Crunchy Kale Chips
Transform your leafy greens into a delightful snack with these Crunchy Kale Chips! Perfect for those who find it hard to enjoy their veggies, this recipe ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and crunch. Dressed with a light drizzle of olive oil and a splash of apple cider vinegar, these chips are not only easy to make but also a hit among picky eaters and health enthusiasts alike. Enjoy them as a healthy snack, side dish, or a topping for soups and salads. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll be adding this to your weekly snack rotation in no time!
N/A
Servings
15
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh kale
6-8 cups (chopped, hard stems removed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Start by placing an oven rack on the lowest shelf and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thoroughly wash 6-8 cups of fresh kale and remove the hard stems. Pat the kale dry to ensure it crisps up nicely.
3
Spread the chopped kale evenly on a sturdy baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the greens. This allows for even cooking.
4
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar over the kale. Toss the leaves gently to ensure they are completely coated without squeezing out the air.
5
Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
6
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the baking sheet and stir the kale chips around. This step is key for achieving uniform crispness.
7
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you're looking for a light golden brown color and a crisp texture.
8
To test for doneness, touch a chip. If it bends instead of cracking, give it more time in the oven. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
9
Once they're crisp, remove the kale chips from the oven. For added flavor, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (Maldon sea salt is highly recommended) while they are still warm.
10
Enjoy immediately for the best crispiness!
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
1g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Kale Chips?
Crunchy Kale Chips are a healthy, flavorful snack made by baking fresh kale leaves until they are light and crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for healthy diets?
Yes, these chips are gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, and a great way to eat more leafy greens.
How many calories are in a serving of kale chips?
Each serving contains approximately 15 calories.
What kind of kale is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6-8 cups of fresh kale with the hard stems removed.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Where should I place the oven rack?
For the best results, place the oven rack on the lowest shelf.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the kale.
Why is apple cider vinegar included?
One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is added to provide a splash of flavor and brightness.
What is the first step in preparing the kale?
Thoroughly wash the kale and remove the hard stems.
Why must I pat the kale dry?
Drying the kale ensures that the chips become crispy in the oven rather than steaming.
Should I crowd the baking sheet?
No, spread the kale evenly and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
How do I coat the kale in oil?
Drizzle the oil and vinegar over the leaves and toss gently to coat them without squeezing out the air.
How long is the initial baking time?
The kale chips should bake for an initial 10 minutes before being stirred.
Why do I need to stir the chips halfway through?
Stirring the kale chips is a key step for achieving uniform crispness across all the leaves.
How much longer do they bake after stirring?
Bake for an additional 8-12 minutes after the initial stir.
What color should the finished chips be?
Look for a light golden brown color and a crisp texture.
How can I test if the kale chips are done?
Touch a chip; if it cracks, it is done. If it bends, it needs more time in the oven.
What if the chips brown too quickly?
If you notice they are browning too fast, lower the oven heat slightly.
When should I add salt?
Sprinkle with salt once they are removed from the oven and still warm.
What type of salt is recommended?
Maldon sea salt is highly recommended for the best flavor.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and is 100% vegan.
How much fat is in these kale chips?
There is approximately 1.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this snack?
Each serving contains about 1g of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in kale chips?
Yes, each serving provides 0.5g of protein.
How much fiber do these chips have?
There is 0.5g of fiber per serving.
Are these good for picky eaters?
Yes, the crunchy texture and seasoning make them a hit for those who struggle to enjoy vegetables.
Can I use these as a topping?
Absolutely, they work great as a topping for soups and salads.
When is the best time to eat them?
They are best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crispiness.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 4 simple ingredients: kale, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt.
Are these chips gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.