{this post was originally published July 2013 and republished on Aug 5th 2025}

When it comes to snacking, everyone loves something crunchy and satisfying. But what if you could enjoy that crispy texture while also packing in nutrients? Enter kale chips! These tasty, guilt-free snacks are the perfect blend of health and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, kale chips are easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kale chips are more than just a trendy snack. They’re a fantastic way to get more greens into your diet, even if you or your family aren’t big fans of leafy vegetables. The transformation of kale into crispy, light chips is nothing short of magical. They’re perfect for those times when you crave something salty but want to avoid the processed options. Plus, with endless possibilities for seasoning and add-ins, you can make these chips uniquely yours. Trust me, once you start making kale chips, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them!

Ingredients for Kale Chips

• kale (curly or lacinato works best)
• olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

*see below for add-ins and different flavour profiles

Optional Kale Chips Add-ins and Substitutions:

• Nutritional yeast: For a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy (if you’ve never tried nutritional yeast, today is the day to start! According to the folks over at Bob’s Red Mill, nutritional yeast “is grown on enriched purified cane and beet molasses under carefully controlled conditions. With the addition of vitamin B12, it is an ideal vegetarian support formula and has an appealing cheese flavor. It can be sprinkled over popcorn or salads, added to juice, cereal, smoothies, gravies, soups or casseroles, or used to make sandwich spreads”.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth to your chips.
• Garlic powder: For an extra punch of flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle a bit on top for a savory finish.
• Coconut oil: For a slight hint of sweetness, replace olive oil with coconut oil.
• Lemon zest: Brightens up the flavor and adds a refreshing zing.
• Chili flakes: If you like a bit of heat, this is your go-to add-in.
• Sesame seeds: Add a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor.

How to Make Kale Chips

1. Prep the Kale: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. It’s important that the kale is completely dry; otherwise, the chips will steam rather than crisp up. Remove the leaves from the stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the Kale: In a large bowl, toss the kale with olive oil. Make sure each piece is lightly coated, but not drenched. Sprinkle with sea salt and any additional seasonings you choose.
3. Bake the Kale: Spread the kale pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chips won’t crisp up evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking around the 15-minute mark. The chips should be crispy but not burnt.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Once the chips are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before eating. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storing: Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for 2-3 days, though they might lose some crunch over time.
• Freezing: Kale chips can be frozen, but they may not retain the same crispiness once thawed. If you do freeze them, reheat in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to restore some of their crunch.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the kale (wash, dry, and tear) and store it in the fridge a day in advance. However, it’s best to bake the chips fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

If You Love Kale Chips, Here are Other Recipes to Try:

If you loved making kale chips, you might enjoy trying out other crunchy and healthy snacks available here on JustCrumbs.ca. Here are a few suggestions:

• Smoked Carrot Bacon (and why this non-vegan could totally get used to this)
• The Crunchiest Zucchini Fries
• A Step by Step Guide to the Best Zucchini Fritters

Kale chips are a wonderful snack to have on hand, whether you’re craving something healthy or looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!

Good-For-You Kale Chips

If you know, you know!! They’ll be your best friend if you love potato chips!!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch kale (green or purple)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and get a baking sheet ready (lined with foil)
• Separate your bunch of kale and wash in a sink full of cold water (make sure to get rid of any sand in the crevices). Cut out the centre ribs (hard stalk in the middle of each leaf) and discard.
• Put all of the leaves on a clean tea towel to dry off the leaves and then place them on a cookie sheet (try to keep them flattened in one layer…they will shrink a lot in the oven).
• Drizzle with olive oil and massage into each leaf and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake for about 10 minutes (watch it as you want it to get crispy but not brown – it should retain some of it’s colour).