Homemade Kale Chips ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

Homemade Kale Chips


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian


This week, I am sharing a new favorite recipe!  I have tried time and time again to make kale chips in the oven, which was so tricky to find the right balance.  Why are the centers always soggy?  How does the kale get nice and crispy without burning the edges?  So how did I make the perfect kale chip?  I used a dehydrator!

So why kale chips?  They are much healthier than your typical deep-fried potato chips, and are even crispier.  Seriously, they are pretty hard to stop eating once you start...  Yum!

Also, for those of you who don't have a dehydrator, it's a great purchase!  I love throwing in all kinds of fruit, veggies, and even meats to see what turns up. It's like a surprise every time.  :)

Now, let's get to the Kale Chips!


Homemade Kale Chips
From About.com




Ingredients
  • 1 large bunch kale, any variety 
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian


Directions

1.  Strip the leaves away from the stalks and tough midribs.
Bonus:  Save the stalks for stock or compost.

2.  Wash the kale leaves and dry very well.

3.  Tear the washed and dried leaves into just slightly larger than chip sized pieces.

4.  Toss the kale in a large bowl with the extra-virgin olive oil and the salt.  Massage the leaves well with your clean hands.

5.  Spread the leaves on the dehydrator trays in single layers.  Do not crowd the leaves.


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian


6.  Dry the kale according to your dehydrator's settings.

Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian
Mid-way through drying


The original recipe calls for drying at 145°F/63°C for 1 hour then reducing to 115°F/46°C for an additional 3 to 4 hours until crispy dry.


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian


Tip:  If your kale chips lose their crunch in storage, you can re-crisp them in a low (200°F/93°C) oven for 10 minutes, or in the dehydrator at 110°F/43°C for an hour.


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian
Excuse the blurry picture...  I was ready to eat them!


That's it!  Perfectly crispy kale chips!


Homemade Kale Chips on Diane's Vintage Zest! #recipe #easy #healthy #vegetarian


So delicious!  Since they usually don't last for too long, I never need to re-crisp them.  So remember to stock up on kale the next time it's on sale and try out these amazing chips!


Do you have a dehydrator?



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This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase using one of the links, a small commission will go to support Vintage Zest.  I will only recommend sites with products that I think you will love and enjoy!

21 comments:

  1. I eat kale chips frequently. Have always baked in the oven. A little sea salt and yum. Never tried this way.

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  2. I really need to make these- I tried buying them and the store bought ones were gross- thanks for sharing! I made them once a million years ago and those were delicious but I lost the recipe. I'll have to try these!

    I stopped by from One Project at a Time.

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  3. I don't have a dehydrator because I don't have enough electricity at my place off the grid. However, I did make kale chips in town at my mom's place once. They came out perfect and melted in my mouth. I grow curly kale and love it in salads and slaws. - Margy

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  4. My Dehydrator finally wore out, I guess its time for a new one. Your Kale Chips look so good! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great weekend and come back soon!Miz Helen

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  5. I love Kale chips and just never make the time to actually make them! However this looks so easy! :) YUM!


    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

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  6. Hi Diane,

    I have been wondering how to make Kale Chips. I love them. I may give them a try in the next few days. Thanks so much for sharing with Adorned From Above's Link Party.Have a great week and I look forward to seeing what you you have for this week's party.
    Debi

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  7. I love kale chips! I've made them at home and I've found that a huge trick to making them super tasty is "massaging" them with almond butter, spicing them up a little bit with some cayenne pepper or similar spices, and then tossing them with a little olive oil and popping them into a low temp oven if you're short on time! :)

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  8. I did too before finding out this method. Now it's dehydrator all the way!

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  9. yeah, the store-bought ones are interesting. Usually cheesy and not super crispy. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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  10. Wow, that kale must be super fresh tasting! Thanks for visiting, and I hope you get to make more chips soon. :)

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  11. It really is! The thing that takes longest is washing the trays afterwards... so it's not bad at all!

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  12. Wow, that sounds great! And yes, massaging is key. It's amazing how much the kale changes!

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  13. Your Kale Chips look wonderful. I have always wanted to make kale chips, but wasn't sure how. I think I'll try your recipe you make it look easy with your dehydrator. Pinned!!

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  14. I'd love to try Kale chips. So many people I have been raving about them. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Looks like I may need a dehydrator one day soon.

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  15. I actually really like Kale chips but have never tried to dry my own, may need to give it a chance. I've had them seasoned with curry and I really enjoyed that taste

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  16. I need to get me one of those dehydrators! I've never made Kale chips before, but it looks easier than I thought.

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  17. These look so good, I think I need to get a dehydrator! Wonder if I could get my kids to eat them! ;)

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  18. I know! And if you take them out before they burn, they run the risk of being soggy. It's definitely tricky in the oven, but SO easy in the dehydrator!

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  19. This look amazing! I've only had prepackaged kale chips but I want to make my own! Thanks for the recipe!

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  20. I looove kale chips in the dehydrator! Oven never worked for me, so I was super excited once I got my hands on one. It's been a long time since I've made any...I think it's time I bust it out again. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  21. You're welcome for the reminder!

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I love to hear your comments! And putting in your two cents is always free. :)

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