Simple, Easy, Crispy Kale Chips in the Oven

Crispy, salty, satisfying kale chips. You will love how easy these baked kale chips are to make and I guarantee your whole family will love snacking on them. My three-year-old can have the whole batch, all by herself, if I let her! My husband said these are even better than popcorn! In today’s blog post, I will show you how to make this super healthy snack! Simple, easy and delicious crispy kale chips baked in the oven. You won’t even know these are baked! This is a recipe that I hadn’t made in years but I happen to have had a lot of extra kale on hand that I needed to use up quickly. What a better way than to turn them into chips! That’s one thing I also love about this recipe, you can use kale that has wilted and it won’t affect the end result.

The new year is a time for new beginnings, new goals, and new habits. Many of us want to improve our health and well-being, and one of the best ways to do that is to eat healthier. Eating healthier can help us feel more energetic, prevent diseases, and boost our mood.

Kale chips are a healthy and delicious snack that you can easily make at home. They are crunchy, salty, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb. All you need are some fresh kale leaves, olive oil, sea salt, and an oven. Here is how to make crispy kale chips in the oven in four simple steps:

Jump to Recipe

How to make Crispy kale chips in the oven

Step 1: Wash and dry the kale

The first step is to wash and dry the kale thoroughly. You can use any type of kale, such as curly, lacinato, or red kale. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the kale under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to completely remove all the moisture. If you are using a salad spinner, you might need to dump the water and re-spin the kale a couple more times. Make sure the kale is completely dry, as any moisture will prevent it from getting crispy in the oven.

Step 2: Toss the kale with olive oil and sea salt

The next step is to toss the kale with olive oil and sea salt. Transfer the kale to a large bowl and drizzle with about one tablespoons of olive oil. Be careful not to use too much oil or else it might prevent your kale from getting crispy. Use your hands to massage the oil into the kale, making sure every leaf is coated. Sprinkle with about half a teaspoon of sea salt, or more to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast, for extra flavor.

Step 3: Spread the kale on a baking sheet

The third step is to spread the kale on a baking sheet in a single layer. You may need to use two baking sheets, depending on the size of your kale and your oven. Make sure the kale is not overlapping, as this will cause it to steam and become soggy. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. I like my chips to be nice and salty, so I usually sprinkle a little bit more salt on the spread out kale before popping them into the oven.

Step 4: Bake the kale in the oven

The final step is to bake the kale in the oven until crispy. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) or 135°C (275°F) (if using a convection oven) and place the baking sheet in the middle rack. Bake the kale for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crisp. If you notice that the kale isn’t quite crispy enough, turn off your oven and leave the kale in for another minute or two. Keep an eye on the kale, as it can burn quickly if left too long. Remove the kale from the oven and let it cool slightly before enjoying.

Step 5: Enjoy your crispy kale chips!

You have just made crispy kale chips in the oven. You can store the leftover kale chips in a bowl with a clean dish towel draped on top. Or an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but they are best eaten fresh. You can enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or a salad topping. They are a great way to satisfy your cravings for something salty and crunchy, while also getting a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try making crispy kale chips in the oven today and see for yourself how easy and delicious they are!

Can I Use a Different Oil Instead of Olive oil?

Yes. You can try using avocado oil if you are looking for a neutral tasting oil. You can also use melted coconut oil. Using coconut oil might alter the taste slightly, making your kale chips taste a little sweeter. Some people might recommend using vegetable oil but I do not recommend it as this wouldn’t make these chips as healthy. Vegetable oil is a highly processed oil and might lead to inflammation for some people.

Four tips for foolproof crispy Kale Chips.

Make sure your kale is completely dry.
Don’t add too much oil.
Don’t overcrowd your pan when baking them.
Bake at a low temperature, so your kale doesn’t burn. Low and slow wins in this case.