How to Make Deliciously Crispy Kale Chips in Your Oven

Kale chips are a tasty, healthy alternative to regular potato chips. Not only are they super easy to make, but they are also packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. The best part? You can make them right in your own oven!

To make kale chips, you will need fresh kale, a baking sheet, olive oil, and some seasoning of your choice. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, wash your kale and dry it thoroughly. Then, remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Spread the pieces out on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Make sure to toss them around so that all the pieces are coated evenly. Finally, sprinkle your seasoning of choice over the kale. A popular and tasty option is to simply sprinkle some sea salt and black pepper over the top.

1. What You Need for Kale Chips

Making kale chips is one of the easiest and healthiest snacks that you can indulge in. The great thing about this recipe is that it only requires a few ingredients and can be ready in no time. To make kale chips, you will need:

– A bunch of kale
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Your favorite seasonings

2. Prep the Kale

Before you start making your kale chips, you must ensure that the kale leaves are clean and dry. Make sure to wash the kale leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Once you have cleaned the kale, use a paper towel to pat them dry. When you are satisfied that the leaves are completely dry, remove the tough stems from the kale leaves.

3. Cut the Kale into Bite-Sized Pieces

Once you have removed the stems, cut the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces. This will allow the kale chips to cook evenly and become extra crispy.

4. Season the Kale

In a bowl, toss the kale leaves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, and any other seasonings you prefer. You can also add a bit of garlic powder, chili flakes or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

5. Spread the Kale on a Baking Sheet

Place the seasoned kale on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure that each kale piece has enough room to cook, and none of the pieces are overlapping.

6. Bake the Kale Chips

Preheat your oven to 300ºF. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, checking them every few minutes to ensure they don’t burn. The kale leaves should be crispy when done, and not overly browned.

7. Allow to Cool

Once your kale chips are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for five minutes before serving. This will allow them to crisp up even more, and make for the perfect healthy snack.

8. Store the Kale Chips

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store your kale chips in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to three days. However, be sure to store them at room temperature to ensure that they remain crispy.

9. Try Different Variations

Once you have mastered the basic kale chip recipe, feel free to get creative with different variations. You can add your favourite spices and herbs like cumin, smoked paprika or oregano, for a diverse flavour range.

10. Final Thoughts

Making kale chips in the oven is a quick and easy snack that is both healthy and delicious. The best part is that it only requires a few ingredients, and you can customize the recipe to your taste and preference. Give it a try and see how a simple recipe can transform the way you snack!

Getting Your Kale Ready For The Oven

Kale chips are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. However, the key to making perfect kale chips is in the preparation. In this section, we’ll go over how to prepare your kale for the oven with ten easy steps.

Step 1: Choose the Right Kale

The first step to making kale chips is to choose the right kind of kale. Look for fresh, crisp kale leaves that are free from any yellowing or signs of wilting. The best type of kale for chips is curly kale, but you can also use lacinato or any other variety that you like.

Step 2: Wash Your Kale Thoroughly

Once you’ve chosen your kale, you need to wash it well to remove any dirt or debris. Start by rinsing the leaves under cool running water, then fill a large bowl with cold water and add a tablespoon of white vinegar. Soak the kale in the vinegar water for 5-10 minutes, then rinse again and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Remove the Stems

The next step is to remove the stems from your kale leaves. Simply hold the kale by the stem with one hand and use the other hand to pull the leaves off. You can discard the stems or save them for another recipe.

Step 4: Tear the Leaves into Bite-Sized Pieces

Once you’ve removed the stems, tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that the chips will shrink slightly in size during baking, so don’t make the pieces too small.

Step 5: Dry Your Kale Thoroughly

To ensure your kale chips get crispy, it’s important to dry the leaves thoroughly. You can do this by laying the pieces on a clean towel or paper towel and patting them dry. Or, if you have a salad spinner, you can put the kale in and spin for a few seconds.

Step 6: Drizzle with Oil

To give your kale chips a crispy texture and delicious flavor, you need to drizzle them with oil. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed and make sure to coat all the leaves evenly.

Step 7: Add Seasonings

Once you’ve coated your kale leaves with oil, it’s time to add your seasoning. You can keep it simple and just use sea salt, or get creative with different spices like garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast.

Step 8: Massage Your Kale

To help the oil and seasonings to stick to your kale leaves, give them a gentle massage. This will also help to break down the tough fibers in the leaves, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chip.

Step 9: Lay the Pieces Out on a Baking Sheet

Now it’s time to lay your kale pieces out on a baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer, with a little space in between each piece. This will help them to cook evenly and get crispy all over.

Step 10: Bake Your Kale Chips

Finally, it’s time to bake your kale chips. Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the kale are crispy and slightly browned. You’ll want to keep an eye on them while they’re baking to make sure they don’t burn. Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before digging in!

How to Season and Store Your Kale Chips

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making kale chips in the oven, let’s talk about seasoning and storing them properly so they stay fresh and flavorful.

Seasoning Your Kale Chips

The beauty of kale chips is that you can season them however you like! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

To season your kale chips, simply sprinkle the desired seasoning on top of the kale before baking. You can also mix the seasoning with the olive oil to ensure each piece of kale is evenly coated.

Storing Your Kale Chips

After your kale chips have cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy. If the chips get a little soft, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Kale chips are best eaten within a few days of baking, but they can last up to a week if stored properly. Just be sure to keep them away from any moisture or humidity.

Other Ways to Enjoy Kale Chips

While kale chips are delicious on their own, they can also be used to add crunch and flavor to other dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

– Crumble them on top of a salad
– Use them as a topping for avocado toast
– Sprinkle them on your favorite soup or chili
– Crush them up and use them as a breadcrumb replacement in recipes

The Final Word

Making homemade kale chips in the oven is a healthy and delicious snack that’s easy to prepare. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor, and be sure to store them properly so they stay fresh. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying crispy, crunchy kale chips whenever the craving strikes.

Time to Enjoy Your Crunchy Kale Chips

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to make kale chips in the oven. Now, it’s time to relax and enjoy your crispy, crunchy, and healthy snack. Don’t forget to thank yourself for taking the initiative to try something new in the kitchen. And of course, thanks for reading! We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. Keep checking back for more exciting recipes and cooking tips to add more flavor to your life!