If you’ve never made homemade kale chips in a dehydrator, you’re in for a delicious surprise. These light, crispy bites are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips and come together with minimal effort. Dehydrating keeps the kale’s nutrients intact while creating that irresistible crunch we all love. Whether you're a seasoned home dehydrator or trying this method for the first time, this simple recipe delivers flavorful, wholesome chips that are perfect for snacking, topping bowls, or packing for on-the-go munching. Once you try them fresh from your dehydrator, you’ll never look at store-bought kale chips the same way again!
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4–6 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: About 4 cups kale chips
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh kale (curly or lacinato)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, chili flakes
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Kale
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Removing all moisture is key to achieving crispy results. Strip the leaves from their thick stems and tear into evenly sized chip pieces.
Step 2: Massage with Oil
Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Gently massage the leaves until lightly coated. Avoid using too much oil—excess moisture can slow down the dehydrating process.
Step 3: Season the Kale
Sprinkle salt and any desired seasonings over the leaves, tossing to coat evenly. For bolder flavors, try adding smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or a pinch of garlic powder.
Step 4: Arrange on Dehydrator Trays
Spread the kale pieces in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Overlapping pieces may dry unevenly, so ensure they have space.
Step 5: Dehydrate to Crisp Perfection
Set your dehydrator to 115°F to 125°F (46°C to 52°C). Dry for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chips are completely crisp. Drying time varies by kale type, oil level, and dehydrator model.
Tip: If chips soften after storage, simply return them to the dehydrator for 10–15 minutes to restore crunch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
Calories: 68
Fat: 4.5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Pro-Tip:
If you’ve been thinking about investing in a food dehydrator—or upgrading to a newer, more efficient model—this recipe is the perfect reason to go for it. A quality dehydrator delivers consistent airflow and low-temperature drying that keeps kale crisp, nutrient-rich, and evenly dehydrated every time. You’ll not only make flawless kale chips, but you’ll open the door to creating homemade jerky, fruit leathers, dried herbs, backpacking snacks, and so much more right from your kitchen. Ready to explore the best options? Click the button below to browse top-rated dehydrators and find the perfect one for your home.
Conclusion
Dehydrator Kale Chips are a simple yet satisfying snack that highlights the natural flavor and crunch of fresh kale. This recipe is highly customizable, making it easy to experiment with different seasonings and find your perfect flavor combination. With minimal prep time and hands-off drying, you can enjoy batch after batch of nutritious, homemade chips any day of the week. Whether you're looking to elevate your snacking game or explore new dehydrator recipes, these kale chips are an excellent place to start.
