You’re going to love these Air Fryer Kale Chips that have a cheesy flavor, but are 100% vegan and dairy-free. This recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy snack. These easy kale chips are ready in 12 minutes.

air fried kale chips served in paper bag on table.

Kale Chips: A Healthy Snack!

While I used to always make oven-baked kale chips, now I only make them in the air fryer! Air fryer kale chips are easy to make, fast, and are so much better for you than potato chips.

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy snack that is also low carb, then you’ve got to try this air fryer kale chips recipe.

bowl of kale chips on table with nutritional yeast.

Air Fryer Recipe Benefits

  • These delicious Air Fryer Kale Chips are dairy-free, grain-free, gluten-free, and take less time than in an oven.
  • Kale chips can be served as a nutritious and satisfying crunchy snack, or you can make for a side dish instead of a salad. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are full of healthy vitamins.
  • Make a big batch of crispy kale chips and store them in an airtight container like a zip-top bag for up to 5 days. Snack on them throughout the week.

Ingredients

ingredients for making air fryer kale chips.
  • Curly kale makes the base of these crispy chips. Kale is ideal for making into chips because it has a sturdy texture that mimics that of a potato chip.
  • Nutritional yeast is a vegan and dairy-free healthy alternative to Parmesan cheese (read more about the health reasons to go dairy-free).
  • “Nooch” is a deactivated yeast product that is high in fiber and low in carbs. Buy this non-fortified nutritional yeast. Or, if you don’t have it on hand, see my list of the best substitutes for nutritional yeast.
  • Olive oil helps the kale chips become crispy.
  • Salt and pepper add more savory flavor.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact measurement.

Recipe Steps

process photos for how to make air fryer kale chips.

Step One

The first step in making the best air fryer kale chips is to wash your bunch of kale under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. You can also use a salad spinner.

Then, pull each of the leaves off of the stems, and place them into a large mixing bowl. You can tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step Two

Add in the olive oil or avocado oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to massage the oil into the kale pieces. This will ensure that each chip gets nice and crispy.

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, feel free to leave it out.

And, if you prefer other seasonings, you can get creative. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, or your favorite seasonings. Think of seasoning kale chips like you would season popcorn; the flavor combinations are endless!

Step Three

Transfer the kale leaves to the basket of your air fryer, and set the temperature to 390 degrees F for 7 minutes.

Step Four

Keep a close eye on your air-fryer kale chips to make sure they don’t burn. They should get a little browned and crispy.

Also, if you see small pieces flying around the basket, you should put a second air fryer rack on top of the kale to keep them away from the heating element.

The kale chips will crisp up even more after they are done and they cool for a few minutes.

Serve them warm or at room temperature.

cooked kale chips inside air fryer basket.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • If you are using a small air fryer, then cook your kale chips in two batches. You don’t want to overfill the air fryer basket.
  • You can use other types of kale besides curly kale, but curly kale works best.
  • Store your cooked kale chips in a zip-top bag for up to 5 days.
  • If you don’t have nutritional yeast or you don’t like it, just leave it out of the recipe.
  • OVEN INSTRUCTIONS: You can make kale chips in an oven if you don’t want to use an air fryer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes.

Recipes FAQs

Can I use dinosaur kale to make kale chips?

Yes, you can use other types of kale to make the chips, but the curly type is best. The curled edges help hold on to the toppings.

Can I bake these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! You can make kale chips in an oven. Spread the kale pieces into a single layer on a baking sheet. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes. For more details, see my Oven-Baked Kale Chip recipe.

I don’t have nutritional yeast. Can I leave it out?

Yes, just leave out the nutritional yeast if you don’t have it on hand. Or, see my list of the best substitutes for nutritional yeast.

overhead shot of cooked kale chips in two bags.

More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

Are you new to air fryer? You don’t have to spend a ton of money. Choose from my list to find the best air fryer under $100 if you’re looking to buy one.

You might also like my round-ups of the best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners and the best Vegan Air Fryer Recipes.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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bowl of air fryer kale chips with nutritional yeast.

Air Fryer Kale Chips With Nutritional Yeast

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 4 reviews

You’re going to love these Air Fryer Kale Chips that have a cheesy flavor, but are 100% vegan and dairy-free. This recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy snack. These easy kale chips are ready in 12 minutes.

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 batch curly kale, washed and patted dry
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Remove the leaves from the stems of the kale and place them in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to massage the toppings into the kale leaves.
  3. Pour the kale into the basket of your air fryer and cook on 390 degrees F for 6-7 minutes, or until they are crispy. 
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. If you are using a small air fryer, then cook your kale chips in two batches. You don’t want to overfill the air fryer basket.
  2. You can use other types of kale besides curly kale, but curly kale works best.
  3. Store your cooked kale chips in a zip-top bag for up to 5 days.
  4. If you don’t have nutritional yeast or you don’t like it, just leave it out of the recipe.
  5. OVEN INSTRUCTIONS: You can make kale chips in an oven. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 364.2 mg
  • Fat: 5.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.1 g
  • Fiber: 2.1 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.