Baked Kale Chips Snack

Featured in: Baked Warm Goodness

This dish features kale leaves lightly coated with olive oil and spices, baked at low temperature until crisp and flavorful. Removing tough stems and proper drying ensures even crispiness. Baking sheets lined with parchment paper keep the chips from sticking and promote even cooking. The snack is vegan, gluten-free, and low carb, perfect for a healthy bite anytime. Optional seasonings like smoked paprika add a smoky kick, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can enhance umami notes. Cooling time lets chips crisp further before serving.

The method balances gentle heat and careful tossing to avoid browning while achieving crunchiness. Store leftovers airtight to retain texture, and reheat briefly if needed. This light snack pairs well with refreshing beverages and suits casual gatherings or individual enjoyment. It’s fast to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes prep and 15 minutes baking.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:08:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Baked Kale Chips arranged perfectly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Baked Kale Chips arranged perfectly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to eat. | messlitreats.com

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

I first baked kale chips for a weekend movie night, and they were gone before the opening credits. The simple process made me confident that this recipe is ideal for snacking anytime.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Trim and Tear Kale:
Remove the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Season Kale:
Place the kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Toss thoroughly to coat every leaf evenly.
Arrange On Sheets:
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.
Cool and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
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| messlitreats.com

This snack became a staple for my family—kids love customizing the spices and crunching on them straight from the pan together.

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

Close-up photo of seasoned olive-oil coated Baked Kale Chips with perfectly curled edges after baking. Save to Pinterest
Close-up photo of seasoned olive-oil coated Baked Kale Chips with perfectly curled edges after baking. | messlitreats.com

Whether enjoyed solo or shared, baked kale chips satisfy snack cravings and fit most dietary needs. Grab a handful and enjoy the crunch!

Common Recipe Questions

How do I get kale chips crispy without burning them?

Dry the kale thoroughly before oiling and bake at 150°C (300°F), checking near the end to avoid browning.

Can I add extra flavor to baked kale?

Yes, sprinkle smoked paprika, chili flakes, or nutritional yeast before baking for additional taste layers.

What’s the best way to store leftover kale chips?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat briefly in a low oven to refresh crispness.

Is olive oil necessary for crisp kale chips?

Olive oil helps evenly coat the leaves, promoting browning and crisp texture during baking.

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens can work but adjust baking times for optimal crispness.

Baked Kale Chips Snack

Crispy kale baked with olive oil and spices offers a flavorful, healthy, and crunchy treat.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cooking Duration
15 min
Overall Duration
25 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free from Gluten, Reduced Carb

List of Ingredients

Vegetables

01 1 large bunch kale (approximately 7 oz), washed and thoroughly dried

Oils

01 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for added flavor

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 300°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Kale: Strip the tough stems from the kale and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step 03

Season Kale: In a large bowl, toss the kale pieces with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional spices ensuring even coating.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for several minutes before serving.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains olive oil; naturally free of gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy. Verify spice blends for possible cross-contamination.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 60
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 2 g