Microwave Kale Chips

We have enjoyed kale chips over the years, but they do take some time to dry out in the oven. At one point, when I tried drying out homegrown catnip, I found a recipe for microwaving herbs to dry them, and realized we could probably do the same with kale.

The first step is thoroughly washing and preparing your kale. I rip the kale into pieces and take out any of the woody parts. I usually soak it in my salad spinner, rinse it off, and then dry it in the spinner.

Kale chips vegetarian vegetable salad spinner

I also lay out the kale on a dish towel, then lay another dish towel on top to dry off the kale. If you can allow to air-dry for a little bit, that is helpful too.Once the kale is dry, I lay it on a large plate and drizzle with olive oil. I use my hands to rub the oil on the kale (not my favorite part of the process, but at least olive oil is good for your skin!).

Microwave Kale Chips Vegetarian Vegetable

Once you have coated the kale in oil, sprinkle with some salt. You can also add other seasonings.

Lay the kale on a plate and start by microwaving approximately 2 minutes.

When the 2 minutes are done, check on the kale. I usually take it out, allow the steam to rise, blow on it, mix the kale with your fingers or a spatula. Basically, you want to rotate the kale and let the steam out to facilitate the drying process.

​​​​​​​You’ll want to keep microwaving at 1-2 minute increments, repeating the process of mixing in between, until your kale is crispy.

Microwave Kale Chips Vegetarian Vegetable

This is so easy to make, and my kids love these kale chips. A great snack and a perfect way to use up kale from the garden!


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20 Comments
  • Neely
    January 17, 2020

    I’ve done them in the oven but I’ll try these for sure! Such a yummy snack!

  • Grace Fredericks
    January 18, 2020

    Quick and easy, I can’t wait to try this for myself. Thank you for the information.

    • Puja Kumari
      June 28, 2021

      This recipe seems easy to cook, I’ll try it soon. Thanks for sharing!

  • Loril Bosworth
    January 18, 2020

    I have bought kale chips (and loved them) but have never made my own. I think these would be even healthier than the store-bought kind.

  • Brandy
    January 18, 2020

    We don’t have a microwave right now but I am interested in trying your microwave kale chips. I will be keeping this for when we get a microwave in the next month or so.

  • Kristine Nicole Alessandra
    January 20, 2020

    This sounds delicious! I will try this next time I get kale at the store. I make something similar. I make crispy bok choy by cutting the leaves into “chip size” pieces, dip them in a slurry of cornstarch, garlic powder and salt then deep fry it in very hot oil. Kids love it!

  • Heather
    June 15, 2021

    I make roasted kale chips all the time. I never thought to make them in the microwave. I’m excited to try!

  • Luna S
    June 15, 2021

    What a great healthy snack to make! I didn’t realize you could make them in the microwave.

  • proseccobefore7
    June 15, 2021

    I’ve never tried kale chips, from childhood I distanced myself from them after having to eat it frequently, but this looks actually very good. I will give it a try!

  • Melanie Varey
    June 15, 2021

    I have never made kale chips but love kale and all things veggie so will definitely try this recipe!

  • Rhian Westbury
    June 15, 2021

    What a healthy snack! I don’t think I’ve ever cooked/ used Kale myself to be honest, but these like a good alternative to a sweet snack x

  • Melissa Dixon
    June 15, 2021

    I have always made these in the air fryer and in the oven, I have never thought about trying it in the microwave but that sounds awesome.

  • Catherine
    June 15, 2021

    Such a great hack to make kale chips in snap! I love snacking on these during the week…so satisfying!

  • MELANIE EDJOURIAN
    June 15, 2021

    I’ve been wanting to try making these. I didn’t realise you could make them in the microwave. That’s handy.

  • Garf
    June 15, 2021

    I like kale because it is so healthy but it tastes so bitter. I love it in soups.

  • Jasmine Hewitt
    June 15, 2021

    never thought about microwaving kale chips before. these sound neat

  • Yeah Lifestyle
    June 15, 2021

    We love kale chips in our house as they are such a healthy but tasty snack. Will definitely be giving them a go in the microwave

  • Everything Enchanting
    June 15, 2021

    I love kale and usually I add it in my traditional Indian style recipes! But, I have never tried kale chips, so will surely try out this easy recipe😍

  • Jupiter Hadley
    June 17, 2021

    Oh wow, I didn’t know you could make kale chips in the microwave. Thank you for sharing.

  • Jeffrey
    April 21, 2023

    THIS IS THE 1ST RECIPE FOR THIS THAT I HAVE READ THAT I WOULD SAY IS ACTUALLY EASY.