6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (2024)

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (1)

I’ve suffered through one too many batches of burned or soggy kale chips over the years. It took me a while to master my baked kale chip recipe, but I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way and I’d like to pass my tips along to you! From the good ‘ol Culinary School of Hard Knocks (aka: my kitchen) to you. Gotta love it.

The first time I made kale chips I remember thinking, “Should they taste burnt like this??” The easy answer is no. I’ve come to find a nice balance between crispiness and chewiness without any burnt edges. Yes, this is very serious business, this kale chip business. When baked properly, they really do make the perfect base for a satisfying chip alternative.

I know some people are eager to claim that kale is “over” due to its popularity in recent years, but seeing as it’s still rated number #1 (along with Mustard/Turnip/Collard Greens) on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI), I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon. At least not in my diet. Kale for life!

With these few simple techniques you’ll be well on your way to kale chip bliss. Or maybe you already are, in which case, feel free to skip ahead to my All-Dressed Baked Kale Chip recipe below and get crunching!

Ok, here are my top 6 tips for baking the perfect kale chips. No dehydrator required.

1. Remove the stems and tear leaves into large pieces

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of chewing through woody baked kale stems. I remove the stems very quickly by grabbing the base of the stem with one hand and pushing outwards along the stem to slide off the leaves. Works like a charm!

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (2)

2. Wash and thoroughly dry the leaves before beginning

If the leaves aren’t properly dried, the water can “steam” the kale chips while baking and lead to the dreaded soggy kale chip! Be sure they are nice and dry before you massage in the oil. A salad spinner works great; just be sure not to overload it so the leaves can properly dry.

3. Don’t skip the oil, but don’t drench it in oil either

A little bit of extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil, if you prefer) goes a long way. I like to use ½ tablespoon of oil per baking sheet of kale chips. “Massage” the oil into the leaves to ensure all the nooks and crannies are coated. Oil also helps the spices stick to the leaves.

4. Spread kale into a single layer on the baking sheet

I used to dump all the kale into a very thick layer on the baking sheet and hope for the best, but doing this tends to lead to soggy, unevenly baked kale chips. I’ve learned to be a bit more patient and spread them out into a thinner layer on each baking sheet. Be sure to rotate the baking sheet half-way through baking. There’s no real need to flip the chips unless you have the patience for it.

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (3)

5. It’s all about the low-heat for even baking

As I wrote in my cookbook, I tested all kinds of kale chip recipes at different temperatures from very low to high heats. Surprise, surprise the batches that worked the best were the ones I baked at a very low temperature of 300F. Sure, it takes a bit longer to bake, but I can assure you it’s worth it because you don’t get any burnt pieces. Remember, the goal is to crisp the kale, not scorch it into smithereens! In my oven, I bake at 300F for 10 minutes, then I rotate the pan, and bake for another 15 minutes. So 25 minutes total for kale chip perfection in my oven. This will vary based on your oven, but it’s a good starting off point!

6. Cool for just a few minutes on the baking sheet

I’ve found that waiting just 3 minutes allows the kale chips to crisp up even more once they are out of the oven. Just like baked cookies or roasted chickpeas, kale chips really firm up even more when cooled. Those 3 minutes will feel like hours though. I won’t lie.

Bonus tips: Avoid adding liquids (such as vinegars or hot sauces) pre-baking as liquids can result in soggy chips. It’s best to add a light spritz of liquid seasoning after they’ve been baked, if at all. Also, if your oven has one, feel free to try out the dehydrator or convection setting.

Now, read on for my All-Dressed Kale Chip recipe! I promise this batch will not last long…minutes while standing in front of the oven if you are like me.

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (4)

All-Dressed Kale Chips

Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free


4.8 from 228 reviews

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (5)

Yield
1-2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
Total time

Crispy and chewy kale chips baked in the oven and seasoned to perfection. Enjoy these as a healthy alternative to potato chips.

Ingredients

per baking sheet:
  • approx. 1/2 bunch kale leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Remove leaves from the stems of the kale and roughly tear it up into large pieces. Compost the stems (or freeze for smoothies). Wash and spin the leaves until thoroughly dry.
  3. Add kale leaves into a large bowl. Massage in the oil until all the nooks and crannies are coated in oil. Now sprinkle on the spices/seasonings and toss to combine.
  4. Spread out the kale onto the prepared baking sheet into a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the kale.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for another 12-15 minutes more until the kale begins to firm up. The kale will look shrunken, but this is normal. I bake for 25 mins. total in my oven.
  6. Cool the kale on the sheet for 3 minutes before digging in! This really makes all the difference! Enjoy immediately as they lose their crispiness with time.
  7. Repeat this process for the other half of the bunch.

Tip:

Feel free to make these in a dehydrator if you have one. You can also experiment with the convection or dehydrator setting on your oven (if applicable).

