The BEST Cheezy Dehydrator Kale Chips

If you love crunchy snacks, you’re going to be obsessed with dehydrator kale chips. They are light, crispy, and packed with savory flavor thanks to nutritional yeast. They’re great for everyday snacking, meal prep, or adding a crunchy topping to salads and grain bowls. Plus, they’re shockingly easy-to-make with the help of a dehydrator (or your trusty old oven).

Full of flavor, jam-packed with nutrition, and absolutely addictive with its curly crunch, these cheesy vegan kale chips are going to knock your socks off! Of course, you can buy them at the grocery store, but the store-bought kind can be really pricey and full of preservatives.

Kale-lovers, don’t forget to check out these cooked kale salad, spicy sautéed kale, garlic and kale potato cakes, and kale cocktail recipes!

Why You’ll Love These Leafy Green Snacks

This kale chips recipe is crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The dehydrator gives you an even crisp while nutritional yeast and spices make them seriously snack-worthy. Here are more reasons you’ll love it:

• Super Crunchy Every Time. The dehydrator dries the kale slowly and evenly. Just light, crispy chips in every bite.
• Big Cheesy Flavor. Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy taste that makes these chips extra addictive. It’s simple and so good.
• Easy to Make at Home. This recipe uses basic ingredients and easy steps. It’s a stress-free snack win.
• Snack or Topping Friendly. These chips aren’t just for snacking. Crush them over salads, bowls, or soups for extra crunch.
• Great for Meal Prep. Dehydrator kale chips store well and stay crunchy. You can make a big batch and snack all week. Perfect for grab-and-go munching.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

These are the simple pantry ingredients that make dehydrated kale chips crispy and full of flavor. We’re also sharing easy swaps and tips, so you can adjust the recipe to what you have on hand:

• Kale (Dino or Curly) – The base of the recipe and gives the chips their crunch and structure once dehydrated. Dino kale is sturdier and extra crispy, while curly kale holds seasoning really well in all those ruffles. Remove the thick stems so the chips dry evenly.
• Raw Cashews – Create a creamy coating that helps the seasoning stick to the kale. Soak cashews (like in this cashew milk recipe) for easier blending and smoother texture. Sunflower seeds or hemp seeds work well if you need a nut-free option.
• Nutritional Yeast – Brings that savory, cheesy flavor that makes kale chips hard to stop eating. Use fresh nutritional yeast for the best flavor. If you’re out, try a small amount of white miso or a pinch of mushroom powder for umami.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors and keeps the chips from tasting flat. Fresh lemon juice tastes best here. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are easy substitutes.
• Olive Oil – Helps the kale crisp up while adding a smooth, rich mouthfeel. Use just enough to coat, not soak, the leaves. Avocado oil works great if you want a more neutral flavor.
• Spices (Garlic, Onion, and Chipotle Powder) – Add warmth, depth, and a little smoky kick. They turn simple kale into a bold, craveable snack. Smoked paprika or chili powder are great swaps if you want less spice or no heat at all.

How to Make This Crispy Kale Chip Recipe

The steps are easy and also surprisingly fun! Here’s how to make kale chips in a dehydrator:

Step 1: Soak Your Cashews

Soak your cashews for at least one hour, or longer! This will soften them so that they blend to form a very creamy paste; plus it will add moisture to the equation. (Tip: If you aren’t able to soak the cashews, blanch them in boiling water.)

Step 2: Wash & Prep Your Kale

You’ll need your kale to be completely dry for the paste to adhere, so you might be tempted to skip the washing step. I’m telling you right now—don’t! Just give your kale leaves a good rinse and gentle scrub and set them on towels to dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare Your Paste

Add the nuts, nooch, freshly squeezed lemon juice, oil, onion, and spices to your food processor and blend into a paste. It’s okay if it’s a little chunky, but if you’re unsure if it’s done, blend a little longer.

Step 3: Coat & Dehydrate

Scoop up the paste with your hands and rub it all over the kale pieces. It should generously but imperfectly coat both front and back off the kale, as pictured below.

Lay the coated kale pieces flat in a single layer on the dehydrator trays and voila! You’re ready to dehydrate! The dehydration takes a long time (we’re talkin’ 6 whole hours), but you can set it and forget it, and the result will be wildly worth the wait. For the ultimate enjoyment of the cheesy kale snack, allow the chips to completely cool and crisp before eating.

How to Serve Up Your Cheezy Kale Chips

Here are some simple tips to help your kale chips turn out perfectly crunchy. We also love these fun, easy ideas for snacking on them or using them as a crispy topping:

• Chips You Can Feel Good About – Serve ’em up in a bowl and devour the whole thing without a second thought! You’re getting in your dark leafy greens (another box ticked for your Daily Dozen) and also a delicious snack at the same time!
• Simulate Salad Croutons – Sprinkle into your salad for a satisfying crunch and terrific texture. They would be perfect with our savory Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad.
• Bring Home the Hummus – Pair your kale chips with cool, creamy hummus and other crispy veggies, such as carrots (or quick pickled carrots), cucumbers, and celery. Try our fantastic Oil-Free Hummus or our radiant Roasted Beetroot Hummus!
• Veggie Burger Variation – Some people like to add potato chips to their veggie burger, so how about cheesy kale chips instead? Buddy up with our delicious Chipotle Black Bean Burger for the best flavor combo!
• Soup’s New Best Friend – Add kale chips right before serving creamy soups or hearty stews. They bring crunch and flavor to cozy bowls. Think of them as a crispy soup topper.

FAQs