If you’re looking for a crunchy, guilt-free snack that packs a flavorful punch, these Spicy Kale Chips are exactly what you need. Baked to crispy perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices, these kale chips are both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re munching on them at home or taking them on the go, they’re sure to satisfy your snack cravings without the guilt.
Ready to get your snack on? Let’s get started!
Spicy Kale Chips – Crispy, Flavorful, and Guilt-Free
Ingredients
For the Spicy Kale Chips
- 1 large bunch of kale curly or lacinato, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat level
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
- A sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy dairy-free flavor
- A dash of lemon juice for a citrusy zing
Substitutions
- Oil-Free: You can reduce or omit the oil but the chips may not be as crispy.
- Toss the kale with the seasonings after baking if you skip the oil.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Kale
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves—removing excess moisture is key to getting crispy chips.
- Tear the kale into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Season the Kale
- Drizzle the olive oil over the kale, and massage the leaves gently to coat them evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the kale and toss to coat the leaves evenly.
Bake the Kale Chips
- Spread the seasoned kale in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make sure the leaves are not overlapping to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the kale chips are crispy and slightly golden around the edges.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the kale chips from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 80-100
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you like extra spicy chips, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the spice blend.
- You can experiment with different spice combinations to create your own custom flavor. Try curry powder, Italian herbs, or even cinnamon for a sweet-and-savory twist!
- For best results, make sure the kale is dry before adding oil and seasonings—wet kale won’t crisp up as well.
Variations:
- Cheesy Kale Chips: Add 1-2 tbsp of nutritional yeast to the spice mixture for a cheesy, dairy-free twist.
- Zesty Lime Kale Chips: Drizzle the baked chips with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of lime zest for a citrusy finish.
- Smoky BBQ Kale Chips: Replace the spices with a BBQ seasoning mix for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Serve these spicy kale chips as a light snack on their own or pair them with a dip like hummus or guacamole. They also make a great crunchy topping for soups or salads.
- Make It Ahead: These kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they lose their crispiness, you can pop them back into the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.
- Storage Tips: Store the chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Spicy Kale Chips that are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for guilt-free snacking! These chips are not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients, making them a great alternative to traditional snacks. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own, pairing them with a dip, or using them as a crunchy topping, these kale chips are sure to be a hit. So grab your kale, season it up, and bake your way to the perfect snack!
