I made this kale chip recipe as a way to get my kids to try eating more leafy greens like kale. Turns out they’re actually a super easy and delicious way to get more vegetables into your diet and satisfy that desire for crunchy snacks.
Kale chips are great to make when kale is in season, especially if you grow it in your own garden!
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Prior to this year I don’t ever recall eating kale before. I even discussed it with a few of my friends, and they also weren’t sure if they had eaten it before either (have you?). I don’t know what it is about the name “kale”, but the sound of it just isn’t appealing for some reason. However, things have changed and since I am trying my best to buy and eat local foods, I decided to go out on a limb and try it!
Why We Loved Oven Baked Kale Chips
I first discovered that kale can be substituted for (and even added to) spinach in some recipes like creamed spinach. I of course couldn’t get my daughters to even think about wanting to eat that. But (drum roll, please) when I received this super easy recipe below, courtesy of my husband’s step-mom, not only did my children like it, but they loved it and kept asking for more!
I will add that when my daughter first saw this greenish looking dish, just like any 2-yr-old would, she said “I don’t like that” without even trying it. She did follow the rule of trying at least one bite though, and with surprise in her voice she said “I like the kale” and then kept eating it.
And I have to agree that I was also surprised how good (and good for you) something with the name “kale” could turn out to be!
Alternative: Air Fryer Kale Chips
Since air fryers are so popular I thought I’d share this recipe alternative! You can make this recipe in the air fryer instead of the oven.
Set your air fryer to the same temperature (375 degrees fahrenheit) and toss in oil normally. The only difference between the oven and air fryer for this recipe is the cooking time: cook kale chips for 3-5 minutes in the air fryer.
Tips Baking Perfect Kale Chips
Kale chips are really easy to make but you do have to be careful to toss the oil evenly and not overcook them. Here’s some tips and tricks to help your kale chips turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose kale for your chips that’s as fresh as possible so the leaves are firm
- Make sure kale leaves are fully dried after washing
- Be gentle when you toss leaves in oil
- Make sure kale leaves are coated evenly with oil (this is both so they’ll crisp up and to make sure they don’t stick)
- Give kale chips plenty of space on the cookie sheet, don’t overlap or crowd
- Watch chips carefully as they cook
How to Store Chips
Although I prefer to eat my kale chips immediately, made ahead or leftover kale chips should be stored in an airtight container once cooled. Your chips will keep about 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week if stored in the fridge.
If you find storing your homemade chips in an airtight container makes them soggy, consider adding something to the container that will absorb moisture like some dry rice. Another idea is to store in a brown paper bag; the bag will help absorb moisture and keep chips crispy.
More FAQs
Kale Chips
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Wash and trim the kale by ripping out the stems and ribs from the center of the leaves.
- Lay them out onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle the leaves with a tablespoon of olive oil. Using your hands toss the leaves around to evenly distribute the oil then lay them out into a single layer on the sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then turn kale pieces over and bake for 5 – 7 minutes more until kale turns brown, paper-thin, and brittle. (They can quickly go from perfect to overdone so keep a close watch at the end!)
- Remove from oven and toss with sea salt.
Serve immediately.
Allie says
Kale is very easy to grow also. When you grow it yourself, it can last a month or more in the fridge, but of course, it's better for you when more fresh. When I grew it in Georgia, it grew from fall through the winter. In cooler climates, probably a fall and spring crop. I cannot wait to try this recipe.
Leila says
Hi There,
Do you know how much of its nutritional value the kale retains when prepared this way?
Thank you
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Leila. I'm sorry but I don't know the answer to your question. Jill
Leila says
Hi There,
Do you know how much of the nutritional value the kale retains when prepared this way? Thank you
Jess_Boc says
These are nothing short of amazing! I started with just one batch to see what hubs and I thought of them, and within 5 minutes they were gone.
Next time I want to try a version with sesame oil and sesame seeds too. YUM!
