Crispy Kale - Air fryer recipe

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Feb 24th 2025 Sho

It’s a great alternative to potato chips—delicious, guilt-free, and perfect for snacking anytime, serving at parties, or adding to a healthy snack spread! 🎉🥬😋 You can also enjoy the crispy air-fried kale on its own as a simple, healthy, and wallet-friendly snack!


Crispy Kale - Air fryer recipe

This Crispy Kale is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and zesty flavors!

Air-fried kale turns irresistibly crispy, while the fresh mango salad adds a burst of sweetness and tanginess.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a light, healthy, and delicious dish in minutes. Whether as a snack or a refreshing side, this salad is sure to impress! 🥗✨

Once you try this crispy air-fried kale, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients for Crispy Kale

What You'll Need

  • Kale – The star of the dish! Kale is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like A, C, and K. It turns irresistibly crispy in the air fryer.
  • Olive Oil – Helps coat the kale for even crispiness while adding a touch of healthy fats. You can also use avocado oil for a variation.
  • Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the kale. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
  • Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. For extra spice, try adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Diced Mango – Brings a refreshing sweetness that balances the crispy kale. Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor.
  • Sliced Shallots – Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Chopped Cilantro – Gives a fresh, citrusy touch to the mango salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try parsley or mint instead.
  • Chili Flakes – Adds a hint of spice for those who love a little kick! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  • Olive Oil (for mango salad) – Helps blend the flavors in the mango salad and adds a smooth, slightly fruity finish.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Kale - Air fryer Recipe ❤️

Super Crispy & Delicious – The air fryer makes the kale light, crunchy, and irresistible!

Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this snack is guilt-free and good for you.

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients!

Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a tasty, low-cost snack.

Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters who don’t like veggies will enjoy this crispy treat.

Great for Any Occasion – Perfect as a party snack, light appetizer, or movie-night treat.

Customizable – Enjoy it plain, add your favorite seasonings, or pair it with a dip!

How to Cook Crispy Kale with Air Fryer

  1. Wash the kale thoroughly, let it dry, and cut it into bite-sized pieces, using only the leaves.
  2. Toss the kale with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Place the kale in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or until crispy.
  4. While the kale is cooking, mix the mango, shallots, cilantro, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
  5. Spoon the mango salad over the crispy kale, plate it nicely, and serve immediately.

Crispy Kale with Air Fryer - Party Food

Crispy Kale - Air Fryer with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, it becomes light, crunchy, and packed with nutrients.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly party snack or a light treat for movie night, I highly recommend this Crispy Kale!

Even kids who usually don’t like vegetables will enjoy this recipe. It’s super easy, quick, and wallet-friendly.

Trust me—you’re going to love this crispy air-fried kale snack! 😍✨

The Crispy Kale Air Fryer recipe is a tasty, low-carb, and keto-friendly snack—it’s a must-try! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. For another delicious vegan option, you can try this air fryer tofu—it’s the perfect way to enjoy crispy tofu with minimal effort!


FAQs

🥬 Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is a nutrient powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health. Here are some of its top benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamins & Minerals – Kale is loaded with vitamin K (supports bone health and blood clotting), vitamin C (boosts immunity and skin health), and vitamin A (important for vision and cell growth).
  • High in Antioxidants – It contains powerful antioxidants like quercetin and beta-carotene that help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
  • Supports Heart Health – The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in kale may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Good for Digestion – Kale is high in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps prevent constipation.
  • Boosts Immunity – With its high vitamin C content and anti-inflammatory properties, kale strengthens the immune system and helps fight off illnesses.
  • Low in Calories, High in Nutrients – Kale is a great weight-friendly food because it’s nutrient-dense while being low in calories and carbs.

🥬 Is crispy air-fried kale healthy?

Yes! It’s a nutritious snack that’s high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. It’s also low in calories, making it a great healthy snack choice.

🫓 Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it only uses kale, olive oil, salt, and pepper—no gluten-containing ingredients!

🥬 Is crispy kale keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect snack for those following a keto diet.

🔥 Can I make crispy kale in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Simply spread the kale on a baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes, checking for crispiness.

🫙 How do I store leftover crispy kale?

Store the leftover kale in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. It may lose some crispiness, so enjoy it soon after making it!


Quick and super easy to make, but you’ll get the most enjoyment from this Crispy Kale Salad.

Let me know what you think! 😉🔽

Crispy Kale - Air fryer recipe

Crispy Kale - Air fryer recipe


Prep time

5 minutes

Cook time

5 minutes

Serves

2

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Ingredients

US Metric
Calories: 626kcal Total Fat: 35g Protein: 19g Carbs: 75g Sodium: 847mg

Steps

  • Cooking Crispy Kale - Air fryer recipe:

    1. Wash the kale thoroughly, let it dry, and cut it into bite-sized pieces, using only the leaves.

      using only the leaves cut it into bite-sized pieces
    2. Toss the kale with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

      Toss the kale with olive oilToss the kale with olive oil, saltToss the kale with olive oil, salt, black pepperevenly coated
    3. Place the kale in the air fryer basket and cook at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or until crispy.

      Place the kale in the air fryer basket cook at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or until crispy
    4. In a bowl, mix the diced mango, sliced shallots, chopped cilantro, black pepper, salt, chili flakes, and olive oil until well combined.

      In a bowl, mix the diced mango, sliced shallotsIn a bowl, mix the mango, shallots, chopped cilantroAdd black pepper into mango saladAdd salt into mango saladAdd chili flakes into mango saladAdd olive oil  into mango salad
    5. Spoon the mango salad over the crispy kale, plate it nicely, and serve.

      Spoon the mango salad over the crispy kale

Nutritional info

% of daily value
protein: 19g
38%
fat: 35g
53%
carbs: 75g
25%
fiber: 27g
109%
saturatedFat: 5g
24%
sugar: 41g
sodium: 847mg
35%
cholesterol: 0mg
0

Calorie Breakdown

Protein

70 cal

Fat

283 cal

Carbs

274 cal


Tips

  • You can simply strip the kale leaves from the stems because the stems take longer to cook.
  • In this recipe, we won’t be using the stems. However, if you prefer, you can trim the stems down with a knife to keep the leaves in larger pieces.
  • You can enjoy the crispy kale on its own, just like potato chips!
  • But if you want a refreshing twist, pair it with mango salad—or swap the mango for strawberries for a delicious variation. 🍓🥭✨

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