures the kale chips crisp up evenly without burning or becoming bitter.
2. Prepare the Kale
– Remove the thick, woody stems from the kale leaves. These stems are tough and won’t crisp well.
– Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2 to 3 inches across. Keep in mind they will shrink during baking, so start with pieces slightly larger than you want the final chip to be.
– Wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt.
– Dry the kale completely. This is crucial because any moisture will cause the kale to steam instead of crisp, resulting in floppy chips. Use a salad spinner and then pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
3. Season the Kale
– Place the dry kale pieces in a large bowl.
– Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil—just enough to lightly coat the leaves. Too much oil can make the chips soggy instead of crispy.
– Sprinkle with salt and toss gently to ensure even coating.
– Optional: Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, garlic powder for a savory kick, or Parmesan cheese for richness.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
– Spread the kale pieces in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding traps moisture and prevents crisping.
5. Bake the Kale Chips
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
– Bake for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven and kale thickness.
– Check frequently after 10 minutes to prevent burning. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even crisping.
– The chips are done when they feel crisp and firm to the touch, not floppy or soft.
6. Cool and Enjoy
– Remove the kale chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
– Store in an airtight container if not eating immediately, but they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
Tips for Perfect Kale Chips Every Time
– Use curly kale: It crisps better and has more volume than flat-leaf varieties like lacinato kale.
– Dry kale thoroughly: Water is the enemy of crispiness.
– Bake low and slow: Lower temperatures prevent burning and bitterness.
– Don’t overcrowd: Give each leaf space to crisp.
– Use just enough oil: A light coating is key to crisp texture.
– Set a timer: Kale chips can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Garlic Parmesan: Toss kale with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese before baking.
– Spicy Chili Lime: Add chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice after baking.
– Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy, vegan-friendly flavor.
– Miso Ginger: Massage kale with a miso-ginger dressing before baking for an umami twist.
Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to keep this snack exciting.
Kale chips are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy kale chips straight from your oven every time. Enjoy!
Crunch on!