Easy and flavorful oil-free kale chips—perfect for when you want a crunchy yet healthy snack!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my policy page for more information.
Recipe updated January 21st, 2021 with new images and updated instructions.
Have you tried kale chips yet? They’re an easy and delicious snack option that doesn’t take much effort to make.
This oven baked kale chip recipe is a great way to add some more greens to your diet without having to have a salad.
What makes them even healthier is making them without oil for a great low calorie option. You can always add some oil if you prefer but at Health My Lifestyle we prefer to cook oil free. Read more about the effects of oil on our health here.
The thing most people don’t realize is that food can still get crispy in the oven without it! You just need another liquid in it’s place to help the seasonings stick, and luckily for you, we have several different flavor options below to mix it up!
Ingredients needed
This is the basic formula for kale chips, requiring only 3 simple ingredients:
- kale leaves
- lemon juice
- salt
- paprika (optional)
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to make kale chips without oil
Step 1: First wash the kale, then remove the leaves from the stem.
Step 2: Break the leaves apart into uniform pieces.
Step 3: Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with desired amount of salt and paprika. Add any other spices that you would like (more flavor variations are listed below). Use clean hands to massage all ingredients into the kale leaves.
Step 4: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place kale leaves in a single layer. Don’t over crowd. You may have to bake in batches for the perfect chips.
Step 5: Cook in oven for 15 minutes at 300F. Remove any of the ones that are already crispy and put the rest back in for another 3-5 minutes to finish baking. Enjoy!
Tip
- Got an air fryer? Make easy air fryer kale chips instead!
Flavor variations
The options are endless but here are a few more ways to flavor your kale chips. The measurements are based on one bunch of kale. If changing the amount of servings, adjust the amounts below as necessary.
For cheesy:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2-1 teaspoon other spices
For garlic-y:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For salt and vinegar combo:
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How to store kale chips
Kale chips are best served immediately but if you need to store them, store on the counter at room temperature. Either place a paper towel in the container or leave the lid cracked to allow the kale chips to breathe and stay crispy. If they lose their crunch you can throw them in the oven for a few minutes. Best consumed within a few days.
Want more healthy snack ideas?
- Carrot Bacon is a delicious snack or breakfast option
- Baked Zucchini Chips are a great oil-free breaded option
- For something super low effort, I love making cucumbers with Tajin!
If you’re looking for more easy, healthy recipes the Health My Lifestyle Meal Planner is full of them! You can easily narrow down exactly what you’re looking for with the extensive filtering options, plan out your week in seconds or grab a pre-made plan, track your calories and goals, and more! Try it for free! Check out the Meal Planner here.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, get weekly free recipes!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Health My Lifestyle.
Kale Chips (Oil Free)
Method
- oven
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups kale stems removed
- ½ lemon juiced, about 1 Tbsp
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300ºF (150ºC). Remove the stems and rip or slice the leaves into large uniform pieces. They shrink up in the oven, so don't cut them too small.
- Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with desired amount of salt and paprika. Add any other spices that you would like (more flavor variations are listed in the post above). Use clean hands to massage all ingredients into the kale leaves.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place kale leaves in a single layer. Don't over crowd. You may have to bake in batches for the perfect chips.
- Cook in oven for 15 minutes. Remove any of the ones that are already crispy and put the rest back in for 3-5 more minutes to finish baking. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Place in an airtight container at room temperature with a paper towel. They will keep for a few days.Nutrition
Pin this for later:
These kale chips looks awesome! What a perfect, healthy snack.
Hello
Thank you for sharing this oil free variation.
Where are the carbs coming from in this nutritional profile?
Hi Stahli, I took a look at the nutrition and realized it was including half the lemon, but this recipe only uses the juice so I reran the nutrition information. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!
You can’t beat this for a wholesome and tasty alternative to the usual junky snack! YUM!
These were so crunchy and flavorful, loved the lemon!! Such a great snack alternative to chips!
These are great with just the lemon and spices. They get really crispy and last longer without oil.
The combination of flavors in this dish is great! Love it!
My family is going to love this, thank you for the recipe!