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The BEST kale chips are delicious and crispy, made with fresh kale, olive oil, and customizable seasonings. Everyone loves baked kale chips! Bonus – they're a low calorie, nutrition-packed, healthy snack!
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Why we love this recipe
When it comes to healthy snacks, kale chips check all the boxes! This delicious treat has so many flavor options and, when properly baked, they offer a crispy texture that fulfills cravings for crunchy things. In addition to being crispy and delicious, they are...
- A low-carb, low calorie snack
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Easy to make with just a few simple steps
- A satisfying alternative to potato chips
- Customizable with many topping options
- Easily made since kale is readily available at most grocery stores
Ingredient notes
Classic kale chips require only three ingredients!
- fresh kale - Any variety will work for this recipe. I recommend a kale variety that isn't flat, such as curly kale or Lacinato kale (dino kale). I'll explain why in further down in the article.
- extra virgin olive oil - Or preferred oil such as coconut oil.
- sea salt - If using a salted seasoning blend for toppings, I recommend skipping the salt in this recipe, or consider adding to taste after adding seasoning.
How to make kale chips
You'll find printable instructions in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2. Wash kale and dry thoroughly with paper towels or flour sack towel.
Step 3. Add oil to kale and use your hands to gently massage the leaves until all surfaces are lightly coated.
Step 4. Season the kale by sprinkling your favorite spices or seasonings over the kale and gently tossing until coated. See 'Toppings for kale chips' below.
Step 5. Spread kale in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overlapping. Bake 7-10 minutes, or until kale is crispy to your liking. You may need to bake beyond 10 minutes in small increments to achieve this.
Toppings for kale chips
Spices and salts
- Nutritional yeast and garlic powder - This is my go-to seasoning for kale chips and what I used for this recipe (see recipe card below). The yeast has a grated, feather-light texture with a nutty, cheesy flavor. It's naturally vegan and loaded with vitamin B!
- garlic powder, onion powder, or ranch seasoning
- flavored salts such as truffle salt or garlic salt
Spicy seasonings
- mild homemade taco seasoning or fajita seasoning
- Tajin seasoning or chili lime seasoning
- Old bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper
- Sriracha salt or other spicy salt
Recipe tips
Remove excess moisture from kale by pressing it between paper towels or a flour sack towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispy kale chips because oil won't stick to a wet surface. So, it can make your kale to steam – and you don't want that.
If your chips aren't crispy after said baking time, it's likely because there is excess moisture or the kale hasn't baked long enough. Simply bake the kale for additional 3 to 5 minute increments until it reaches desired crispiness.
Kale can burn easily, especially if the oven is too hot heat. So, test your oven accuracy with an oven thermometer if you have one. Otherwise, monitor your chips so you don't unknowingly overcook them.
FAQ about baked kale chips
This kale chips recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, low carb, low calorie, and sugar free. When adding seasonings, choose one that fits your dietary needs.
Curly kale or Lacinato (dino) kale are optimal because both varieties have a non-flat texture which exposes more areas of the kale to the hot air instead of the pan. This creates more opportunities for crispy edges to develop.
Allow baked chips to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days in a dry place. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
More kale recipes
Healthy snacks we love
- Chocolate No Bake Energy Bites
- Easy Homemade Granola
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot Artichokes
- Herb-Roasted Chickpeas (Garbanzos)
📖 Recipe
Crispy Kale Chips Recipe
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When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh Kale, rinsed, dried, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast, optional
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, optional
- 1 pinch Sea Salt, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine FRESH KALE and OIL together in a mixing bowl and gently massage with your hands until well coated.
- Sprinkle NUTRITIONAL YEAST, GARLIC POWDER, and SALT over kale, tossing to lightly coat.
- Spread kale on a baking sheet with no overlapping leaves.
- Bake 10 minutes, rotating halfway through if needed. Check for doneness.
- If you want crispier kale, continue baking in 3-5 minute increments, stirring as needed.
- Enjoy kale chips warm or allow to cool.
Recipe Notes
- Allow to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.
