Olivia Carter
Kale chips are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to regular potato chips. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to cook kale chips is by using a convection oven. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy kale chips.
Before starting the cooking process, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, fresh kale. Choose kale leaves that are vibrant green and crisp. You’ll also need olive oil to help the chips crisp up, as well as your choice of seasonings. Popular options include sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
To begin, preheat your convection oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the kale by washing it thoroughly and drying it completely. It’s important to remove any excess water from the leaves to ensure crispy chips. Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, discarding the tough stems.
Next, place the torn kale leaves in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Gently massage the leaves with your hands to evenly coat them with oil. This will help the kale crisp up during the cooking process. Once the leaves are coated, sprinkle your desired seasonings over the kale and toss to ensure even distribution.
Preparation for cooking kale chips
Before you start cooking kale chips in a convection oven, it’s important to properly prepare the kale leaves. Follow these steps to ensure you have crispy and flavorful kale chips:
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1. Select fresh kale: Choose kale leaves that are fresh and vibrant, without any signs of wilting or discoloration. Organic kale is recommended to avoid any pesticide residue. |
2. Wash and dry thoroughly: Give the kale leaves a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. |
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3. Remove the stems: Hold the end of the kale stem with one hand and firmly grip the base of the leaf with the other hand. Pull the leaf away from the stem, removing it completely. |
4. Tear into bite-sized pieces: Rip the kale leaves into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and ensure crispy edges. |
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5. Massage with oil: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil over the torn kale leaves. Use your hands to gently massage the oil into the leaves, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated. |
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6. Season with salt and other desired spices: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the oiled kale leaves. You can also add other spices or seasoning of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast. Toss the leaves to evenly distribute the seasoning. |
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Now that your kale leaves are prepared, you are ready to cook them in a convection oven to create delicious and crispy kale chips.
Choosing the right kale
When it comes to making kale chips, choosing the right type of kale is key. There are several varieties of kale available, but not all are ideal for making crispy chips in a convection oven.
The best type of kale for making chips is curly kale. This variety has ruffled leaves which crisp up nicely in the oven. Look for fresh and vibrant curly kale with firm leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
While curly kale is the most commonly used variety for chips, you can also experiment with other types such as lacinato (also known as dinosaur kale) or red Russian kale. These varieties have slightly different textures and flavors, but can still be transformed into delicious chips.
When choosing kale, opt for organic if possible, as it tends to have a better flavor and texture. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the kale leaves before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Washing and drying the kale
Before you begin making your kale chips, it’s important to wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt and impurities. Start by filling a large bowl with cold water. Separate the kale leaves from the stems and place them in the bowl.
Swish the kale leaves around in the water to loosen any dirt or debris. Let the kale sit in the water for a few minutes to allow any grit to settle at the bottom of the bowl.
After the kale has soaked for a few minutes, carefully lift the leaves out of the water and transfer them to a colander or salad spinner. Rinse the leaves under cold running water to remove any remaining dirt.
Once the kale is cleaned, it is important to thoroughly dry it before baking. Excess water on the leaves can prevent them from becoming crispy in the oven. You can dry the kale using a salad spinner or by patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
If using a salad spinner, place the kale leaves in the basket and spin it for a few seconds to remove any excess water. If patting dry with a towel, spread the leaves out in a single layer and gently press the towel against them to absorb the moisture.
Make sure the kale leaves are completely dry before moving on to the next step. Now that the kale is washed and dried, it’s time to prepare it for baking and transforming it into delicious kale chips.
Removing the stems
To prepare your kale chips, you’ll first need to remove the stems from the kale leaves. The stems can often be tough and unpleasant to eat, so it’s best to discard them before cooking.
Start by holding the stem of a kale leaf with one hand, and firmly grip the base of the leaf with your other hand. Pull upwards along the stem to separate the leaf from the stem. Repeat this process for each kale leaf.
Why remove the stems?
Removing the stems is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, the stems can be tough and fibrous, which can result in an unpleasant texture when eating kale chips. Secondly, the stems often take longer to cook than the leaves, so by removing them, you can ensure that all the kale chips cook evenly.
Pro tip: If you want to use the kale stems for another recipe, such as a stir-fry or a smoothie, you can store them in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for a few days.
Now that you’ve successfully removed the stems from your kale leaves, you’re ready to move on to the next step in making delicious kale chips in a convection oven!
Seasoning and Baking
Once your kale chips are washed and dried, it’s time to season them. This is where you can get creative and add your favorite flavors. Here are a few popular seasoning choices:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
You can use one or a combination of these seasonings. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the kale leaves, making sure they are well-coated.
Next, preheat your convection oven to 350°F (180°C).
Arrange the seasoned kale leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you need to, use multiple baking sheets, as overcrowding the leaves can cause them to steam instead of crisp up.
Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the kale leaves are crispy and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Once done, remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven and let the kale chips cool for a few minutes. This allows them to become even crispier as they cool down.
Transfer the kale chips to a serving bowl or container and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack!
Preparing the seasoning
Before you can season your kale chips, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients and prepare them. Here’s a simple seasoning recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix the ingredients together, ensuring that they are well combined.
Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil over the kale leaves and use your hands to massage the oil into the leaves, ensuring that they are well coated.
Step 3: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the kale leaves, again using your hands to ensure that the leaves are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 4: Allow the kale leaves to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Your seasoning mixture is now ready to be used on your kale chips!
Baking the kale chips in a convection oven
Once you have prepared your kale and seasoned it to your liking, it’s time to bake them in a convection oven. The convection oven’s even heat distribution and circulating air create the perfect environment for crispy kale chips.
Step 1: Preheat the convection oven
Before you can start baking the kale chips, preheat your convection oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chips cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 2: Arrange the kale chips
Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the kale chips evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around each chip, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Step 3: Bake the kale chips
Place the baking sheet with the kale chips in the preheated convection oven. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and slightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cool and enjoy
Once the kale chips are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to crisp up even more. Transfer the kale chips to a bowl or plate, and they are ready to be enjoyed!
Baking kale chips in a convection oven offers a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, delicious snacks. Experiment with different seasonings and enjoy this healthy alternative to traditional potato chips.
Q&A
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven is an appliance that uses a fan to circulate hot air around food, resulting in faster and more even cooking.
How do I cook kale chips in a convection oven?
To cook kale chips in a convection oven, first preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wash and dry the kale leaves and remove the stems. Toss the kale leaves with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. Arrange the kale leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated convection oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
