Baked Kale Chips Recipe
How To Make Kale Chips: Bold and zesty Baked Kale Chips Recipe with a rich nutty essence. This Baked Kale Chips Recipe will make you want to kick the potato chips to the curb!
Why We Love This Kale Chips Recipe
In a season of bountiful desserts and rich heavy dishes, it’s nice to have a few to-go snacks that will keep your diet in check.
Remember when kale chips were all over the internet a couple of years ago?
It seemed like everyone was making them. Even people that generally don’t cook.
Well, I wasn’t making them… Because at that time, I didn’t like them.
Best Baked Kale Chips
I preferred a nice shaved kale salad or a green smoothie. But to me, kale chips recipes seemed bland and boring.
Then one day I saw them at a farmer’s market. The chips sitting out for samples were really crisp, and coated in something spicy.
At first taste… bells, whistles, fireworks.
This was a recipe I could see myself making on a regular basis. These were baked kale chips I would choose over potato chips!
So I went home and baked kale chips four thousand six hundred and seventy-two times, approximately, until I figured out the perfect coating.
The secret is mixing nut butter with the spices to create a rich coating that sits on top of the kale chips as they dry.
Then the second secret is to massage the kale chips, tenderly.
A glass of wine, a little Barry White… just kidding.
The massaging ensures the kale leaves are evenly coated.
Then lay them out flat and bake.
Zippy kale perfection that rivals any chip, in my opinion!
Ingredients You Need
- Bunch of Kale – Fresh fluffy bunches. You can use any variety of kale.
- Almond butter – Or your favorite natural nut butter.
- Olive oil – To make the chips crisp. (Some people like to use coconut oil)
- Ground cumin – For smooth smoky flavor.
- Chili powder – Or substitute curry powder, we make them both ways!
- Garlic powder – For zesty kick!
- Cayenne pepper – For a little extra heat. (Or paprika for low spice!)
- Salt – Because you always need a little salt. (Table salt or sea salt)
How To Make Kale Chips
Instructions
- Preheat. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Trim the kale. Wash the kale and dry it thoroughly with paper towels or a salad spinner. Pull the leaves off the center ribs/stems in large pieces, and pile them on a baking sheet.
- Mix the spice coating. In a small bowl mix the nut butter, oil, spices, and salt. Pour/sprinkle over the kale. Use your hands to massage the kale leaves until each one is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Bake. Lay the kale leaves out flat on large baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 10-11 minutes until crisp, but still green. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving.
Get The Full (Printable) Kale Chips Recipe Below! Enjoy!
Kale Chips In The Oven
I was thinking these baked curly veggie chips would make a great addition to your Halloween table this year.
It’s nice to serve something healthy along with the bushel of candy you’re kids (meaning YOU) will be eating. *wink*
Plus, they are green and crinkly, so they’ll fit right into your spooky menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Spices In This Kale Chips Recipe?
Absolutely. This is our favorite combination. Yet feel free to make the most of your spice rack and mix things up!
Can I Skip The Nut Butter?
Yes. However, the nut butter provides a ton of flavor and texture. I wouldn’t skip it, unless there is a nut allergy involved.
Are Kale Chips Healthy?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and vegan!
What If My Kale Chips Don’t Bake Evenly?
If you have cool spots in your oven, you can take the crispy chips off the baking sheet and continue baking the remaining chips a little longer.
How Long Do Kale Chips Last?
In my house… 2 days. However, if they are very crispy, you can store them in an airtight container in the pantry at room temperature for up to two weeks.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
- Roasted Indian Chickpeas
- Baked Sweet Potato Chips
- Grilled Artichokes
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Sweet Potato Hash Browns
- Paleo Nut Bars
- Best Homemade Pickles
- Healthy Baked Carrot Chips
- How to Make Kale
- Cheesy Roasted Chickpeas with Nutritional Yeast by Grateful Grazer
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, cholesterol, carbohydrates, protein, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, and calcium percentages.
Baked Kale Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale
- 2 tablespoons almond butter heaping (or any savory nut butter)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or substitute curry powder, we make them both ways
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Wash the kale and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Pull the leaves off the center ribs in large pieces, and pile on a baking sheet. Discard the ribs.
- In a small bowl mix the nut butter, oil, spices, and salt. Pour over the kale. Use your hands to massage the kale leaves until each one is evenly coated with the spice mixture. You don’t want any of the leaves to be drenched in the mixture, so take your time doing this. The more evenly the kale leaves are coated, the better they will bake.
- Lay the kale leaves out flat on 3-4 full sized baking sheets (work in batches if necessary.) Do not overlap. Bake for 10-11 minutes until crisp, but still green. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving. If some kale chips are still a little flimsy or damp, remove the crisp chips and place the damp chips back in the oven for a few more minutes. Store in an air-tight container.
I’m always whipping up lighter fare as we get into the colder months. It’s great to balance out stews with salads and to have healthy treats, like these wonderful kale chips, around to crave a snack attack.
Ugh… typing from my phone. “have a snack attack” Though, crave works I guess :-)
Awesome looking kale chips!
I haven’t tried kale chips yet but these look seriously addictive!
I love all the flavor in these!
Try mixing a little olive oil with sarracha hot sauce. They’re amazing!
I have meaning to make kale chips for so long. These look fantastic!
I love kale chips so much and the spice on these is perfect!
I need some of these after all the crazy halloween treats!
i love kale chips! they’re so healthy and i love your unique zesty version!
You know I still have not tried making kale chips! I just saw some in the store this morning and a teeny tiny bag was $8!!! I so need to make some at home!
Bring on Barry White and glass of champs. I’m a kale chip fan, glad you joined the club.
I have completely not been on the make-your-own-kale-chips wagon. These look awesome, love the “zesty”!
Oh, I love kale chips! I just typically use sea salt, but I’m definitely trying this zesty version.
I have kale in my fridge right now and can’t wait to try your version!
What a healthy option – I love it!
These look perfect, Sommer! I love a good crunchy kale chip, but the zestiness to these really excites me! They look and sound awesome!
Feel the same way about kale chips. Most ones I’ve tried are blah. This looks great though and will give it a whirl, and a massage, this weekend!
These look awesome! I’ve wanted to try a good kale chip and these will be it! The nut butter is a very interesting addition.