Celeste says
I love eating kale steamed but sometimes I buy too much and can't eat it all fast enough so I tried this recipe to see if I could get my kids to eat it as well. This has become my new guilty pleasure! Before kale chips, it was popcorn. Thank you for the recipe and yes, the kids ate every last one!
2sisters2cities says
This recipe looks fantastic! I am actually hosting a kale linky party at http://www.2sisters2cities.com/2012/06/kale_recipes/ as part of our Fresh Produce Tuesday series. I would love if you submitted this recipe!
-m
Christine says
My kids love Kale chips! I make them about 3x a week. After school when they are ravenous is the best time, with the promise of "I'm making popcorn. It will be done when you finish the kale chips."
Here's how I make them:
I tear the flat kale leaves the same way, removing the stem. They shrink so I leave them about 3x3ish. I mix them in a bowl with the olive oil and sea salt (try Celtic salt - way better for you!). Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Yum!
Kate says
I am trying out this recipe, but I am a little confused at what you mean by ripping out the stems and ribs. I took out all of the big stems, but do even the tiny little ribs have to come out, too? And what is the best way to do this because the way I'm doing it rips apart the whole leaf:)
100 Days of Real Food says
Just rip out the bigger stems/ribs so there are no big chunks of white. Little tiny/thin ribs are okay. Good luck!
Rick says
You can crush up the results or leftovers into tiny pieces and use it as a seasoning. Pour it over rice or potatoes or cauliflower or any other dish. It adds wonderful color, flavor, texture and nutrition.
The Japanese make similar mixtures with dried seaweed, dried tangerine peels, salt, pepper flakes, garlic bits, garlic bits, etc. to pour on rice. It's called Furikake. You can buy all sorts of it in Asian Markets. If you reduce the salt, and make your own, you make some incredibly nutritious and low salt seasonings for the table instead of regular salt and pepper.
Have the family learn to add seasoning instead of salt. Try little containers of lemon juice, pepper flakes, your own seasonings such as Kale Flakes, etc.
Jill says
I ate a whole bunch myself! I put the chips in a bag and took to the movies and ate it like popcorn. It was sooooo good!
Erin says
Have never tried kale before this recipe and both my husband and I loved it! It is surprisingly delicious and definitely worth trying - I am excited to try more kale recipes!
Rachel says
I am interested to try the recipe. I am surprised to see so many comments from people who have never tried kale. I love all greens--spinach, swiss chard, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, and beet greens. If I go a week without eating them, I develop a craving that sends me immediately to the store to pick some up and cook them--not a bad addiction to have!
Valerie Studney says
I've never eaten kale before and I must say, it will now be a staple in the house. I just realized I had bought some from our local farmer's market last week and tried this recipe. The kale chips came out awesome. I also made a creamed kale (supposed to be spinach) over whole wheat pasta for dinner and all 3 kids asked for seconds! What a versatile veggie, I'll have to try them in smoothies.
Valerie Studney says
One question... do they keep well or do you need to eat them all right away?
Karen S says
Wow Lisa - these are amazing! I never had kale before today. The texture was so great! Reminded me of a baked chip. I can't wait to see what my hubby & kids think. Thanks for sharing another winning recipe!
S says
WOW! I tried the Kale Chips tonight for the 1st time. They are amazing! They are like air, like cotton candy that just disappears in your mouth with a quick crunch. Fun! Hubby ate maybe 2, and my 7-yr old tried 1... neither one wanted any more. Oh well... more for me, I guess? I will using the rest of my first-ever kale purchase in the kale soup recipe Kathy @ KGrains posted above. Thanks for the chips recipe!
Liz says
Love these chips - decided to add some nutrional yeast and it gave them a great "cheese" flavor.
Janice Greenhalgh says
I love these with sesame seeds sprinkled on during baking. It gives it a nice flavor.
