How to Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer | Crispy 'Cheesy' Kale Chips

Air Fryer Nacho ‘Cheese’ Kale Chips (super crispy!) | Vegan & Low Carb

This kale chip recipe is a must-try!! I call them my Nacho ‘Cheese’ Kale Chips because I’m using a cashew cheese mixture to give the them some added texture and flavor instead of making the basic kale chip recipe.

These kale chips are vegan, low carb, gluten free, grain free, and dairy free! And, of course, we’re going to be cooking them in the air fryer to get them extra crispy!

Weight Loss Meal Plans

Nacho ‘Cheese’ Kale Chips

The ‘secret’ ingredient that gives these kale chips that cheesy flavor without using real cheese is Brewer’s Yeast or Nutritional Yeast. Both of these are also a great source of B Vitamins, so you’re packing in the nutrients by using these as well.

Now, you can certainly cook the kale chips in the oven just be sure to flip them halfway through cooking. However, my favorite way to cook any sort of veggie chip is with my air fryer. Personally, I use the Ninja Foodi because it’s an all-in-one system that can air fry, steam, pressure cook, broil, bake, roast, and dehydrate.

Speaking of dehydrating, if you’re a raw vegan, you can also dehydrate these kale chips at 115 degrees F. for 7-8 hours or until they reach your desired crispiness.

How to Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer | Crispy 'Cheesy' Kale Chips

You will also need a food processor to make the cashew cheese. The cashew cheese recipe should be enough to coat 2 large bunches of curly kale. And, feel free to add additional seasonings for added flavor. I’ll be using celtic sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder. But, in the past, I’ve also included garlic and onion powder, and it still turns out super delicious!

How to Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer | Crispy 'Cheesy' Kale Chips

Looking for more healthy snack recipes?

These kale chips are a great, delicious way to sneak in extra greens and fiber into your diet. If you’re on the search for more healthy snack recipes, I’ve listed some of my favorites below.

Air Fryer Nacho ‘Cheese’ Kale Chips (super crispy!) | Vegan, Gluten Free, & Low Carb

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Kayla Chandler Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

8

minutes

This ‘cheesy’ kale chip recipe is vegan, gluten free, paleo, and low carb. If you’re tired of basic kale chips, you have to try these!

Ingredients

  • 1-2 Bunches of Curly Kale

  • 1 C. Raw Unsalted Cashews

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, de-seeded & roughly chopped

  • 1/2 C. Nutritional Yeast or Brewer’s Yeast (FYI: the nutritional yeast gives a bit more cheesy flavor without the bitterness)

  • 1/3 C. Water

  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper, & Chili Powder (to taste)

  • Lemon Juice (optional)

Directions

  • Add cashews to a food processor using the ‘S’ blade and blend until cashews are broken down into a crumb-like texture.
  • Then, add the bell pepper and water to the food processor and continue to blend until smooth.
  • Next, add the yeast and seasonings to the food processor and continue to blend. Also, feel free to add the juice from 1/2 a lemon if you like the extra zest. **If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add an additional 1-2 Tbsp of water. Also, start slowly with the seasonings (especially the chili powder) and taste the mixture as you go.
  • In a large mixing bowl, de-stem the kale (start with one bundle of kale) and tear kale into bite-size pieces. Keep in mind that the kale will shrivel up while cooking so don’t make the pieces too small.
  • Add 1/2 of the cashew cheese mixture to the bowl and massage it into the kale with your hands. Be sure to do this gently so you don’t tear the kale.
  • Add the coated kale to the air fryer. Personally, I like to add a pretty thin layer of kale and air fry in separate batches so it gets super crispy. Air fry the kale at 360 degrees F. for 7-9 minutes. Some pieces may cook faster than others so be sure to check on the kale at around the 5-7 minute mark to ensure they don’t burn. Repeat this process until all of the kale is cooked. ENJOY!

Notes & Nutrition

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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Servings Per Container 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 Calories from Fat 121.5
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13.5g 21%
Saturated Fat g 0%
Trans Fat g
Cholesterol mg 0%
Sodium mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 9%
Dietary Fiber 11g 44%
Sugars g
Protein 19g 38%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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