Baked Kale Chips

Why This Is The Best Kale Chips Recipe 

• Quick and Easy: It's so simple and easy to make your own kale chips. You'll wonder why you ever had store-bought ones.
• Foolproof: This is my go-to method for making the crispiest kale chips every single time without fail.
• Tasty: The combination of crispy kale, garlic powder, and a hint of red pepper flakes (if you choose to add them) makes for a truly delicious snack.
• Healthy: Kale is a superfood that's packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. By baking it into chips, you can enjoy this healthy green in a whole new way.
• Satisfying: These kale chips are so satisfyingly crunchy, you won't even miss your regular potato chips. Plus, they're a great way to satisfy your snack cravings without derailing your healthy eating plan.

Key Ingredients

Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Kale: This leafy green is the star of the show, providing a crunchy, nutritious base for our chips. I recommend using curly kale for the best results.
• Almond Flour: This ingredient helps to give our kale chips a crispy, crunchy texture.
• Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder gives our kale chips a savory, umami flavor that's simply irresistible.
• Avocado Oil: This healthy fat is perfect for roasting, giving our kale chips a deliciously crisp texture. If you're looking for a substitute, you can use olive oil instead.

How to Make Kale Chips

Making this incredible kale chips recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300 F. While your oven is heating up, take the time to grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Kale: Using a knife, carefully remove the kale leaves from the stem. Tear the leaves into bite-size pieces and place them in a large bowl.

3. Add the Flavorings: Sprinkle the kale leaves with almond flour, garlic powder, and salt. If you want to add a little kick, you can also add some red pepper flakes. These will give your kale chips a nice, spicy flavor.

4. Drizzle with Oil and Mix: Next, drizzle the kale leaves with avocado oil. This will help the flavorings to stick to the kale and will also give them a nice, crispy texture. Mix everything together to ensure the kale leaves are evenly coated with the flavorings and oil.

5. Bake the Kale: Spread the kale leaves out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, making sure to stir the kale halfway through to ensure even crisping.

6. Serve: Once they're nice and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a bowl or airtight container. Enjoy your homemade kale chips as a delicious and healthy snack!

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips For Making the Best Kale Chips

• Choose the Right Kale: It's best to use curly kale. This type of kale has a hearty texture and holds up well to the baking process, resulting in a crispy chip.
• Thoroughly Dry the Kale: After washing the kale, make sure to pat it dry or use a salad spinner. Wet kale will steam in the oven instead of getting crispy.
• Use a Single Layer: When you arrange the kale on the baking sheet, make sure it's in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can cause the kale to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy chips.

Serving Suggestions

• For a light afternoon snack, pair these crispy kale chips with a creamy yogurt dip. The tangy flavor of the dip complements the earthy tones of the kale.
• Want a guilt-free movie night snack? These baked kale chips are a perfect choice. They're light, crispy, and packed with flavor, making them a satisfying alternative to traditional potato chips.
• Kale chips also make a great topping for soups and salads. Their crisp texture adds a nice contrast to the softer textures of the dishes. Plus, you'll be adding an extra dose of nutrients to your meal!
• They're so versatile that you can even enjoy them on their own as a quick, on-the-go snack. Just pop them in an airtight container and you're good to go. They're a tasty way to get your greens in!

Recipe Variation Ideas 

• Spicier: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The heat will give them an extra kick that's perfect for spice lovers.
• Cheesy: For a cheesy twist, try adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to your kale chips. This will give them a cheesy flavor without adding any actual cheese. It's a great way to enjoy the flavor of cheese while keeping your snacks dairy-free.
• Garlicky: If you love the flavor of garlic, you can enhance it in this variation. Simply increase the amount of garlic powder in the recipe. This will give your kale chips a strong, garlicky flavor that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Other Seasonings: You can also experiment with other seasonings and spices such as your favorite spice mix or add spices you may have in your pantry like onion powder, chili powder, and cumin to the mix! Just make sure to toss them properly.

How to Store Leftovers

• Storing: After enjoying your batch of crispy kale chips, you might have some leftovers. No worries! Simply place the remaining chips in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, it's not recommended to freeze your baked kale chips. Freezing can cause the chips to lose their crisp texture and fresh flavor.