Lacey says
I think I missed the part where you chop them?? Do you put them in the oven whole so they turn easier?
Nicole says
it says "Wash and trim the kale by ripping out the stems and ribs from the center of the leaves." basically, once you cut the leafy part of the thick stalky part, and any large ribs (the side "stems"), you'll probably be left with the right size pieces for chips!
Jeanie says
I love kale too. I've heard that it is less bitter after a frost. So some of the bitter chips may have been overcooked, but it's also possible they were picked in the spring or summer and never had a chance to go through a frost.
Naps Happen says
I tried kale rather recently for the first time in a soup and just loved it, so I'm excited to give the kale chips a try. This is sort of the next step for us, since we became swiss chard fanatics last year - I even tried to grow some in our garden this past year! Thanks for some great new ideas.
Angelia says
Can you use the deydrator to make the kale chips?
Angelia says
Can you use the deydrator to make the kale chips?
100 Days of Real Food says
I've heard you can, but have not tried it yet myself.
Jill says
I just tried the kale chips today. My 4 yr old did try them but because they look funny to him he's not too interested to have more even though he said they were good. LOL My kale doesn't look like your picture though, mine is real curly on the edges. I guess it's a different type. I like them though, very different. I made the whole bunch!
Jill says
I haven't tries this yet but seems interesting. Whole foods just posted a receipe for it : roasted kale chips with Parmigiano & Reggiano.
Gabi says
We absolutely LOVE kale made this way. Our 1 year old twins and 3 year old son also love it, and it's really funny to see them crunch it in their mouths and develop the kale goatee on their face. Thank you so much for sharing! I have been pinning recipes up a storm. You are inspiring me to make one last push to eat better. We do about 80% of what you recommend, just need to ditch the chicken nuggets, frozen pizza, and sausage addiction we have.
@Natasha, I agree with you about raising your own kale. It couldn't be easier! I am very lucky to live in the Bay Area to be able to have lettuce, kale, spinach, parsley, strawberries, chives, and sugar snap peas in our winter garden right now. Nothing tastes better than fresh from the garden produce! Looking forward to the summer garden with tomatoes, okra, peppers, and squash.
Kathy @ Kgrains says
Here is a delicious soup recipe that utilizes kale. My family loves it! http://kgrains.com/recipe/kale-soup
Natasha says
I am so glad to see more people eating kale!! I have been eating it my whole life and I LOVE it!!
I highly recommend planting it in your garden if you enjoy it. It is so versatile, my two favourite ways to eat it ate in Risotto and simply lightly blanched and tossed in olive oil and garlic, a very quick and easy side dish.
I have heard of making Kale chips before, but am going to wait until the spring when I can get fresh leaved from the garden.
Sheila says
There is a Dutch recipe called Bourenkoel that is basically kale and potatoes cooked together then mashed. (You end up with green potatoes). We eat it with butter on top and sausages on the side. As with with many dishes from other cultures, it's one worth trying and you either love it or hate it. We love it :)
susie says
This is my favourite dish! Yummy...My kids love it too
Ashley says
My family eats kale (mostly steamed with a little olive oil) at least twice a week. A friend of mine has a little boy with an inoperable brain tumor and the physicians have advised her to feed him as much kale as possible and to also feed it to her healthy child. It is one of the most potent foods as far as antioxidants are concerned!!!! This is a huge preventative of cancer and helps aid in treatment of existing cancer. Of course that is also a benefiit of eating unprocessed food, but who can be too safeguarded when it comes to cancer?!
100 Days of Real Food says
I am so sorry to hear about your friend's son...I know I would be willing to try anything at that point!
Jill says
I tired these tonight, Our first time ever eating Kale!! They had a bit of a bitter after taste but read the comments so maybe I cooked them to long. My toddlers didn't like them (I think it was the texture) but I crumbled them and mixed them into their mashed sweet potatoes and they were just fine with that. I want to find other ways to add it to foods.
