Kale chips are a wonderfully tasty & versatile snack that satisfies your craving for crunch while also delivering a dose of vitamins and minerals. In this post, we’ll dive into making kale chips, including a simple kale chips recipe & exploring two foolproof methods: baked kale chips and air fryer kale chips.
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In recent years, kale chips has skyrocketed in popularity as a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips. Baked kale chips are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while still offering a satisfying crunch.
Whether you prefer air fryer kale chips or kale chips baked in oven, making kale chips at home is simple, economical, and customizable to suit your taste buds. So if you’re tired of the same old snack options & ready to shake things up with a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor – let’s learn how to cook kale chips!
What kind of kale is best for chips?
When it comes to kale chips, not all kale varieties are created equal. While most types of kale can be used, some varieties are better suited for chip-making than others.
Lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, is often preferred for its flat, sturdy leaves, which crisp up nicely in the oven or air fryer. Lacinato kale tends to have a slightly sweeter and milder flavor compared to other kale varieties, making it a popular choice for those who may be sensitive to the bitter taste sometimes associated with kale.
Curly kale, with its ruffled leaves, can also be used for chips, but it may require extra attention to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Ultimately, the best kale for chips is one that is fresh, vibrant, and has sturdy leaves that can hold up to the cooking process, delivering crispy, flavorful results with every bite.
Does baking kale chips destroy nutrients?
Baking kale chips can lead to some nutrient loss, but the extent to which nutrients are affected depends on various factors such as cooking time, temperature, and preparation method. Kale is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While baking kale chips at moderate temperatures can cause some degradation of heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C, K, and certain B vitamins, the overall nutrient content remains relatively high compared to many other snack options.
To minimize nutrient loss, it’s essential to bake kale chips at lower temperatures and for shorter durations, avoiding overcooking. Additionally, using minimal oil and seasoning sparingly can help retain more nutrients. Despite some nutrient loss during the baking process, homemade kale chips still offer a healthier alternative to many processed snacks, providing a significant boost of essential nutrients in a tasty and convenient form.
Are homemade kale chips healthy?
Homemade kale chips are undeniably healthy, offering a plethora of nutritional benefits compared to traditional store-bought snacks. Kale itself is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. When transformed into chips, kale retains much of its nutritional value, providing a satisfying crunch without sacrificing its nutrient density. Unlike many commercial snacks that are laden with unhealthy fats, excessive sodium, and artificial additives, homemade kale chips typically require minimal ingredients, often just kale, a touch of olive oil, and seasonings of your choice.
Plus, by making them at home, you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried, homemade kale chips are a wholesome and delicious snack option that can easily be incorporated into a balanced diet, making them a crispy indulgence you can feel good about enjoying.
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How do you keep kale chips crisp?
Keeping kale chips crisp is essential for enjoying their satisfying crunch and texture. One effective method to maintain their crispiness is to store them properly after they’ve cooled completely. Transfer the kale chips to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring that there is minimal air trapped inside. Adding a small piece of paper towel or a silica gel packet to the container can help absorb any excess moisture and prevent the chips from becoming soggy.
It’s also crucial to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as exposure to moisture and heat can cause them to lose their crispness. We recommend making kale chips in small batches, but if you’re making a large batch, consider portioning them into smaller servings to minimize air exposure each time the container is opened.
Flavor Ideas
- Classic Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for a timeless savory flavor.
- Cheesy Kale Chips: Add nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, umami-rich coating that enhances the kale’s natural flavor.
- Garlic and Herb: Toss the kale with minced garlic, dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Spicy Sriracha: Kick up the heat by mixing Sriracha sauce with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and spicy glaze that adds depth and complexity to the chips.
- Smoky BBQ: Coat the kale in a smoky barbecue seasoning blend featuring paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a hint of brown sugar for a bold and tangy flavor profile.
- Tangy Lemon Pepper: Brighten up the kale chips with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of zesty lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a refreshing and tangy kick.
- Ranch Seasoning: Create a homemade ranch seasoning blend with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of tangy buttermilk powder for a creamy and flavorful coating.
- Coconut Curry: Combine curry powder, coconut flakes, and a pinch of turmeric for an exotic and aromatic flavor experience that transports your taste buds to the tropics.
- Sesame Ginger: Infuse the kale chips with Asian-inspired flavors by tossing them in a mixture of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame seeds for a savory and nutty crunch.
- Maple Cinnamon: Drizzle the kale with pure maple syrup and dust with ground cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavor combination reminiscent of crispy autumn leaves.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to start making kale chips at home? What’s your favorite seasoning combo? Send us an email or leave a comment below! You can also let us know on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterestpages.
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Kale Chips Recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, or any other desired seasoning (see above for more ideas)
Instructions
Baked Kale Chips
- Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil and massage it gently with your hands to ensure each leaf is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings over the kale, tossing to evenly distribute.
- Arrange the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the kale chips from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Follow steps 1-4 from the baked kale chips method above.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Working in batches, place the seasoned kale leaves in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the kale chips are crispy and lightly browned, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Repeat with any remaining kale leaves.
- Let the chips cool slightly before serving, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
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