Kale chips have become one of the most popular snacks for health enthusiasts or even for the passionate foodie. Considering how healthy these are, it is not surprising that kale chips form a part of most dehydrator cookbooks.
Using a dehydrator to make kale chips is energy-efficient, cost-effective and good for your health too. It is so easy to make this healthy and nutritious snack using a dehydrator.
Whether you grow or buy organic kale, making chips as an alternative to salty potato chips is so easy, thanks to the food dehydrator. This article covers 50 plus amazing recipes for kale chips that are flavorful, healthy and nutritious.
What Are Dehydrated Kale Chips?
In case you’ve never heard of kale before, it’s a very popular green leaf vegetable. It becomes to the botanical group Brassica oleracea and is a member of the cabbage family. Leaves of the kale can be purple or green depending on the variety. Leaves may be either smooth in appearance or curly.
Kale is the most sought after vegetable because it has a super nutritional value and vitamins A, B6, C, K, E and folate, manganese, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, potassium, calcium, pantothenic acid and phosphorous.Brimming with potent antioxidants, it fends off diseases like cancer caused by free radical damage and oxidative stress.
This wonder vegetable even helps in weight reduction, and lowering of the cholesterol. Keeping the power of the kale in mind, here are the best recipes for dehydrated kale chips. These dehydrated kale chips taste better, are cheaper, and have greater nutritional value than store bought items. Economy, health, nutrition and efficiency are some of the reasons dehydrated kale chips are the best option.
Dried greens can be made into delicious chips ranging from cheesy to nacho, spicy, and even ranch. The best part is that dehydrated kale chips acquire a cheesy flavor without a hint of dairy. A substance called nutritional yeast forms the core of the recipes for kale chips and produces a cheesy flavor with the addition of just some more seasonings.
With leafy green curly leaves, kale becomes a crisp snack when dehydrated. The nutritional value of the dehydrated kale chips is far more than the regular potato chip.
Kale chips are made from leaves of the plant and made into bite-sized portions. With less calorific value, low amounts of sodium and fat, and huge amounts of minerals and vitamins, kale chips are the ideal snack for the health-conscious as well as those trying to lose weight.
Nutrient Value of Dehydrated Kale Chips
Kale is a leafy green veggie so obviously even when it is dehydrated preserving its nutrients and made into chips, it will be as nutritious. By drying and making the leaves crisp properly while dehydrating, the high level of fat and saturated fat associated with traditional potato chips can be avoided. By using natural seasoning and placing kale chips in paper towels after dehydrating, excess sodium can be avoided. Choose healthy natural flavorings and seasonings such as cayenne or red bell pepper.
Each average serving of dehydrated kale chips contains 50 calories. This is just 2.5% of the required 2000 calorie intake in a day. Dehydrated kale chips offer 10 grams of carbs as opposed to starchy, carb-rich potato chips that weigh around 225 grams in carb content.
Dehydrated kale chips are also high in dietary fiber, which increases the feeling of satiation and is difficult for the body to break down, thereby promoting efficient gastrointestinal processes and promoting a sensation of fullness.
Protein-rich kale chips are high in no-cholesterol, healthy fats. Kale chips, when dehydrated, pack 2 mg of iron, 769 micro mg of vitamin A and 447 mg of potassium for the best results.
Iron content helps in preserving the degree of oxygenation in the body and iron content in the blood. Potassium strengthens the immune system and vitamin A is good for the skin, eyes, and bones.
