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Crispy Everything Kale Chips: The Snack You Won’t Stop Eating

Kale chips. I remember my initial skepticism. This leafy green, usually relegated to the side of my plate or hidden in a smoothie, was being touted as the next big snack? Then I tried them – a batch made by my health-conscious sister. The airy crispness, the surprising depth of flavor, the sheer addictive quality – it was a revelation. I’ve been experimenting with kale chips ever since, and this “everything” version is a family favorite. Get ready for a snack attack, because these chips are seriously good.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: About 8 cups
Dietary Type: Vegan (without parmesan), Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (without parmesan)

Ingredients

8 cups kale (stems removed, chopped, washed and spun until almost dry)
2 tablespoons walnut oil or 2 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced

Dry Ingredients

1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt, adding more if not using cheese
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon poppy seed (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon chives, chopped (optional)
1⁄8 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon thyme (or herbs of choice)

Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack on the lower level. This helps ensure even cooking and crisping.
In a small bowl, mix together all the optional dry ingredients. This is where you get to customize! Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preferences or omit ingredients you don’t like. A good starting point is the recipe’s measurements, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
In a large bowl, gently massage the kale with the walnut oil (or olive oil) and thinly sliced garlic. Ensure the kale is evenly coated with the oil. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chips. If the kale is too wet, it will steam instead of crisping.
Sprinkle the dry ingredient mixture over the oiled kale. Toss well to ensure even distribution. Use your hands to gently massage the seasonings into the kale leaves.
Spread the kale in a single layer onto a baking sheet. If you’re using parchment paper, this will make cleanup a breeze. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will also lead to steaming rather than crisping. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the kale is crispy and browned around the edges. Halfway through the baking time, about 7-8 minutes in, stir the kale to ensure even cooking.
Check the kale frequently during the last few minutes of baking. If the kale is not crispy after 15 minutes, continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the chips are crisp. Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Be careful not to burn the chips.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the kale chips cool slightly before serving. They will crisp up even more as they cool.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Kale Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant green kale. Avoid kale with yellowing or browning leaves. Curly kale works well for chips, but Lacinato (dinosaur) kale is also a great option.
Drying is Key: Thoroughly drying the kale after washing is essential for crispy chips. A salad spinner is your best friend here. You can also pat the kale dry with paper towels.
Oil Sparingly: Don’t over-oil the kale. Too much oil will result in soggy chips.
Garlic Watch: Keep a close eye on the garlic during baking. It can burn easily and become bitter. Thinly slicing the garlic helps it cook evenly.
Cheese Alternatives: For a vegan version, try nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Oven Hot Spots: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Crisping Rescue: If your kale chips aren’t as crispy as you’d like, you can return them to the oven for a few more minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these crispy everything kale chips immediately for the best texture. They make a fantastic snack on their own, or you can serve them as a side dish with sandwiches, soups, or salads.

To store leftover kale chips, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for about 2-3 days. After that, they may start to lose their crispness.

Reheating kale chips is not recommended, as they can become soggy. However, if you must reheat them, you can briefly warm them in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) for a few minutes to help restore some of their crispness.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings, without optional parmesan)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	90 kcal	5%
Total Fat	6g	8%
Saturated Fat	0.5g	3%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	140mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	9g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	3g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Kale Chips: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredient mixture for a spicy kick.
Lemon Pepper Kale Chips: Add lemon zest and black pepper to the dry ingredient mixture for a bright and zesty flavor.
Smoked Paprika Kale Chips: Use smoked paprika in the dry ingredient mixture for a smoky flavor.
Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil.
Different Oils: Try avocado oil or coconut oil instead of walnut or olive oil.
Vegan Cheese: Use your favorite vegan parmesan cheese alternative.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Skip the individual dry ingredients and use everything bagel seasoning for a quick and easy option.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my kale chips not crispy?
A: The most common reasons for soggy kale chips are not drying the kale thoroughly enough or overcrowding the baking sheet. Make sure to spin the kale well and spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Q: Can I use pre-cut kale for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cut kale, but make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly before using.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Thinly slice the garlic and keep a close eye on it during baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can remove the chips from the oven or lower the oven temperature slightly.

Q: Can I make these kale chips in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can make kale chips in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is crispy.

Q: Are kale chips a healthy snack?
A: Yes, kale chips are a healthy snack option. Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, be mindful of the amount of oil and salt used, as these can add calories and sodium.

Final Thoughts

So, ditch the greasy potato chips and embrace the vibrant crunch of these Crispy Everything Kale Chips. They’re surprisingly addictive, incredibly healthy, and endlessly customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your own signature version. I guarantee that once you try these, you’ll never look at kale the same way again. Now, go forth and get your crisp on! And please, let me know in the comments how your kale chip adventures turn out! I’m always eager to hear your creative twists and variations. Happy snacking!

Crispy Everything Kale Chips Recipe