Prep the kale like you mean it. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into 2–3 inch pieces. Wash thoroughly, then dry completely . A salad spinner plus a clean towel works best. Moisture = sogginess.
Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C). This medium heat crisps without scorching. If your fryer runs hot, go 300°F.
Season smart. In a large bowl, toss kale with oil using your hands to massage it lightly. You want a thin, even sheen—no dripping. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast. Toss again until every leaf is lightly coated.
Batch it. Add a single layer of kale to the air fryer basket. A little overlap is fine, but don't pack it tight. Overcrowding = steamed sadness.
Air fry for 4–6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway. Watch closely for the last minute; chips go from “almost there” to “oops” fast. You want crisp edges and dry centers.
Cool for maximum crunch. Transfer chips to a wire rack or paper towel. Let them cool 3–5 minutes to fully crisp. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Repeat with remaining kale. If your last batch looks a bit dusty with seasoning, add a tiny drizzle of oil to the bowl to help it stick.
Optional finishing move. While still warm, add a squeeze of lemon or dust with extra nutritional yeast or Parmesan. Flex on ordinary snacks.