Margaret says
These kale chips are Absolutely PERFECT! 😁
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome Margaret! So glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂 Now I want some kale chips LOL
Chris says
These chips were so easy to make and absolutely delicious! My 5 year old daughter even loves them, and she NEVER eats vegetables.
The Kitchen Girl says
Wow! What a compliment. I'm so glad to inspire your enjoyment ... even better that your daughter signed off 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know ... much appreciated!
JoAnn says
5 stars. Great instructions. The last recipe I tried said to bake 30 minutes and they burned. Your instructions were clear to check every so often plus you added a variety of spices to try. Came out great & tasty. Thanks!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, JoAnn!! I am pretty serious about my readers getting baked kale chips right the first time Thank you for this feedback! I'm so glad to be a part of your day
Megan R. says
Making these for the second time right now. I seem to always have these ingredients on hand and you honestly can’t make enough of them. I brought them to a pool party last weekend and they were devoured in ten minutes. I’m not sharing this batch!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha awesome, Megan! Love hearing this feedback too...thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂 Day made!
Tisha says
I usually just do salt and pepper on my kale chips!! Gotta try this hippie dust!
Traci Antonovich says
Omgosh Tisha, you'll love the hippie dusted kale chips if you like nutritional yeast 🙂
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says
Kale is still very fabulous, and you really cannot knock it. So tasty and so packed with goodness. This is a great idea to make chips, a tasty and healthier snack with the added flavour. Perfect.
Traci Antonovich says
I agree Helen. Anyone who says 'kale is dead' is missing out! Thanks 🙂
rebecca says
I always burn the kale when I try to roast it. but I'll have to try it one more time for this recipe
Traci Antonovich says
It's easy to do, Rebecca. It's definitely best to be conservative with baking times, and add time in small intervals. They're soooo good when they're not burned 🙂
Beth says
I love adding nutritional yeast to dishes! The flavor is so intriguing! My family loves kale too! Totally giving these a try! Thanks!
Traci Antonovich says
Glad to hear it, Beth. Hope you love them 🙂
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
I have been wanting to try making kale chips with nutritional yeast. I just bought the yeast - making these this weekend!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Lauren! Hope you love them like I do 🙂
Jessica Fasano Formicola says
Kale chips are so addicting and I don't feel guilty indulging in them! These look so yummy!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jessica! Couldn't agree more about the no-guilt thing 🙂
Amy Nash says
These would be so great for snacking! My kale loving kids would totally eat these up!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Amy! Love hearing that your kids love kale! 🙂
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
These sound like the perfect snack and so easy to make. I even love the name of them. Will be trying these in the very near future since I have all the ingredients.
Traci Antonovich says
Woot woot! Glad to hear it! Thanks Stephanie 🙂
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I've never heard of hippie dust! I was so intrigued and love that it has nutritional yeast in it. I love using nutritional yeast in the recipes! I love kale and your recipe makes me want to make kale chips right away!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, now you know what Hippie Dust is 🙂 It's an old term from the 90's (and probably the 70's too LOL)
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
What a delicious snack to make at home and enjoy! love how simple and easy it is!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Shadi! Love hearing that 🙂
Sandi says
Okay, your title for this kale is so cute...hippies aren't the only ones who love kale 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, so true! I sure do remember when nutritional yeast was eaten only by hippies...back in the 90's 🙂
Jacque says
What a genius idea! Kale is my favorite superfood 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks! Not my original idea, but I do love the nutritional yeast on it! I love kale like you do 🙂
Danielle says
I love making kale chips. I am more of a savoury person, so this is a great healthier alternative for me.
Traci Antonovich says
Savory all the way, Danielle! I'll take it over sweet any day 🙂
April J Harris says
What a lovely, colourful, healthy snack! The Hippie Dust sounds so tasty, and I love the name!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, yay thanks! Been calling it that since we were in college. I have loved that stuff for a very long time!
Savita says
These kale chips look delicious, Traci! Love kale! I too shared kale recipe today but very different. Saving to try this one.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Savita! I'll have to check yours out too 🙂