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Spicy Air Fryer Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast are the ultimate crunchy, savory snack! They’re light, crispy, and packed with bold flavor, thanks to a touch of spice and the cheesy, umami goodness of nutritional yeast. Made in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, these are a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought chips. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding a flavorful crunch to any meal!

Spicy kale chips served in a white bowl.

A longtime favorite among healthy snackers, kale chips originally gained popularity in the oven—but the air fryer makes them even easier, crispier, and healthier! This low-calorie, guilt-free snack is packed with flavor and can be customized to your spice preference. You can add heat with classic chili powder or crushed red pepper, or go bold with gochugaru flakes. Nutritional yeast brings a delicious umami, almost cheesy flavor, making these crispy chips a go-to snack, especially for vegans!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Quick & Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, giving you perfectly crispy kale chips in minutes.
Nutritious: A nutrient-dense, low-calorie snack packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Incredibly Crispy: The air fryer ensures an even crunch without the need for excessive oil.
Customizable Flavors: Adjust the spice level and seasonings to your taste, from mild to fiery hot.
Vegan & Dairy-Free: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy, making it perfect for plant-based diets.

Ingredient highlights

Before you get started, let’s take a look at the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this air fryer kale chips recipe so irresistible. From nutrient-dense kale to a spicy, umami-packed chili crunch oil, each ingredient adds a delicious twist to this crispy snack! Here’s what you’ll need:

Kale: A nutrient-packed leafy green that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Chili Crunch Oil: A spicy, flavorful topping that gives the chips a bold kick and extra texture.

Chili Crunch Oil:

Olive or Avocado Oil: The base for the infused oil, ensuring rich flavor and perfect crispiness.
Shallots & Garlic: Bring deep, aromatic flavor and a hint of sweetness when toasted.
Sesame Seeds: Add a subtle nutty crunch.
Chili Flakes & Paprika: Provide heat and a smoky depth of flavor.
Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the seasoning pop.

Nutritional highlights

These are one of my favorite easy vegan snacks and here are some of the reasons I love them so much!

Kale: A powerhouse green loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and fiber to support overall health.
Nutritional Yeast: A great source of B vitamins, protein, and fiber, adding a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
Chili Crunch Oil: Contains healthy fats from olive or avocado oil, while chili flakes and garlic provide metabolism-boosting benefits.
Sesame Seeds: Packed with healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants to support heart health.
Garlic & Shallots: Offer immune-boosting properties and a rich depth of flavor.

Recipe steps

Making these kale chips with nutritional yeast is quick and easy! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a crispy, flavorful snack packed with nutrients. Follow these instructions to achieve perfectly crunchy kale chips every time.

Make the Chili Crunch Oil: Prepare the chili crunch oil by sweating the minced shallots and garlic over medium-low heat for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the olive oil (or avocado oil), sesame seeds, chili flakes, paprika, honey, and salt. Fry on low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prep the Kale: Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the stems and roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the Kale in the Oil and Nutritional Yeast: In a large bowl, toss the kale with the chili crunch oil, ensuring all leaves are evenly coated. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the kale and toss again to distribute evenly.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer (or convection oven) to 325°F. Spread the kale in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet if using an oven. Avoid overcrowding for crispier chips. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the kale is crispy and slightly browned.
Cool and Serve: Let the chips cool for a few minutes before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Enjoy as a crunchy, spicy snack or crunch it up as a garnish to steamed vegetables or grains.

Substitutions/Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations to customize your spicy air fryer kale chips:

Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild chili powder, smoky paprika, or fiery gochugaru flakes.
Oil Options: Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different flavor.
Cheesy Flavor: If you’re not vegan, try grated Parmesan instead of nutritional yeast. Although the nutritional yeast does give the perfect hint of cheesiness with a boost of B vitamins.
Herbs: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist.
Tangy Kick: A squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar after cooking enhances the flavor.

Tips/FAQ

How do I prepare kale for air frying? Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves, remove the tough stems, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What type of kale works best? Curly kale is the best choice for air frying because its ruffled edges create extra crispy chips. However, lacinato (dinosaur) kale can also work if torn into smaller pieces.
How to make kale chips in the oven instead? Preheat the oven to 300°F. Toss dry kale pieces with oil and seasoning, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
How do I keep the seasoning from falling off? Massage the kale with oil before adding the seasoning to help it stick. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or nutritional yeast to the seasoning mix for better adhesion.
Why are my kale chips soggy? Sogginess is usually caused by excess moisture. Make sure the kale is completely dry before air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if necessary.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Completely: Allow the kale chips to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled kale chips in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This will help retain their crispiness.
Avoid Humidity: Store them in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
Shelf Life: They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, for the best crispiness, it’s ideal to eat them within 1–2 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as it can cause the chips to lose their crunch.

Other easy snacks you’ll love

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