Trace amounts of other vitamins and nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium present in the dehydrated kale chips are an added bonus. Each small serving of dehydrated homemade kale chips has just 43 mg of sodium which is as little as 2 percent of the 2300 mg limit, as opposed to super salty conventional potato chips.
| Nutrition FactsFor a Serving Size of 1 oz (28g) | |
| Calories | 128 |
| Calories from Fat | 70.2 (54.9%) |
| Total Fat | 7.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8g |
| Sodium | 5% |
| Potassium | 439 mg |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Sugar | 1.3 g |
| Fiber | 3.1 g or 13% |
| Protein | 6.2g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Value In 28g of Dehydrated Kale Chips |
| Vitamin a | IU 9040.1IU |
| Vitamin B6 1.4mg | 108% |
| Vitamin B12 2.8μg | 117% |
| Vitamin C 75.9mg | 127% |
| Vitamin K 482.7μg | 403% |
| Calcium 100mg | 10% |
| Iron 2.4mg | 30% |
| Magnesium 84.3mg | 25% |
| Phosphorus 138.9mg | 14% |
| Zinc 1.4mg | 10% |
| Thiamine 17.9mg | 1195% |
| Riboflavin 16mg | 941% |
| Niacin 10.2mg | 52% |
Benefits of Making Kale Chips in a Dehydrator
If you want to opt for a healthy snack, kale chips are the right choice. They come with a lot of health benefits, which further increase thanks to the use of a dehydrator for processing.
The dehydrated kale chips retain their nutritional content, positively contributing to the body’s health, whether it is in terms of weight loss or battling cholesterol.
Made without unhealthy oils, dehydrated kale is low in fat and calorific value. It lowers cholesterol and saturated fats, making it ideal for good heart health.
Dehydrated kale chips have monounsaturated fats and phenolic compounds. It is perfect for lowering bad cholesterol and raising HDL or good cholesterol.
Excellent for eyesight, one cup of dehydrated kale chips contains 206% of the daily required intake of vitamin A. Beta carotene rich kale chips also guard against macular degeneration, disease, and cataract. Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds present in dehydrated kale chips which block sun damage on the body.
Dehydrated kale chips high in beta carotene and calcium, vitamins and nutrients are a health food unlike any other. Kale chips are more popular when dehydrated because the ability to run the food at a low temperature ensures raw food can easily retain its nutritional value.
The low heat protects the nutrients during the dehydrating process. It also lowers the chances of burning the kale chips, as opposed to baking. The dehydrator works efficiently anywhere between 118-125 degrees F and the drying process takes 12 hours. Making kale chips in a food dehydrator overnight is perfect for health-conscious individuals who seek nourishing foods.
50+ Dehydrated Kale Chip Recipes
For the most delicious dehydrated kale chip recipes, take a look below. Each of these recipes is hand picked for their easy directions and novel ingredients. Total preparation time includes time taken to dehydrate the kale chips as well.
Recipe 1: Kale Chips with Cashews and Dried Tomatoes
Preparation Time: 8 hours
This tasty dehydrated kale chip recipe involves adding the flavor of dehydrated tomatoes. The resulting kale chips have an interesting twist in the taste as a result of this. The pleasant nutty flavour of cashews complement the tomato tang. This is a leading kale chip recipe for those who like to experiment with flavors.
Recipe 2: Crispy Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
This homemade kale chips recipe is perfect for those who like nutritious snacks (and even those who don’t!) because the taste is just so amazing that no one can resist these. Save money and your life by switching to these dehydrated crisp kale chips which use olive oil and minimal sea salt.
Recipe 3: Asian Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 12 hours
This richly flavored kale chip recipe is perfect for adults and kids alike. With nutritional yeast added to it, the kale acquires the taste of miso in conjunction with garlic. The kale chips are coated in the seasoning for a flavor you will never forget.
Recipe 4: Cheesy Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 6-12 hours
This vegan kale chip recipe yields crispier, crunchier and tastier alternatives than the potato chip. It is also more nutritious. Enjoy the special cheesy flavor without a hint of real cheese using nutritional yeast.
Recipe 5: Cheesy Kale Chips with Red Bell Pepper
Preparation Time: 6-12 hours
This recipe uses a dehydrator and involves using specialized ingredients like cashews soaked for 2 hours, a red bell pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice and nutritional yeast to give cheesy flavor. Seasonings added to this chips include onion powder, turmeric and sea salt. So, you can get composite flavors from this dehydrated kale chips recipe.
