Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips Recipe
This air fryer crispy kale chips with nutritional yeast recipe is the perfect mix of savory, crunchy and healthy. Kale leaves are coated in a mix of cashew cream and nutritional yeast then air-fried for a dairy-free cheesy flavor. And the best part is that they are simple to make!
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Please note, while these kale chips are a tasty crunchy snack, they are nothing like potato chips. If you want to satisfy your potato chip cravings, try making these homemade air-fryer potato chips instead!
Kale is one of the many leafy greens that have gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Some people don’t like the strong taste of kale, but these chips might change that. The creamy cashew “cheese” adds a ton of flavor, making these chips salty, cripsy, and delicious and it’s a great way to eat more veggies.
Why you will love Air Fryer Kale Chips
- It’s a healthy snack option packed with fiber, nutrients, and protein.
- Air fryer kale chips are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Kale chips are a low-carb snack that is versatile! Customize the seasoning to suit your preference.
Here is What You Will Need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make air fryer kale chips and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
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Ingredients
- Fresh kale
- Cashews
- Garlic
- Tamari sauce
- Nutritional yeast
🥄Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Food Processor
- Large Bowl
How to make this kale chips recipe in an air fryer
Prepare the ingredients: Soak the cashews in water for at least 2 hours up to overnight. Clean and dry the bunch of kale, remove the stems, and it break the leaves into bite-sized pieces that are about 1 to 2 inches in size.
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees f.
STEP 1: Drain the cashews and place them into a food processor bowl with garlic, tamari sauce and nutritional yeast to make the cashew cheese.
STEP 2: Process the cashew mixture into a thick paste; gradually add water until the “cheese” becomes a creamy thick texture similar to ricotta cheese.
STEP 3: Pour the cashew cheese mixture over the kale pieces in a large mixing bowl.
STEP 4: Use your hands to massage the cashew cheese into the kale chips gently.
STEP 5: Arrange the kale pieces in a single layer in an air fryer basket or air fryer the tray into a preheated air fryer.
STEP 6: Air fry the kale chips for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Some of the chips will cook faster than others.
Cook time can vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer. Check the owner’s manual for details for your air fryer.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Fresh Kale – You can use any type of kale to make your own kale chips, including baby kale, which will cook faster due to its fragility. Curly kale, Russian kale or dinosaur kale are all great options.
Cashews – Add a delicious creamy texture; when nutritional yeast is added, it tastes very similar to the cheese sauce. I have not tried this recipe with any other type of nuts, and cannot recommend a substitution for cashews.
Tamari Sauce – Is very similar to soy sauce and can be replaced one for one with soy sauce or liquid aminos.
Garlic – Fresh garlic tastes best in this recipe, but you can substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the clove of garlic.
Nutritional Yeast – Tastes very similar to parmesan cheese. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute it with one-for-one parmesan cheese.
What to serve with air-fried kale chips
Air fryer kale chips taste great as they are garnished with sea salt and black pepper or with a variety of appetizers such as a cheese board, hummus and veggies or veggie charcuterie board. They can also also be served as a side dish with your favorite burger.
How to store leftover kale chips
Kale chips don’t last long, but if you do have any leftovers, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for no longer than three days. They will not be as crispy as when they are fresh but will have the same flavor.
Air fryer kale chips recipe variations
Even though these chips are delicious as they are, add some of your favorite seasonings to take your kale chips to the next level. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Spicy – Mix a tablespoon of sriracha sauce into the cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
Smoky – Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of smoked paprika to your cashew cheese for a smoky, earthy flavor.
Everything Bagel – Sprinkle your kale chips with everything bagel seasoning before adding them to the air fryer.
Tips
- Thoroughly dry the kale with a clean towel or paper towel before coating the leaves with cashew cheese – a salad spinner works well for this.
- Arrange the kale leaves in a single layer with room around them so that they can cook properly.
- Keep a close eye on the kale chips as they are cooking, they can go from slightly brown to burned chips in minutes.
Yes, you can easily make these in the oven! Follow the instructions in the recipe. Instead of placing the coated kale leaves on an air fryer tray, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven until golden and crispy; about 20 minutes.
Under cooking kale chips as well as crowding the air fryer can cause the chips to become soggy. If you avoid crowding the air fryer and undercooking them.
Nutritional yeast is a type of deactivated yeast that is popular in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It is rich in nutrients and minerals and has a savory cheese-like flavor. It is often used as a topping for popcorn, salads, pasta, and vegan cheese dishes.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of kale stems removed and torn into uniform sized pieces – or 3 to 4 cups of baby kale.
- 1 cup [cashews] soaked in water overnight
- 3 cloves of garlic to taste
- 1 tablespoon [tamari sauce] or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup [nutritional yeast]
- up to 2 tablespoons water Plus water to soak cashews
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a bowl or cup and cover them with water; let them soak for at least two hours up to overnight.
- When it's time to make the chips, prepare the kale leaves. Rinse the kale, trim the stems from the leaves and break the leaves into bite-sized pieces. place kale leaves into a large bowl and set them aside
- Place the trimmed kale leaves into a large bowl and set them aside
- Drain the water from cashews and place them in a food processor with the garlic cloves.
- Process until mixture forms a thick paste
- At this point the cashew mixture will be thick and pasty – gradually add water and process until it becomes a thick creamy texture similar to ricotta cheese.
- Pour the cashew cheese mixture over the kale leaves in the bow, and massage it into the kale leaves with your hands
- Place the coated kale leaves onto the tray or basket of an air fryer, and air fry at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes until the chips begin to turn golden and crispy.
- Some chips will cook faster than others, remove them from the tray as they are done, and keep an eye on them.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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I’m a big kale chip fan! Love your technique for using the air fryer to crisp them up. The perfect way to get them crisp. Will definitely give this one a try!