Baked Crispy Kale Chips

Featured in: Healthy Everyday Eats

This dish delivers crispy, savory baked kale chips that transform simple leaves into a crunchy treat. The kale is washed, dried, and coated in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, and optional spices before baking at a low temperature to achieve a perfectly crisp texture. It’s a nourishing, easy-to-make snack ideal for quick preparation and minimal cleanup. Enhancements like nutritional yeast or parmesan add depth of flavor, while proper storage retains the crunch for days.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:18:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy, and delicious baked kale chips ready for a guilt-free snack time, perfectly seasoned. Save
Golden, crunchy, and delicious baked kale chips ready for a guilt-free snack time, perfectly seasoned. | forkta.com

Crispy, flavorful kale chips baked to perfection&a trendy, healthy, and budget-friendly snack that satisfies your crunch craving.

I first discovered baked kale chips as a simple way to curb cravings for salty snacks during busy afternoons. They quickly became my favorite guilt-free treat for movie nights.

Ingredients

  • Kale: 1 large bunch (about 200 g), washed and thoroughly dried
  • Olive oil: 1½ tablespoons
  • Sea salt: 1⁄2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1⁄4 teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Optional seasoning: 1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 150℃ (300℉). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prep kale:
Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Season:
Place the kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Toss thoroughly to coat every leaf evenly.
Arrange:
Arrange the kale pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are crisp but not browned. Watch closely towards the end to avoid burning.
Cool:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
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Sharing kale chips with my family always sparks joy—everyone loves grabbing a handful while chatting at the kitchen counter.

Required Tools

Large bowl, baking sheets, parchment paper, salad spinner or kitchen towel (for drying kale), oven

Allergen Information

Contains olive oil. Naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. If adding cheese, check for dairy allergens. Always check spice labels for cross-contamination if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 60, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 6 g, Protein: 2 g

A close-up of oven-baked kale chips: crisp, vibrant green leaves with seasoning visible. Save
A close-up of oven-baked kale chips: crisp, vibrant green leaves with seasoning visible. | forkta.com

Kale chips are perfect for a light snack or party nibbles. Enjoy their crisp flavor on their own or paired with your favorite dip.

Recipe FAQs

How do you make kale chips crispy?

Ensure kale leaves are thoroughly dried and coat them evenly with olive oil before baking at a low temperature. Bake them in a single layer without overlapping for crispiness.

What temperature is best for baking kale?

Baking at 150°C (300°F) allows the kale to crisp without burning, usually taking 12-15 minutes.

Can I add extra flavors to the kale chips?

Yes, spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or nutritional yeast can add more depth and flavor.

How should kale chips be stored to keep them crunchy?

Store kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature and re-crisp in a low oven if needed.

Are baked kale chips suitable for special diets?

These kale chips are vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, fitting well into many dietary preferences.

Can I use other oils besides olive oil?

Olive oil is recommended for flavor and health benefits, but other oils with a mild taste and high smoke point can be used.

Baked Crispy Kale Chips

Crispy baked kale with olive oil and spices offers a healthy, flavorful crunchy snack option.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 large bunch kale (approximately 7 ounces), washed and thoroughly dried

Oils

01 1½ tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

01 ½ teaspoon sea salt
02 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to preheat at 300°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step 03

Season Kale: Place the kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and optional spices. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 04

Arrange Kale on Baking Sheets: Spread the kale pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring leaves do not overlap.

Step 05

Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Bake until edges are crisp but avoid browning to prevent burning.

Step 06

Cool and Serve: Remove trays from the oven and allow the kale chips to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Salad spinner or kitchen towel
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains olive oil; free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. Confirm dairy presence if adding cheese. Check spices for cross-contamination.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 60
  • Total Fat: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g