Recipe 6: Garlic Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
With a twinge of garlic, and a granulated mix of this herb to add depth of flavor at a later stage, this recipe for dehydrated kale chips is distinctive and perfect for those with a tangy palate. Add a flavorful experience to the table and a nutritious snack to your meal.
Recipe 7: Kale Chips with Cinnamon
Preparation Time: 8-10 hours
This is an interesting recipe. While most kale chip recipes try for a salty flavor, this one is sweet. Cinnamon and sugar are added to make the perfect Christmas snack. This dehydrated kale chip recipe does not even use canola oil. The chips have a crisp and pale color as a result of this. There’s lemon juice, cashews and vanilla added to this for a delicious mix.
Recipe 8: Cashew and Roasted Red Pepper Kale
Preparation Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Kale chips are especially tasty when prepared using this innovative recipe. Cashew and roasted red pepper make this the kale chips you will savor. They are spicy, tangy, thick, crunchy and savory. Bursting with taste, this is one recipe all will ask you for. The kale chips are mixed with pureed roasted red pepper and cashew. Lemon juice adds acidity while nutritional yeast creates that cheesy flavor. This recipe is totally vegan.
Recipe 9: Raw Kale Chips with Garlic and Cashew
Preparation Time: 20 hours 30 minutes
Kale chips with garlic and cashews are more advanced than the average crispy snacks. Add the wonder of cashew and lemon juice and you get a crunchy, taste-filled spicy flavor. Nutritional yeast combines to create the perfect taste without the necessity of adding cheese to the recipe.
Recipe 10: Curry Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 6-10 hours
These kale chips are not just tasty, they have the flavor which is unforgettable! With the kale chips recipe that combines curry and taste, these chips are packed with nutritional benefits. The exotic flair can be added to the kale chips using this recipe. Just opt for this delicious chips for the best results.
Recipe 11: Dehydrated Vegan Cheese and Onion Kale Chips
Preparation time: 15 hours 50 minutes
This kale chip recipe uses cashew, onion and garlic powder and chilli flakes. The kale chips recipe is ideal for enhancing the flavor and taste of these nutritions greens. Now, opt for this onion and vegan cheese kale chips to make your diet healthier.
Recipe 12: Sweet Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 4-6 hours
This is a quick recipe that takes just a few ingredients namely paprika and orange juice The result is a kind of kale chips which is sweet yet healthy and tasty. This quick and easy to make recipe satisfies the need for a healthy and safe snack.
Recipe 13: Siracha Kale Cashew Chips
Preparation Time: 14 hours 15 minutes
This is the best possible combination of sriracha and raw cashew along with chili and vinegar to create a taste that is mindblowing. Raw tahini is also part of this recipe which includes toasted red pepper, and nutritional yeast among its core ingredients. Again, this is a kale chip that is spicy and infused with taste.
Recipe 14: Kale Chips with Tahini
Preparation Time: 4-6 hours
This is one simple and quick recipe for getting the best out of superfoods like kale. Get a crisp, healthy and crunchy snack that tastes even better than the original kale chip recipe. With the addition of tahini, a new and exciting bold experiment with taste sets in and you can get the best outcome as a result of this.
Recipe 15: Pizza Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 8-10 hours
This is free from dairy, gluten, grains, soya, oil, nut and sugar. Its raw quantity and nutritional value per serving is 188 calories, with 10 g of fat, 1 g of which is saturated. It also has 17.5 g of carbs and a high fiber content. It also has a rich source of protein. Ingredients added to this unusual kale chip include lemon juice, fennel and oregano. The crushed red pepper gives it a spicy feel.
Recipe 16: Sour Cream and Onions Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 8-10 hours
The sour cream and onion combination has been around for a long time. It is a perpetual favorite of those fond of traditional potato chips. But trying this combination of ingredients in this recipe for kale chips is new and unusual. This is way healthier than the original sour cream and onion.
