Baked Kale Chips

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

Transform fresh kale leaves into a crispy, flavorful snack by coating them in olive oil and seasonings, then baking until perfectly crisp. This quick method offers a healthy alternative to traditional snacks, packed with natural crunch and savory notes from sea salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes. Ideal for a light, gluten-free, vegan treat that satisfies cravings without excess calories. Store in airtight containers and enjoy with refreshing beverages.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:36:00 GMT
Golden, crispy baked kale chips, a healthy snack with sea salt and pepper seasoning. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy baked kale chips, a healthy snack with sea salt and pepper seasoning. | velvetthyme.com

Crispy, flavorful kale chips baked to perfection are a trendy, healthy, and budget-friendly snack that easily satisfies your craving for crunchy goodness.

When I first discovered homemade kale chips, I was amazed by how much better they tasted than store-bought versions. Making them fresh not only saves money but also lets you customize flavors to suit your mood.

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 spices: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor

Instructions

Prep Oven:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Kale:
Remove tough stems from the kale and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Season:
Place kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
Arrange:
Spread kale in a single layer on the baking sheets, making sure leaves do not overlap.
Bake:
Bake for 12&ndash15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are crisp but not browned. Watch closely towards the end.
Cool:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
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| velvetthyme.com

My family loves to snack on these while watching movies or playing board games together. It's a fun and healthy treat everyone can help make.

Tool Tips

A salad spinner or kitchen towel makes drying the kale faster and helps with crispiness. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Allergen Information

This recipe is naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. If you add cheese, be sure to check for dairy allergens, and always check spice labels if sensitive to cross-contamination.

Nutrition

Each serving of kale chips contains about 60 calories, 3.5 g total fat, 6 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein, making them a light and nutritious snack.

Oven-baked kale chips, perfectly crunchy and seasoned, ready to enjoy as a flavorful snack. Save to Pinterest
Oven-baked kale chips, perfectly crunchy and seasoned, ready to enjoy as a flavorful snack. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy these crispy bites plain or with your favorite dip for even more fun. Experiment with spices to find your perfect kale chip blend!

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure kale chips stay crispy?

Make sure the kale is thoroughly dried before oiling and baking. Spread pieces in a single layer to allow even crisping and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

What oven temperature is best for baking kale chips?

Bake at a low temperature, around 150°C (300°F), to slowly crisp the leaves without burning.

Can I add extra flavors to the kale chips?

Yes, you can sprinkle smoked paprika, chili flakes, nutritional yeast, or grated parmesan before baking for varied taste profiles.

How should kale chips be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Re-crisp in a low oven if they soften.

Are baked kale chips suitable for special diets?

Yes, they are vegan, gluten-free, and low carb, making them compatible with many dietary preferences.

Baked Kale Chips

Crispy kale baked with olive oil and spices for a crunchy, healthy, and tasty snack.

Prep time
10 min
Time for cooking
15 min
Total process time
25 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, No dairy, Free from gluten, Low carb

List of ingredients

Vegetables

01 1 large bunch kale (approximately 7 ounces), washed and completely 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: Set the oven to 300°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Bake until crisp: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway, until edges are crisp but not browned; watch to avoid burning.

Step 06

Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving.

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains olive oil.
  • Naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.
  • If cheese is added, check for dairy allergens.
  • Verify spice labels for possible cross-contamination.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 60
  • Fat content: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein amount: 2 g