Air Fryer Kalettes recipe (Flower sprouts / Kale sprouts )
Airfryer Kalettes recipe (Flower sprouts / Kale sprouts) – Kalettes – a beautiful cross between kale and Brussels sprouts—make for a quick, delicious, and nutritious side dish. This garlicky air fried kalettes recipe brings out their nutty and slightly peppery flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.
What is Kalette?
Kalette—a hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts—is a relatively new vegetable that is not just visually stunning but also loaded with nutrients.
These modern veggie superstar, blending the best of two of my favorite cruciferous vegetables: the leafy, earthy goodness of kale and the tender, compact , bite sized charm of Brussels sprouts.
Kalettes are rich in vitamins K, C, and antioxidants. Their tender leaves cook quickly, giving them a slightly charred crisp texture, making them perfect for roasting or air frying. These little bundles of green make a perfect addition to any meal.
Originally called “flower sprouts”, Kalettes are a seasonal delight, available only from November to March.
I have only found Kalettes at my local M&S foodhalls, not sure if they are stocked in other stores. But if you can get your hands on these little purple green beauties, please do try them.
Crispy Air Fryer Kalettes recipe
If you love quick, flavorful, and healthy side dishes, these crispy Air Fryer Garlicky Kalettes are a must-try! Packed with garlicky goodness, a touch of spice, and crunchy toasted nuts, this easy air fryer recipe turns kalettes into a crispy, delicious snack or side dish.
This recipe enhances the natural taste of Kalettes with garlic, spices, nuts/seeds and a drizzle of molasses or maple syrup for a perfectly balanced taste. Air frying Kalettes keeps them light and healthy while giving them a crunch.
Why should you try this airfryer kalettes recipe?
- Quick and Easy: You can make this Kalettes recipe in under 20 minutes.This is super simple and quick to cook.
- Healthy and nutritious : kalettes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants .
- Versatile: This recipe works as a side dish, snack , warm salad, a perfect meal accompaniment or just a healthy topping for bowls, pasta, or rice dishes.
- Minimal Ingredients –You only need minimal pantry staples for an easy, fuss-free cooking.
- Toddler Friendly – A great way to make greens appealing to picky eaters.My 3 year old loves eating Kalettes .
- Crispy & Flavorful – The air fryer gives them a slight crispy texture with garlicky, smoky flavours.
.
Ingredients
Kalettes (washed ,blanched and pat dried): A hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts, kalettes have a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. They crisp up lightly when air-fried or roasted.
Olive oil (or butter for extra richness): Olive oil adds a light, fruity flavor, while butter enhances richness. You can also use avocado oil for a neutral option.
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced: Fresh garlic infuses a deep, aromatic flavor. You can substitute with frozen chopped garlic or 1/2 tsp of garlic powder if needed.
Red chilli flakes (optional) or smoked paprika (optional): These enhance the flavor adding a little spicy kick, but you can skip them for a milder version.
Salt, to taste: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of kalettes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
Apple cider vinegar/ Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar :Apple cider vinegar gives it a slight tangy , sweet flavour full of depth. Lemon juice brings brightness. Balsamic vinegar is a good alternative too .
Nuts/seeds (like almonds,pecan nuts, walnuts, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds for crunch) In this recipe i have used pecan nuts and pine nuts. These add texture and a nutty flavor. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Molasses / maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness) – These add a caramel-like depth to balance flavors. Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes.
All these ingredients mixed together add layers of flavour, from tangy to sweet and crunchy in this simple yet nutritious kalettes recipe.
Instructions on how to cook Kalettes
Blanch the Kalettes – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the kalettes and blanch for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender. Or wash the kalettes and add boiled water from the kettle. Add a spoonful of salt. Leave it for 8-10 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel before proceeding.
Preheat the Air Fryer – Set it to 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier texture.
Combine the recipe ingredients – In a mixing bowl, toss kalettes with olive oil , garlic, Apple cider Vinegar (ACV) or balsamic vinegar, molasses (or maple syrup), chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Make sure each piece is well coated.
Air Fry – Spread the kalettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and lightly golden. My Ninja air fryer has a roast option as well, so if you have this option you can use Roast instead of Air fry option .
After they are almost done add the nuts / seeds . I used pine nuts and Pecan nuts and added them at this stage so that they do not burn. Now give everything a good mix and combine well.
Air fry again for another 5 minutes.
Serve – Once done transfer to a serving bowl .
Enjoy them warm as a salad, snack, side dish, or a topping for pastas or grain bowls!
Can Kalettes be made in the oven or hob instead of an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make roasted kalettes in the oven or sauté them on the hob. Once you have blanched the Kalettes, follow the below steps to either roast them in the oven or cook them on the hob.
Roasted Kalettes in Oven : Preheat the oven to 180°C (400°F). Spread the kalettes on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season as per the recipe.
Roast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Add the nuts / seeds, give everything a good mix, and roast for another 5 minutes till done.
Sauteed Kalettes on Hob/Stovetop Method: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter.
Add kalettes , along with chopped / minced garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
Now, add the spices along with ACV and Molasses stirring occasionally, until the Kalettes are tender and slightly crispy.