Recipe 17: Sweet and Zesty Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 8-10 hours
This is one sweet yet zesty combination that makes it so different from the other recipes for kale chips. It is gluten free. It is low in carbs and vegan too. This raw recipe has all the simple, easy to access ingredients.
Recipe 18: Super Crunchy Nut-Free Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 12 hours
This easy to use recipe offers a chance to make super crunchy kale chips that are nutritious and tasty too. With unusual ingredients like sesame seeds, onion and paprika, this recipe is interesting because of the flavors it combines. Dehydrating the kale chips overnight for 12 hours lengthens the prep time, but it is well worth the wait.
Recipe 19: Sundried Tomato Cheezy Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
Opt for the dehydrated kale chip recipe with sundried tomatoes if you want a dish with balance, texture and flavor just for you. Add organic tomatoes and you will get the perfect taste. It is ideally suited for its high content of lycopene, a nutrient found in tomato.
Recipe 20: Cheesy Pesto Tahini Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including dehydration)
This pesto cum tahini dehydrated kale recipe combination is totally addictive. If you see, the ingredients are purely organic. Consider nutritional yeast that gives the cheesy taste, the sunflower seed pesto that adds to the flavor and tahini along with a cup of honey. Lemon freshly squeezed, tomato paste, chilli flakes and kale complete the list of ingredients. The taste is simply amazing.
Recipe 21: Habanero Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
These chips are delicious to eat and easy to prepare. Make the entire batch in your efficient dehydrator. The basic kale chips get a makeover with creamy habanero dressing. This is the best raw and healthy snack to make, if you’re in a hurry because preparation time is less.
Recipe 22: Taco Fiesta Kale Chip Recipe
Preparation Time: 6-8 hours
Giving you a taste you will never forget, these taco inspired chips have so many healthy and spicy ingredients. From sunflower seeds to yellow mustard, chili powder and tamari, there’s a host of spices and seasonings added to make the kale chip recipe so very delicious. Herbs like oregano and cumin are also added.
Recipe 23: Easy Cheesy Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
This kale chip recipe comes with a cheesy surprise, because you can bypass dairy, fats and oils and yet get a dish that is worth savoring. The nutritional yeast gives it a special flavor and the style of the cooking is simple, with just a few additional ingredients to add to the taste and enhance the nutritional value.
Recipe 24: Spicy Thai Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
This is an exotic recipe, no doubt. Spicy Thai kettle chips have inspired this dehydrated kale recipe which uses almond butter, clove garlic, lime juice, tamari, virgin coconut oil, red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of salt.
Recipe 25: Vegan Cheesy Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
The taste of cheese comes from nutritional yeast. This is a type of yeast that is organically created and is chock-a-block with protein and vitamins. This is somewhat similar to brewer’s yeast. The cheesy taste is perfect for those who want the flavor without the dairy or calories.
Recipe 26: Macro-Japan Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This is a kale chip recipe with nori, black or white sesame seeds, miso paste, maple syrup. It also is seasoned with juiced lemon and some sesame oil. Sea salt and tamari add a certain spicy, tangy taste making it perfect for those who like their kale chips tasty.
Recipe 27: Nacho Cheeseless Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This kale chip recipe contains tahini, sesame seeds, red pepper, nutritional yeast and sea salt. It adds flavor and spice to the traditional kale chip recipe and makes it exceptional in terms of taste and nutrition.
Recipe 28: Sour Cream & Onion Free Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This kale chip recipe has a pleasant nutty flavor with a cup of raw cashews. These are apple cider vinegar infused kale chips with just a pinch of sea salt, and the mixture made creamy with the aid of some water. Pleasant to taste and rich in nutrients, it makes for a perfect snack.
