Description

These Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites are a low-carb, cheesy, and spicy snack perfect for ketogenic diets. Made with cream cheese, Monterey Jack, jalapenos, and bacon bits, they’re coated in crushed pork rinds for a crispy exterior and air fried to golden perfection. Ideal for party appetizers or a savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bites:

8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 jalapenos (diced finely, about 1/4-inch pieces)
1/4 cup bacon bits (Oscar Mayer real bacon bits recommended)
1/4 tsp onion powder
Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Coating:

1 tbsp heavy cream
2 large eggs
2 cups crushed pork rinds (finely crushed for best coating)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth cheese mixture.
Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Coating Ingredients: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together in one bowl until fully blended. In another bowl, place the finely crushed pork rind crumbs to serve as the coating.
Form and Coat the Cheese Bites: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. Dip each ball into the egg and cream mixture ensuring full coverage, then roll it thoroughly in the crushed pork rind crumbs until evenly coated. Place each coated bite on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat until all mixture is used.
Air Fry the Cheese Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated cheese bites in the basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray to help crisp the coating. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Cool and Serve: After cooking, let the bites cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes to help them set and maintain their shape. Serve these warm crispy jalapeno popper bites as a delicious, cheesy snack or appetizer.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Finely dice the jalapenos to distribute the heat evenly throughout the bites.
Use finely crushed pork rinds for the crispiest coating.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping.
Lightly spraying cooking spray helps achieve a golden crispy outer layer.
Allow bites to cool slightly before serving to maintain structure and avoid burns.