Add the nuts/ seeds in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning. Combine everything well. Cook until kalettes are done.
Serving Suggestions
- As a warm salad by itself – This dish makes a great warm salad in itself.
- As a Side Dish – Pair the Kalettes with grilled meats, other proteins like paneer, tofu or halloumi , pasta, or rice dishes.
- Air fryer Kalettes In a Salad or grain bowls – Toss these into salads or a grain bowl with quinoa, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Snack or Appetizer – Serve Kalettes with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or yogurt tahini dressing.
Storing leftovers Kalettes
Store leftover kalettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in a single layer for that even cooking. If that’s not possible, shake the airfryer basket every few minutes and as the kalettes cook they shrink in size and form a single layer. Or you can cook in batches of smaller portions if needed for even crispiness.
- Adjust seasonings to taste – Add more spice or sweetness as per preference.
- For extra crispiness – Air fry for an extra 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.Make sure you shake the basket after half time to ensure even cooking of kalettes.
- To retain crispness– Add the vinegar and molasses at the end , after the kalettes have been air fried. This helps avoid any moisture while cooking and makes it more crisp, retaining its crispness even after it is cooked.
- Use fresh kalettes – Older kalettes can be a bit tougher and may not crisp up as well.
- Drizzle honey (after they are cooked ) instead of molasses/maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
FAQs about crispy garlicky kalettes recipe
Kalettes can be roasted, air-fried, sautéed, or steamed. Air frying and roasting bring out their natural sweetness and create a crispy texture, making them a delicious and easy-to-make side dish.
Kalettes are a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts, combining the best features of both. Unlike kale, which has large, tough leaves, kalettes have small, delicate leaves that are loosely packed, resembling tiny, frilly sprouts. They also have a milder, slightly nutty, and sweet flavor compared to kale’s more earthy and sometimes bitter taste. While kale is often used in salads, smoothies, and sautés, kalettes work well in roasting, air frying, and stir-frying due to their tender yet crisp texture.
You can eat the entire kalette, including the leaves and tiny stems they have. The stems are very tiny and tender and need not be removed.
Kalettes pair well with garlic, lemon, balsamic vinegar, nuts, seeds, and cheeses like Parmesan or feta. They also complement proteins like Paneer, Halloumi, chicken, salmon, and tofu.
Kalettes make a great side dish for roasted meats, pasta, grain bowls, or even as a topping for pizzas and salads. They add texture and nutrition to any meal!
Absolutely! A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta adds extra flavor.
Yes, kalettes are low in carbs and work well for a keto diet when paired with healthy fats like butter or olive oil.
These Air Fryer Garlicky Kalettes recipe are the perfect way to enjoy this nutritious veggie with bold flavours . So go ahead and try this Garlicky air fryer kalettes recipe.
If you try this and like this recipe, please rate it by clicking the stars below. And don’t forget to like , share the recipe and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #frombowltosoul_ and #frombowltosoul . Please Comment below for any queries, suggestions and ideas .I would love to hear from you.
Join the “From bowl to soul” mailing list to hear more from us. Sign up here .
Recent on the blog
- Besan Doodh recipe | Besan ka Sheera | Dodhi – A Warming Punjabi Winter Drink
- Creamy Zucchini Curry | Courgette Curry
- Zesty lemon, garlic and chilli prawns recipe
- Quick & Easy Beetroot Kalakand Recipe | Festive Indian Mithai
- Spicy Cream Cheese filled mushrooms
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Kalettes recipe (Flower sprouts / Kale sprouts )
Equipment
- Air fryer
- tongs
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 250 gms 1 packet of kalettes – washed and rinsed
- 1 tbsp Olive oil can use avocado / seasame/ any neutral cooking oil
- 7-8 Garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes Or paprika (adjust qty as per preference )
- Salt to taste Kosher salt / or regular cooking salt
- 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper adjust qty as per preference
- 2 tsp Apple cider vinegar Or Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar as an alternative
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts/seeds (like almonds,pecan nuts, walnuts, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds) adjust qty as per preference
- 2 tsp molasses / maple syrup
Instructions
- Blanch the Kalettes – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the kalettes and blanch for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender. Or wash the kalettes and add boiled water from the kettle. Add a spoonful of salt. Leave it for 8-10 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel before proceeding.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set it to 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier texture.
- Combine the recipe ingredients – In a mixing bowl, toss kalettes with olive oil , garlic, Apple cider Vinegar (ACV) or balsamic vinegar, molasses (or maple syrup), chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Air Fry – Spread the kalettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they crisp up evenly. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and lightly golden. My Ninja air fryer has a roast option as well, so if you have this option you can use Roast instead of Air fry option .
- After they are almost done add the nuts / seeds . I used pine nuts and Pecan nuts and added them at this stage so that they do not burn. Now give everything a good mix and combine well.
- Air fry again for another 5 minutes.
- Serve – Once done transfer to a serving bowl .Enjoy Kalettes warm as a salad, snack, side dish, or a topping for pastas or grain bowls!
Looks fantastic and so healthy too ! Never seen kalettes where i live. Will check at my local m&s now .