Recipe 29: Dijon Dill Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
These kale chips are seasoned and prepared with unusual ingredients. These include nutritional yeast, fresh dill, dill pickle juice, cashews, red bell pepper and more. There’s a salty taste which comes from Dijon mustard and sea salt. Cayenne is a spicy addition.
Recipe 30: Dill Pickle Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This dehydrated kale chip recipe uses raw cashews, apple cider vinegar, dill pickle brine and a dill bunch. Sea salt and water add to the creamy mix in which these kale chips are infused. The result is a positively tasty dish that has a high level of nutrition on account of its cashew and dill combination.
Recipe 31: Apple Cinnamon Kale Chips (Nut Free)
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This kale recipe has apples that are grated or sliced added to it. Sesame seeds and tahini add to the taste. Nutritional value is added from the coconut nectar that is added along with cinnamon. This also includes a pinch of sea salt to add a special salty taste.
Recipe 32: Oven Baked Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
This is a recipe for oven baked lemon kale chips that works well in a dehydrator too. Total prep time is 25 minutes and this recipe is simple, using only olive oil, juiced lemon and sea salt. This is a snack that s low in glycemic quantity, adding to the feeling of satiation without piling on the calories.
Recipe 33: Kale Chips with Honey
Preparation Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
This recipe is perfect for those who like a slightly sweet taste with crispy green goodness. Raw agave can also be used instead of honey for extra nutrition. Lemon, sea salt, olive oil and dino kale make the entire chip recipe infused with flavor, taste and nutrition.
Recipe 34: Cashew Miso Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Kale chips in different flavors are fairly common. But this recipe is unusual because the texture is dry as the temperature of the dehydrator can be controlled at lower temperatures. Dehydrating takes a long time since baking is at a higher temperature. But the value of this healthy recipe is that nutrients are retained. Raw cashew coated kale chips in this recipe are flavored with light miso, nutritional yeast, garlic, soy, olive oil and sauce. The flavors add a nice umami taste to kale chips and the cashews add texture.
Recipe 35: Salted Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
Kale chips are the perfect vegan alternative to crisp snacks, and add value to the diet. This raw vegan dish recipe is most basic. Salty, crunchy yet non-oily, these salted kale chips offer a lot of nutrition and value.
Recipe 36: Raw Kale Chip Recipe
Preparation Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Raw kale chips are mixed with minimal ingredients. This raw vegan recipe requires careful preparation. The stems of the small pieces don’t have to be cut, while those of the large one do. Raw kale chips using this recipe can be made in very little prep time.
Recipe 37: Simple Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 4-6 hours
This recipe uses curly kale and olive oil as well as apple cider vinegar and sea salt. This recipe works well if you test the chips for crunchiness at different points in time during the preparation. This is a recipe that works really well for those who want to enjoy a spicy and tasty treat.
Recipe 38: Cheesy Kale Chips with Miso, Garlic and Dulse
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
Cheesy kale chips are perfect for fending off cravings for snacks. Homemade potato chips cannot stand up to these sea salt infused snacks. Garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, white miso and olive oil form the flavoring for the chips. The sweet, sour and salty combination is perfect after drying until crispy and then served.
Recipe 39: Spicy Tahini Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Try this kale chips recipe if you want a zing to the taste. The tahini adds a creamy thickness, while lime juice provides the acidic content. Nutritional yeast creates a cheesy after taste. This is a mouth watering savory snack that you just won’t be able to resist.
Recipe 40: Cheesy Cashew Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 1-7 hours
These kale chips are made with fresh lemon, cashews and nutritional yeast. The recipe serves 4 to 8 people and the prep time is 20 minutes. This is a simple recipe and you get a good quantity of kale chips for a medium sized group of people.
Recipe 41: Dehydrated Kale Chips with Chilli
Preparation Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
This is a kale chip recipe which is unusual in more ways than one. Agave nectar is used instead of honey and this adds a sweet spiciness to the treat. This dehydrated kale chip recipe comes with chilli, which adds a certain tang to the dish.
