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Cool Ranch Air Fryer Kale Chips

April 11, 2022 Plant-Based Juniors 2 Comments

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Cool Ranch Air Fryer Kale Chips! If you’ve been looking for a kale chips recipe that the whole family will enjoy, here it is. How to make kale chips with a delicious cool ranch flavor.

hand with ranch kale chips

Kale chips can seem like a finicky beast if you’ve never made them.

However, when you find that sweet spot for how to prepare them, they’re a delicious and nutrient-packed way to add more leafy greens to your household’s diet.

Leafy Greens and Kids

Kale is a good source of fiber, vitamins K, A, and C, folate, potassium, and calcium.

And like all leafy greens, kale is among the healthiest foods on the planet.

The obstacle that many parents and caregivers face with leafy greens, though, is that they’re not always the most readily accepted foods among young kids.

Enter: these kale chips, flavored with cool ranch seasoning.

Here’s how to make them!

How to Make Cool Ranch Kale Chips

Cool Ranch Kale Chips are super easy to make – and the texture and flavor have made them a fast favorite for our littles.

First, you’ll wash and dry a bundle of fresh kale.

Then, tear the leaves off of the stems (or use a knife to slice the thick middle stem out). Rip the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Next, place the kale pieces into a large mixing bowl.

Then, to the bowl, add 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4-1/2 tsp salt.

Using your hands, massage the oil and seasonings into the kale leaves for about a minute or until the leaves are noticeably softened. This movement helps to break down the fibrous parts of the leaves and distribute the spices.

Place your seasoned kale leaves in a single layer in your air fryer and cook them at 375 F for 4 minutes. This will probably require multiple batches, so repeat with your remaining kale until all of your leaves are cooked.

Enjoy!

Note that if you don’t have an air fryer, that’s okay. You can also place your seasoned kale leaves on a baking sheet lined with foil and lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Cook at 300 F for 20 minutes. Watch them closely to make sure they don’t burn!

Find the full printable recipe below.

Air Fryer Cool Ranch Kale Chips

Homemade cool ranch seasoned kale chips made in the air fryer.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 air fryer (or oven + baking sheet)

Ingredients

  • 1 bundle fresh kale
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Wash and dry a bundle of kale.
  • Tear the leaves off the stems and then into bite-sized pieces. Place them into a mixing bowl.
  • Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder + 1/4-1/2 tsp salt.
  • Massage to break down the fibrous parts of the leaves and distribute the spices.
  • Place in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 375 F for 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining kale.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also make these in an oven. Spread seasoned kale leaves onto a baking sheet and bake at 300F for 20 minutes. Watch closely to make sure they don’t burn. 

Cool Ranch Air Fryer Kale Chips! Ease the process of introducing leafy greens to your family with this simple, delicious kale chips recipe. Don’t be intimidated by how to make kale chips – just follow the directions above!

Chime In: Does your family enjoy kale? Have you ever made kale chips?

If you liked this recipe, we think you should check these out too:

  • Strawberry Cauliflower Muffins
  • White Bean Alfredo Pasta
  • Taco Cups
  • PBJ White Bean Balls

Comments

  1. Christina says

    May 7, 2022 at 6:18 pm

    i have been meaning to try kale chips with my littles thx for this recipe! if i may add my own tip to parents; cook food on parchment paper instead of foil as it leeches aluminum into the foods. you can line your baking pans first with foil to keep them clean if you desire then add a layer of parchment paper or just go straight for the parchment paper! But some oils will saturate through the paper thus if you wish to keep the pan clean line it with foil.

    Reply
  2. Christina says

    May 20, 2022 at 8:54 pm

    4 stars
    Well my kiddos didn’t eat many but they tried it that’s a start! I ate the rest and I didn’t feel guilty lol! I swapped the chili powder for paprika as I was nervous my kids complain about even a small hint of spice. I also had to tweak the heat to 360 in my own air fryer. So I suggest everyone keep an eye out on the first batch in case yours varies as mine did. I will try these again a few more times maybe plain see if the kiddos will give them another try.

    Reply

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    • About
    • Books
      • Easy Dinners for Busy Parents
      • Plant-Based Juniors: Pregnancy Guide
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      • First Bites
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