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Crispy Baked Kale Chips

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Easy to make and impossible to stop eating, these crispy baked kale chips are chock full of vitamins and fiber. These chips are an easy win for your picky eaters!

bowl of kale chips with some scattered around it on a wooden table

Kale chips are amazing. And making your own is simple and satisfying!

These crispy baked kale chips deliver a super-nutritious veggie in a chip-like snack that kids AND adults (even those who don’t typically love veggies) find irresistible.

Roasting the kale also tamps down this leafy green’s natural bitterness, so the chips taste more mild than sauteed or braised kale.

If you’re in need of a veggie “win” with your kids, try making our own kale chips… it’s easy!

roasted kale chips on a pan, freshly made

Tips for Making the Best Baked Kale Chips

  • Cut your kale into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Don’t be afraid to cut them on the small side.
  • Wash your kale, and dry it SUPER well. Getting rid of moisture is key to getting crispy chips. We like to pat our leaves dry with a flour sack towel, and we do this AFTER chopping, right before we add the oil and seasonings.
  • Put the oil on your hands, not on the greens. Putting the oil on your hands lets you evenly distribute it, so you don’t have pockets of greasy kale and areas that are dry. Plus it’s nice and moisturizing. 😉
  • Don’t over-salt. The kale loses a lot of volume in the oven, so a little salt goes a long way.
  • Give the greens some space on the baking sheet. Again, this is important if you want crispy chips. If possible, the leaves should only just barely touch. If you have way too many for one pan, save them for a second batch. They cook fast!
  • Have fun with seasonings. Try salt, pepper, curry, chili powder, nutritional yeast, or Parmasan cheese. Find your favorite combo!
  • Check on your chips often: watch for burning kale! Burnt kale chips are very sad indeed, and the line between perfectly done and blackened to a crisp can sometimes span just a minute or two. Check those chips!

What Kind of Kale Should You Use?

We like to use curly kale to make kale chips, because it’s usually the most tender kind, and those frilly edges get nice and crispy. You can use dino kale (also called lacinato kale) if you like. The recipe will still turn out!

blue bowl full of kale chips on a wooden table

What Makes Kale so Good for You, Anyway?

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! There are so many benefits to adding kale to your family’s diet. Here are just a few:

  • Kale is loaded with powerful antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol.
  • It is an excellent source of Vitamins C & K, and fiber.
  • Kale is a good source of minerals that most kids don’t get enough of.
  • It improves the strength of bone, skin, and hair.

I hope you try these amazing kale chips and enjoy them as much as we do! If you’re looking for another leafy greens recipes that kids LOVE, try our Sweet Spinach Muffins.

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3.6 from 31 votes

Kale Chips

Crispy, addicting kale chips are packed with fiber and vitamins and easy to make! Share them with your picky eaters.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 76kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Chop 1 head of kale into 1/2 inch pieces (about 4 cups worth).
  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the olive oil directly into your hands, then massage the kale leaves until they're evenly coated in oil. Sprinkle with salt and optional nutritional yeast.
  • Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until crispy, turning the chips halfway through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Keyword : Kale Chips

www.superhealthykids.com

 

Natalie Monson

I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.

Learn More about Natalie

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5 Comments

I just have baby kale in my fridge. Can I use baby kale? If so, do I reduce the roasting time? Thank you!