Recipe 42: Spicy Thai Ginger Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
This is a special spicy thai ginger kale chips recipe using almond butter, lemon juice, tamari and raw honey. Ginger and a dash of cayenne give it the spicy feel. This recipe for Thai Kale chips is easy to follow and you can benefit from the potent raw ingredients used in making this dish.
Recipe 43: Raw Vegan Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast
Preparation Time: 5-8 hours
These raw vegan chips come with a cheesy taste courtesy the nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast flakes, fresh kale, salt and extra virgin olive oil make this recipe extra tasty. The recipe is easy to use and involves removing tough midribs and stalks from the kale and using them to make soup stock. So you get two dishes instead of one with this recipe.
Recipe 44: Red and Green Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 10-12 hours
Crunchy, crispy and delicious, these kale chips are a wonderful idea if you are fed up of the preservatives and additives in store bought chips. Laden with fats and spices, this kale chip recipe has red bell pepper and tamari as well as lemon juice. Cashew, turmeric and cayenne pepper are some other ingredients which add flavor. Then, there’s curry powder, and pitted dates to add to the flavor. These kale chips are tasty, nutritious and perfectly suited for replacing popcorns, chips or other snacks.
Recipe 45: Spicy Curry Kale Chips with Dates
Preparation Time: 12 hours
Spicy curry kale chips using this recipe are gluten-free, raw and vegetarian. The cup of cashews is soaked and there is additional bell pepper along with tamari and lemon. There’s turmeric and curry powder in addition to this.
Recipe 46: Parmesan Pepper Curly Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 3 hours
Potato chips get their fair share of competition with these parmesan, pepper curly kale chips. This recipe is ideal for those who adore the parmigiano and fresh ground pepper spice. This curly kale chip recipe is the best choice for a flavorful snack.
Recipe 47: Oil Free Cashew Glazed Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 6-8 hours
This recipe uses Himalayan sea salt, and is unusual because it is oil-free. This cashew-glazed recipe uses seasonings and spices to add a little something special to the kale chips. Read the simple and easy to make recipe and get chips that are healthy and delicious.
Recipe 48: Almond Crunch Kale Chips
This is the almond crunch kale recipe which makes a delicious repast whether you are at home or traveling. This recipe is perfect for the Holidays and if you want to celebrate at a Christmas party without opening oily potato chips high in salt, this is the top recipe.
Recipe 49: Cheesy Turmeric + Garlic Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
These Kale chips are perfect for those who want the potent anti inflammatory power of turmeric. This kale recipe uses nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist and garlic for a savory taste. Sprinkle cayenne pepper for an extra kick too.
Recipe 50: Nacho Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2-4 hours
These Nacho Kale chips are so easy to make. The kale leaves are to be prepared into chip sized pieces, using only the leaves. Sauce sticks well to smaller sized pieces. This nacho recipe adds a special twist and an exotic flavor.
Recipe 51: Lemon Kale Chips
Preparation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (total)
This lemon kale chips is a dish you will find hard to resist. The kale chips are gluten free, and you can use either curly kale or dino/lacinto kale for the recipe. The recipe, according to its inventor, tastes best with curly kale.
Conclusion
This brings us to the close of this round up of 50+ dehydrated kale chip recipes. So, as you can see, the chips come in so many different flavors, with differing spices and seasonings. The one thing each of these have in common is that dehydrated kale is so nutritious, and flavourful, that these chips are the exact opposite of an average potato chip.
While potato chips are brimming with trans fat and high sodium, these kale chip recipes bypass that and offer healthy snacks which are good for the body and the heart. Choose any one of these delicious kale recipes for an evening party, a midnight snack or morning breakfast, and watch your positive health outcomes multiply.
If you find or know any other dehydrated kale chips recipe, feel free to share those with us on comments.
Pingback: what is nutritional yeast? | Bistro OneSix
Pingback: The Best Margarita, Starting a Bag Garden and 9 Detox Herbs