# Kale and cavolo nero cooking times

How long to cook kale: **3–5 min boiled, 4–6 min steamed, 4–6 min pan-fried and 15–20 min in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan)**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/kale-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook kale

Times are for 200 g, for 4.

Kale and cavolo nero: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 3–5 min | in boiling salted water | Drain and squeeze out the water. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 4–6 min | over a medium-high heat | Sauté in oil or butter with garlic, adding a splash of water to help it wilt. |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Crisps) | 15–20 min | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Kale crisps: dry the leaves well, toss in a little oil and salt, spread out in one layer. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Crisps) | 4–6 min | 160°C (325°F) | Kale crisps: shake every couple of minutes; they burn fast. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |

## Before you start

Strip the leaves off the tough stalks and tear or shred them. Spring greens and chard cook the same way; chard stalks need 2 minutes longer.

## How to tell it’s done

Wilted and tender, still deep green.

## Questions

### How long to boil kale?

3–5 min in boiling salted water. Drain and squeeze out the water.

### How long to steam kale?

4–6 min over simmering water.

### How long to pan-fry kale?

4–6 min over a medium-high heat. Sauté in oil or butter with garlic, adding a splash of water to help it wilt.

### How long to cook kale in the oven?

Crisps: 15–20 min at 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2. Kale crisps: dry the leaves well, toss in a little oil and salt, spread out in one layer.

### How long to cook kale in an air fryer?

Crisps: 4–6 min at 160°C (325°F). Kale crisps: shake every couple of minutes; they burn fast.

### How long to microwave kale?

2–3 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/