Baked Kale Chips

Featured in: Simple Pleasures

Transform fresh kale into a crispy, flavorful snack by baking bite-sized leaves coated in olive oil, sea salt, and spices. The process involves gently drying the leaves, evenly tossing them with seasonings, and baking at a low temperature until the edges turn crisp. This method preserves nutrients and delivers a light, crunchy texture perfect for a healthy snack or side. Optional spices like smoked paprika add a depth of flavor, while careful baking prevents burning. Enjoy cooled for the best crunch.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:33:00 GMT
Golden, crispy baked kale chips, a healthy snack, ready for that satisfying crunch. Save
Golden, crispy baked kale chips, a healthy snack, ready for that satisfying crunch. | oventhyme.com

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

I tried baked kale chips when looking for a healthier alternative to packaged snacks and fell in love with the effortless crunch and bold flavor. They quickly became my go-to for movie nights and parties.

Ingredients

  • Kale: 1 large bunch (about 200 g), washed and thoroughly dried
  • Olive oil: 1½ tablespoons
  • Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Optional seasoning: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor

Instructions

Prep the oven:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the kale:
Remove tough stems from the kale and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Season:
Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Toss to coat evenly.
Arrange:
Spread kale in a single layer on baking sheets, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway, until edges are crisp but not browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Cool and enjoy:
Let chips cool for a few minutes before serving.
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| oventhyme.com

My family loves making kale chips together on weekends—it gets everyone involved in the kitchen and never fails to disappear fast!

Required Tools

Large bowl, baking sheets, parchment paper, salad spinner or kitchen towel, oven

Allergen Information

Naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. Contains olive oil. Always check cheese and spice labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Freshly baked kale chips, perfectly seasoned and lightly oiled, are a delicious vegan treat. Save
Freshly baked kale chips, perfectly seasoned and lightly oiled, are a delicious vegan treat. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy these kale chips as a guilt-free snack or as a light, crunchy side to any meal.

Kitchen Guide

How do you ensure the kale chips turn out crispy?

Dry kale thoroughly before baking to remove moisture, and bake in a single layer at a moderate temperature to crisp evenly without burning.

Can I add other seasonings for variety?

Yes, spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or nutritional yeast can be added for extra flavor dimension.

What is the best way to store kale chips?

Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to three days; re-crisp in a low oven if they soften.

Is olive oil essential for baking kale chips?

Olive oil helps coat the leaves evenly, promoting crispness and enhancing flavor, making it a key ingredient.

Can kale chips be paired with beverages?

Light white wine or sparkling water complements the crisp texture and savory notes nicely for a refreshing experience.

Baked Kale Chips

Crunchy kale leaves baked to crisp perfection with olive oil and a touch of seasoning.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten, Reduced-Carb

What you'll need

Vegetables

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

Oils

01 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for added flavor

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Set the oven to 300°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Spread kale in a single layer on the prepared sheets, avoiding overlap to ensure even baking.

Phase 05

Bake Until Crisp: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through baking. Remove when edges turn crisp but are not browned, watching closely to prevent burning.

Phase 06

Cool Before Serving: Allow baked kale chips to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains olive oil; naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. Check added cheese for dairy allergens if used. Verify spices for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 60
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 2 g