Kale chips have become increasingly popular in years as a delicious and nutritious snack. Unlike fatty and calorie laden potato chips kale chips offer a treat with a wealth of nutrients while keeping the calorie count low.
The key lies in achieving the combination of flavors to make your kale chips just as irresistible as regular ones. By incorporating a blend of sweetness and spiciness these crispy baked kale chips are sure to captivate your taste buds leaving you craving for more. Stay tuned to discover the ingredients step by step instructions, variations, storage tips and everything else you need to know to create tender yet crispy spicy kale chips right at home.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Kale Chips;
1 bunch of lacinato or curly green kale ( 8 cups when chopped)
2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
¼ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to personal preference)
Step by Step Instructions;
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two large baking sheets, with parchment paper.
2. Start by washing the kale and ensuring it is well dried to achieve a nice crispy texture. Remove the stems, from the kale leaves and tear them into bite sized pieces. Remember, the smaller you chop them the crispier your chips will turn out.
3. Take a bowl and combine the oil, honey, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
4. Add the chopped kale to the bowl. Use your hands to gently massage the oil and spice mixture onto each leaf until they are fully coated.
5. Spread out the kale evenly on your baking sheets making sure not to overcrowd them. Keep in mind that as they cook they will shrink in size.
6. Place them in the oven for 15 minutes initially then rotate the pans and check on their progress. If they still appear damp bake for another 5 7 minutes until they become completely crispy. Be cautious not to let them burn; some spots may turn slightly brown.
7. Allow time for the kale chips to cool completely on the pans before serving if you want maximum crispness. Once cooled down properly store your crispy kale chips in an airtight container where they can stay fresh for 5 7 days.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the recipe let your creativity flow by trying out different combinations of sweet and spicy flavors;
Maple Syrup & Chipotle; Swap out honey with maple syrup and add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder.
Strawberry Balsamic; Replace honey with balsamic glaze and sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of strawberry powder.
Coconut Curry; Instead of honey use coconut sugar and mix in 1 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
Chili Lime; Substitute honey with lime juice and zest then add a teaspoon of powder.
Additional Tips for Achieving Crispy Sweet & Spicy Kale Chips
Follow these tips to guarantee perfectly crispy kale chips every time;
Start with dry kale. Any lingering moisture will hinder the crispiness.
Cut or tear the kale into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets to allow proper airflow.
Halfway through baking rotate the pans. Keep a close eye, on them to prevent burning.
Let the chips cool completely before indulging for crispness.
Health Benefits of Kale Chips
What sets chips apart is their impressive nutritional profile compared to regular potato chips.A single serving of kale offers benefits;
It contains only 33 calories (in comparison regular potato chips have approximately 150 calories per serving).
It provides 3 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
It supplies your daily recommended intake of Vitamins A, C and K.
Kale is rich in Vitamin A, which promotes eye and bone health.
It contains cancer fighting compounds like sulforaphane.
Kale also contains inflammatory omega 3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA).
If you’re craving something while still reaping all these nutritional advantages consider making homemade sweet and spicy kale chips. They might even convince family members who’re n’t typically fond of vegetables that healthy eating can be delicious too!
The dynamic flavors and crispy texture of these chips will make them irresistible, to everyone. Prepare a batch during your next meal prep session so that you can enjoy them on their own or paired with hummus, salsa or guacamole throughout the week.
If you try any of the suggested flavor combinations or experiment with your sweet and spicy kale chip recipes please let us know! We’d love to see what creations come out of your kitchen!