Crispy Baked Kale Chips

Featured in: Fresh & Healthy

Crispy baked kale chips offer a delightful, healthy snack option. Fresh kale leaves are washed, dried, and coated with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes. Baked at a low temperature, the leaves crisp up perfectly without burning. Ideal for vegan and gluten-free diets, these crunchy bites provide a flavorful and satisfying experience while being quick and easy to prepare.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:56:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy baked kale chips, a healthy snack, ready for a satisfying, salty bite. Pin
Golden, crunchy baked kale chips, a healthy snack, ready for a satisfying, salty bite. | grillandbites.com

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

I first tried making kale chips when a friend brought them to movie night. Everyone was amazed that something so simple could be so addictive—we ate the whole batch before the previews were over.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare oven and pans:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). 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.
Finish:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
Freshly baked kale chips, delightfully crispy, seasoned with salt, pepper, and ready to enjoy. Pin
Freshly baked kale chips, delightfully crispy, seasoned with salt, pepper, and ready to enjoy. | grillandbites.com

My kids love grabbing handfuls of kale chips straight from the bowl, especially when we add a touch of smoky paprika or pair them with sparkling water for our weekend snack ritual.

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.

Homemade baked kale chips, perfectly crisp, served as a vegan, gluten-free snack alongside a crisp drink. Pin
Homemade baked kale chips, perfectly crisp, served as a vegan, gluten-free snack alongside a crisp drink. | grillandbites.com

A bowl of these kale chips lasts minutes in our house—try them warm from the oven for the best texture. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings each batch.

Recipe FAQ

How do you ensure kale chips stay crispy?

Make sure to thoroughly dry the kale before coating with oil and bake at low temperature evenly so the chips become crisp without burning.

Can other spices be added for flavor?

Yes, spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or nutritional yeast add extra flavor and depth to the crispy kale.

What temperature is best for baking kale chips?

Bake at around 150°C (300°F) for 12-15 minutes, ensuring to rotate trays halfway for even crisping.

How should kale chips be stored to maintain texture?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature; re-crisp by placing back in a low oven if they soften.

Are these chips suitable for special diets?

These chips are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, making them suitable for multiple dietary preferences.

Crispy Baked Kale Chips

Crispy baked kale leaves tossed in olive oil and spices for a crunchy, healthy snack alternative.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Overall duration
25 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, No dairy, No gluten, Low-Carb

Components

Vegetables

01 1 large bunch kale (about 7 oz), 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

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat 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 the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Arrange for Baking: Spread the kale pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets without overlapping.

Phase 05

Bake the Kale: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until edges are crisp but not browned. Monitor closely near the end to prevent burning.

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains olive oil; naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.
  • Check dairy allergens if adding cheese.
  • Verify spice labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 60
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g