Nutrition Information

(click to expand)

I can’t end this post today without thanking you for your lovely comments in my recent post. I’m reading through all of them and greatly appreciate the support, advice, and love. Sketchie’s staple removal went fine (it took a few minutes and didn’t seem to even bother him) and he is healing well from surgery.

6 Tips for Flawless Kale Chips + All-Dressed Kale Chips recipe – Oh She Glows (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat kale chips everyday? ›

Kale contains a large amount of fiber, which is great for digestion but can be dangerous if you eat too much. If you overeat on kale chips (or any food) then you may experience bloating, gas, and constipation due to the excessive intake of fiber.

How do you get the bitterness out of kale chips? ›

To avoid bitterness, bake the kale at lower temperatures for a longer cook time. Another possibility is that the bitterness is caused by the oil used in the recipe. Olive oil is a popular choice for making kale chips, but can add a bitter flavor to kale chips.

Does making kale chips destroy nutrients? ›

And unlike potato chips, kale retains its nutritional value when made into chips. Kale is high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A and calcium, as well as B vitamins, vitamin C and potassium. It's fat- and sodium-free, and the minuscule amounts of olive oil and salt used in my recipe barely bump up those amounts.

Why did my kale chips get soggy? ›

The key to crispy kale chips is to make sure you thoroughly dry your kale leaves. Use paper towels or a dry dish towel to remove any drops of water that might remain after washing and spinning your kale. Damp leaves make soggy kale chips.

Are kale chips anti-inflammatory? ›

Kale is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It's remarkably high in fibre and iron; it's also high in vitamins K and D, and a great source of calcium. To add to this already impressive list, it's also high in omega-3 and 6, folic acid and Vitamin B6.

What are the pros and cons of kale? ›

Kale also provides healthy carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Cons: As an abundant source of vitamin K, kale must be used with caution if you're using blood thinners.

How do you keep kale chips crispy? ›

To keep them crispy, it is important to let them cool completely. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You could also try adding a few grains of raw rice or silica packs (like those found in store-bought kale chips) to the airtight container. & Perfect for snacking!

What takes the bitterness out of kale? ›

Adding salt and squeezing lemon make a big difference by removing bitterness. Adding some spicy or sweet flavors may help tame the strong flavor of bitter kale.

Why does my kale taste bad? ›

Much like in onions and garlic, kale's bitterness is only formed when the vegetable is sliced, chopped, massaged, or chewed. When cells in a leaf of kale are intact, an enzyme called myrosinase and sulfur-containing compound glucosinolate are separated from one another.

Can dogs eat kale? ›

Kale is a cruciferous vegetable packed with nutrients, making it safe to serve in small quantities as a treat as part of your dog's diet.

What does kale do to your body? ›

These vegetables offer health benefits, including supporting the immune system, regulating blood pressure and potentially reducing the risk of various types of cancer. People who may need to avoid or limit kale intake are those who form oxalate-containing kidney stones or take the blood thinners Coumadin or warfarin.

Why are my homemade kale chips bitter? ›

Use your hands to get the leaves well-coated, but no need to really massage them—all that bruising can actually render your kale chips more bitter.

Is it OK to eat soggy kale? ›

Texture changes: Fresh kale should be crisp. If it feels slimy or overly wilted, it's time to discard it. Smell: Kale that's starting to spoil will have a sour or unpleasant odor. Trust your nose; if it smells off, it's best not to eat it.

Why are my homemade chips not crispy? ›

Why are my homemade chips not crispy? It's likely that too many chips were cooked at once (a crowded pan is never a good thing) and doing so means the temperature of the oil decreases, resulting in soggy, greasy chips.

Is kale safe to eat everyday? ›

Is it OK to eat kale every day? As kale contains a variety of nutrients, a person can consume it regularly as part of a balanced diet. However, some people may need to limit how much kale they consume. These include people taking beta blockers and blood thinners, as well as people with kidney disease.

Are kale chips healthy for weight loss? ›

The fiber content in kale promotes feelings of fullness, helping to curb overeating and supporting your weight loss journey. Additionally, kale chips are a smart alternative to high-calorie, processed snacks, aligning with the goal of consuming nutrient-rich foods for overall health and well-being.

Is it OK if I eat chips everyday? ›

Similarly, eating chips everyday will increase your risk of experiencing negative health effects (not as much as smoking mind you), but doesn't guarantee you will experience any negative consequences. Another problem – yes, there are more problems – with nutrition is we don't eat in isolation.

Are kale chips good for liver? ›

Glucosinolates also help with the body's detoxification system. They stimulate the liver, helping it produce an enzyme that prevents free radicals from attacking our DNA. Kale has been shown to improve cardiovascular health as well.

References

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