Cindy says
Well, we tried them this evening. With lots of salt, they are alright for a healthy treat. My kids tried them and did not like them and my husband was unhappy with the "broccoli" smell in the house. It was worth a try, but they were not a hit at my house of picky eaters.
dee says
Lisa, it was great to see this post. :) My daughters introduced Kale to my husband and I about 4 years ago. We use to grow alot of Mustard Greens in our garden, but we loved Kale so much, we instead grow it now. We have a 50 ft row in the garden that we have been feasting on all through the summer and will continue through the winter. In the winter we just lay the snow over and snap away, thawed in the sink, its crisp and ready to use.
We love Garlicky Kale Chips.. I bake mine in a preheated 300 degrees oven, I put extra virgin olive oil in a little sprayer, I lightly spray some on my baking sheets, then after laying the trimmed leaves on the baking sheets, I spray the leaves with the olive oil, sprinkle them with garlic powder and Kosher salt or Sea salt. I bake approximately 10 to 14 min. or until they are crispy and "slightly" brown around the edges, flipping them once.
We enjoy them by themselves or I crumble them on our salads.
Two of our favorite ways to eat Kale, are: sauteeing Kale with one or two chopped garlic in Extra Virgin Olive oil, sprinkling them towards the end with Garlic salt or Sea salt ... and Creamy Kale Soup...a handfull in veggie soups or chicken noodle, omelets is great as well.. any way you eat Kale, its so packed with beneficial anitoxidants and inflamatory fighters...wards several cancers..its a win win veggie.. :)
Jenn L. says
My 22 month old loves these Kale chips. She loves the crunch and piles them in her mouth. Makes me so happy because Kale is so nutritious. You have to really watch them though because they can burn quickly if you leave them in too long. I actually take them out when they are still a dark green color with just a little brown starting to form. I actually don't like the taste once they are brown.
Beth G. says
Yum! These are tasty! I was a little nervous, but they turned out wonderfully! Thanks!
Vicki says
These were yummy! I haven't tried to get my 6 year old to eat them yet so we'll see what happens there.
Do you know if this will work with other leafy vegetables?
Lisa says
Glad it turned out for you! I have only tried it with Kale, but would say the most similar veggie is probably Collard Greens. Not sure if it would work though?
Laura says
Just retried it using your recipe to the T -- instead of the one I found on allrecipes. Much better, but still left a bit of an aftertaste and my daughter spit it out. My one year old loved it!
Lisa says
Sorry I had not responded yet to your first comment...my first thought about the bitter taste was that you cooked them too long. I am so glad your 1-year-old love it this time though...that is great!
Laura says
I must have done something wrong. Mine were not very good. They had a bad aftertaste and caused us a lot of bad smelling burps all night. Is that too much information? I am tempted to try again because everyone seems to like them so much.
Cori says
We just tried the kale chips tonight and I really liked them! Jeff even liked them and you know how his is about veggies! The kids, however, did not like them at all. Bummer. Oh well...I'll try the next thing I find to try to get them to eat vegetables!
Lisa says
Well at least Jeff liked them...that is one step in the right direction! Thanks for leaving a review.
Sarah says
I never let my kids decide if they like something after just trying once. It usually takes exposure of 3-4 times before they decide they like it....and then we talk about how they didnt like whatever it is the first time and how some times you need to try some things a few times to adjust to the new flavor.
Maggie Sanders says
Lisa...I tried the kale recipe and just loved it....it had such an interesting texture and held the flavor in a great way and talkl about easy!!! thanks for sharing...Maggie
Cori says
WOW! I am definitely trying this! You're right...the word "kale" doesn't sound appealing, but it really is pretty yummy. I just tried it last night and it was tossed in just a little soy sauce and they added sesame seeds. Served it w/ asian noodles. SSSSOOOOO good!!!
Lisa says
You have to let me know how it turns out and if your kids eat it too!