I know kale chips are so 2010. But I got an air fryer for my birthday and guess what I made? The best and easiest Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips!
I make them in the oven sometimes, with so-so results — with an air fryer, they couldn’t be easier or better.
It’s no secret that I have more kitchen gadgets than I have space for. So, when my son asked what I wanted for my birthday recently, the last thing on my mind was another kitchen gadget (although I do love them). He was persistent, though, and insisted I would love an air fryer.
He even said I would want to make a spot on my counter so I could keep it out constantly. If there’s one thing that drives my family crazy, it’s that I hate appliances sitting out on my counter. Except for the coffee maker. That gets far too much use to have to set up every day.
Testing it Out
One of the first things I tried was air fryer kale chips. I often make them in the oven, but they’re hit or miss with the timing and crispiness. No matter what I do, I get about half a pan of good kale chips, with a quarter overdone and another quarter underdone.
No more of that my friends! It’s like the air fryer was made for kale chips…and shoestring sweet potato fries…and super tender buttermilk fried chicken fingers… stay tuned!
In case you’re wondering, air fryers don’t really fry. In fact, you don’t have to use oil (but I do use a drizzle or spray). Instead, they’re like mini convection ovens that circulate hot air around the food. Whatever dish you’re making — it cooks faster, browns better and gets crispy faster.
Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces raw kale, washed and dried (about 6 cups) tough stems removed, if desired. Use bagged, chopped kale if desired.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese or more to taste
Instructions:
If you’re using whole kale leaves, chop or slice the kale into about 2-inch pieces. Place the kale in a mixing bowl. Pour the olive oil over, and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
Gently toss the kale and massage the salt and garlic powder into the kale. Make sure everything is coated with the oil.
Place the kale into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 300 °F and the timer for 9 minutes. Open the air fryer and toss the kale with tongs after about 5 minutes. Check it as it gets close to the finishing point to make sure it’s not overcooked.
Empty the cooked kale chips into the mixing bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and let cool for about 2 minutes.
Cooking note:
- This will cook down to about 2 cups.
