Prep the Kale: Rinse the kale under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly. Remove the thick stems by peeling the leaves off the spine. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
Season: Place the kale pieces into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper (and chili flakes if you want some heat!). Use your hands to massage the oil and seasoning into the leaves, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned kale in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up well. You might need to do this in batches.
Cooking time: Air fry for about 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them, as they can turn from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly!
Cool and Serve: Once they’re crispy, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a snack or a crunchy topping on salads!