Discover how to whip up deliciously cheesy and crispy kale chips in your air fryer! These healthy snacks are incredibly easy to make, lightly seasoned, nut-free, and oil-free. Perfect for vegans, gluten-free, and paleo diets, they can also be prepared using oven and dehydrator methods. Enjoy a guilt-free crunch anytime!

Bowl of Air Fryer Kale Chips No Oil in blue bowl.
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If you love healthy air fryer recipes, this is one of the best. Kale chips are amazing, so if you’re looking for a healthy snack or something to make alongside your lunch or dinner packed with vitamins and minerals, check out this easy recipe for air fryer kale chips!

So, whether you have an air fryer, with or without a dehydrator, you can make this amazing snack.

Looking for even more easy air fryer snack recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Eggplant Chips, Air Fryer Spinach Chips, or Air Fryer Wonton Chips.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Healthier Snack Option: These kale chips are a guilt-free alternative to traditional chips, providing a nutritious crunch without the added oil.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of crispy kale chips in no time.
  • Versatile Flavoring: You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you prefer a simple salt sprinkle or more adventurous spices.
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free: These chips fit into various dietary preferences, making them accessible for everyone to enjoy.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Kale chips can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick, healthy snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

Fresh kale on cutting board.
  • Fresh Kale: Remove The Stems
  • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice helps crips the kale in the air fryer and adds flavor!
  • Salt: Use regular or sea salt

How To Make Air Fryer Kale Chips With No Oil

Preparing kale chips on cutting board.

Step One: Wash your kale leaves with cold water, then use a sharp knife and remove the stems from the leaves.

Step Two: Cut your kale into even sized pieces; use your hands to rip the leaves apart or use a paring knife.

Step Three: Add your cut kale to a large bowl, and then add lemon juice and salt. Toss to coat the kale leaves.

Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees f, add the kale to the basket, and cook them for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Then reduce the temperature to 310 degrees F, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chips are crispy.

Plate of crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips made without oil, showcasing vibrant green kale seasoned and cooked to perfection.

Air Fryer Kale Chips No Oil Recipe Tips

  • Prep the Kale Properly: Ensure the kale leaves are completely dry before seasoning and cooking.
  • Season Generously: While you’re skipping the oil, don’t skimp on the seasoning.
  • Massage the Seasonings: Spend a few extra moments massaging the seasonings into the kale leaves.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the kale chips.
  • Arrange Evenly: Arrange the seasoned kale leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
  • Shake or Flip: Shake the air fryer basket or flip the kale chips halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
  • Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the kale chips towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
  • Enjoy Immediately: For the crispiest results, enjoy the kale chips immediately after cooking.

Air Fryer Kale Chips No Oil

What Type of Kale Should I Use? While Tuscan kale is often preferred for its flat leaves, curly kale works just as well. Just ensure to remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces before seasoning.

Why are my kale chips soggy? Sogginess can occur due to excess moisture on the kale leaves or overcrowding in the air fryer basket.

How do I store leftover kale chips? Store any leftover kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use frozen kale for this recipe? Frozen kale can work in a pinch, but it may release more moisture during cooking, resulting in slightly softer chips. Thaw and pat dry the frozen kale before seasoning and air frying.

My kale chips burned. What did I do wrong? Burning can happen if the kale chips are cooked at too high a temperature or for too long.

Can I use different seasonings? Absolutely! Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your kale chips. Everything from simple sea salt and black pepper to more adventurous options like garlic powder, chili flakes, or nutritional yeast can be used.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Kale Chips No Oil

Air Fryer Kale Chips No Oil

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Homemade crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are a tasty and healthy low-calorie snack that can be prepared in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients 

  • 4 cups kale
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Wash your kale leaves with cold water, then use a sharp knife and remove the stems from the leaves Dry the leaves thoroughly.
  • Cut your kale into even-sized pieces; use your hands to rip the leaves apart or use a paring knife.
  • Add your cut kale to a large bowl, and then add lemon juice and salt. Toss to coat the kale leaves.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees f, add the kale to the basket, and cook them for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Then reduce the temperature to 310 degrees F, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chips are crispy.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 593mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 2098IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 0.3mg

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