Craving a light, crispy snack that’s actually good for you? These Air Fried Kale Chips are perfectly crunchy, packed with coconut curry flavour, and ready in minutes!
Ahhh, good ol’ kale chips. The epitome of turning a leafy green into something snack-worthy and craveable. Who knew kale could go from being the healthy sidekick of your salad to the star of your snack game? With the perfect crispy crunch and bold flavours, these chips will become your new go-to. Regular chips, who?!
If you’re a fan of savory and healthy, these coconut curry air fried kale chips are about to rock your snack world. A little sweet, a little spicy, and totally addictive, they’re the perfect balance of flavour and crunch. Whether you’re munching on them during movie night or sneaking them as a midday snack, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without any guilt.
And, of course, we can always rely on the air fryer for turning kale into crispy perfection without any fuss and hardly any oil. It makes the whole process SO easy—just toss it in, press a button, and a few minutes later, you’ve got a healthy snack that’s way too easy to make and even easier to devour.
Now, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these on repeat. They’re seriously that good. Once you taste that crispy, flavourful crunch, it’ll be hard to resist making a batch every week. The coconut curry flavour is incredible, but honestly, the flavour possibilities for air fried kale chips are endless—so feel free to have fun and experiment, I guarantee you’ll discover a new favourite every time!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRIED KALE CHIPS
These air fried kale chips are anything but basic! They’re crispy, golden, and bursting with warm curry spices, a hint of coconut, and just the right touch of sweetness. The coconut oil gives them a rich, nutty undertone, while the turmeric adds that gorgeous golden colour (and some anti-inflammatory benefits, too!). They’re the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet—with a little optional heat if you like a kick. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make them in a little bit more detail:
- Kale: Curly or lacinato (also called dinosaur kale) both work, but curly kale gives the crispiest results. Make sure to remove the tough stems and dry the leaves really well before seasoning.
- Oil: Either coconut oil or avocado oil work in this recipe for air fried kale chips. However, I prefer coconut oil as it really makes these chips shine! It adds a subtle sweetness and a slightly nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the curry spices.
- (Unsweetened Shredded) Coconut: A sprinkle of shredded coconut gives these chips a delicate crunch and a naturally sweet contrast to the warm spices.
- Curry Powder: The star of the show! This blend of warming spices brings depth and a rich, earthy flavour to every bite. However, for extra depth, you can use graham masala instead, if you prefer.
- Turmeric: Not only does it add a pop of golden colour, but it also boosts the chips with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavours and makes each bite extra satisfying.
- Coconut Sugar: A tiny bit of natural sweetness rounds out the spice and enhances the coconut flavour. If you’re keto, swap this for a sugar-free alternative!
- Cayenne (optional): If you like a little heat, cayenne gives these chips a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavours.
HOW TO MAKE KALE CHIPS IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these easy air fryer kale chips in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Dry the kale completely. Any moisture left on the leaves will cause steaming instead of crisping. After washing, pat them dry with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner for best results.
- Massage the oil and spices into the leaves. Don’t just drizzle and toss—use your hands to massage the coconut oil and seasonings into every leaf to ensure even coating and maximum flavour. EXTRA TIP: Wash your hands right away as the turmeric will stain them yellow! Trust me. ACT FAST!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Spread the kale in a single layer with a little space between pieces. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid soggy chips.
- Watch closely. These chips cook FAST (like, blink and they’re burnt fast). Start checking at 4 minutes and shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Let them cool for extra crunch. Kale chips crisp up even more as they cool. If they seem slightly soft out of the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes before digging in.
- Sprinkle coconut at the end. To prevent burning, add the shredded coconut right after air frying so it sticks to the warm chips without turning bitter.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Love extra spice? Add more cayenne. Want it sweeter? A touch more coconut sugar will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your perfect batch!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can absolutely crisp kale in an air fryer, and it’s actually one of the best methods for achieving that perfect, crunchy texture. The air fryer circulates hot air around the kale, allowing it to crisp up without the need for excessive oil. The key is to make sure the kale is properly dried and evenly coated with a thin layer of oil or seasoning. This ensures that each piece crisps up nicely while retaining its vibrant green colour. Air frying is a quick and easy way to get perfectly crispy kale chips, with minimal fuss and fewer calories compared to traditional frying.
Yes! Air fried kale chips are a super healthy snack. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants that support overall health. Unlike store-bought chips loaded with unhealthy fats and additives, these are made with wholesome ingredients and just a touch of healthy fat from coconut oil. Air frying keeps them light and crispy without needing excessive oil, making them a guilt-free way to satisfy your snack cravings. Plus, with the added benefits of turmeric and curry spices, these chips aren’t just delicious—they’re loaded with goodness!
Kale does lose some nutrients when air fried, but it still remains a highly nutritious snack. Heat can reduce certain water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, but kale is so rich in nutrients that it still provides plenty of health benefits. Air frying is also a gentler cooking method compared to deep frying or roasting at high temperatures, helping to preserve more antioxidants, fiber, and minerals like calcium and potassium. So while there may be a slight loss, air fried kale chips are still a great way to enjoy the health benefits of kale in a crispy, delicious form!
To properly store kale chips, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. After they’ve completely cooled, transfer them to a sealed jar or zip-top bag. For the best results, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating kale chips, as this can cause them to lose their crunch and become soft. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can also add a small packet of silica gel or a desiccant packet inside the container to absorb any moisture. Properly stored, your kale chips should stay crispy and delicious for up to a week!
NO AIR FRYER? NO PROBLEM! Try my oven baked kale chips instead!
MORE WAYS TO USE YOUR AIR FRYER
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AIR FRIED KALE CHIPS
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Kale stems removed, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (or avocado oil for a milder taste) melted
- 1 tbsp Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- ½ tsp Curry Powder (or garam masala for extra depth)
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Coconut Sugar (or monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly version)
- ¼ tsp Cayenne optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale using a salad spinner or a kitchen towel. Moisture = soggy chips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, curry powder, turmeric, salt, coconut sugar, and cayenne (if using).
- Pour the mixture over the kale and use your hands to massage it in. This step makes sure every leaf is packed with flavour.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Spread the kale in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Don’t walk away—these cook fast! Sprinkle with shredded coconut right after cooking for extra texture and a touch of sweetness. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool!
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Nutrition
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