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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites (Air Fryer)

    by Oscar Chimenti, Last Modified: June 29, 2022 This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. See the Disclosure Policy linked in my footer.

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    close up of keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites on a plate.

    Keto Jalapeño Popper made in the air fryer are just like a jalapeno popper but mixed and rolled into a ball and lightly breaded with pork rind crumbs. If you love jalapeño poppers you have to make these Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Burgers.

    These low carb bites are a perfect size and packed with all the jalapeño popper flavours like cream cheese and bacon. This diabetic friendly appetizer is a party favourite and I always make extra so I can enjoy them after everyone goes home 🙂

    close up of keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites on a plate. this recipe

    With a cream cheese filling mixed with bacon, jalapenos and monterey jack cheese, these super crispy keto jalapeño popper bites are easy to make in the air fryer in just 12 minutes.

    Keeping it low carb with a pork rind crumb crust, these popper bites come out golden brown and crispy with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeño.

    Jump To:
    • Main ingredients Used
    • Steps by step instructions
    • Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy
    • Recipe tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Other recipes you might enjoy
    • Keto Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

    Main ingredients Used

    Freshly diced jalapenos are the main ingredient but we also use softened cream cheese, bacon crumbles and monterey cheese to give it all the cheesy gooeyness.

    ingredients used for the keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites.
    Ingredients used for the jalapeno popper bites.
    • Jalapenos: with a slight level of heat that doesn't overdo it so you can enjoy all the jalapeno flavours.
    • Cream cheese: for that mild sweet taste and pleasant tang makes these jalapeño popper bites super creamy on the inside.
    • Bacon Crumble: crispy and chewy, salty and savoury adds that extra yumminess in these savoury little bites.
    • Monterey Jack Cheese: with a peppery flavour this cheese adds a little more heat
    • Pork Rind Crumbs: grind pork rinds in the blender, adding a crispy texture to the air fryer jalapeno popper bites.

    Steps by step instructions

    How to make Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites in the Air Fryer?

    STEP 1: In a large bowl add the softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, monterey jack cheese, bacon crumble, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. You may want to mix with your hands at this point like I did in the video.

    cream cheese mixture in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Combined cream cheese mixture

    STEP 2: Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F

    In 2 bowls or plates add the pork rind crumbs in one and the eggs and heavy cream in the other. Whisk the eggs and heavy cream together.

    Scoop out the cream cheese mixture with a small cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into your hands to create a ball. Dip in the egg mixture and then bread with the pork rind crumbs.

    Set aside on the parchment lined baking tray while you make the rest of the bites.

    breading station for jalapeno popper bites with pork rinds and whisked eggs.
    Breading the jalapeno popper bites.
    breaded jalapeno popper bites on parchment paper.
    Breaded bites on parchment lined baking sheet.

    STEP 3: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and then transfer the keto jalapeno popper bites into the basket tray. You will likely need to air fry them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

    Leave space in between each bite so that it gets as much air flow as possible. Lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.

    keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites in the air fryer basket.
    Uncooked bites in the air fryer basket.
    keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites in the air fryer basket.
    Cooked bites in the air fryer basket.
    • STEP 4: Allow the jalapeno popper bites to cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before removing or they will fall apart. Remove them gently, the bottom of the balls may be a little sticky, I used a metal spatula to remove them and they came out perfect.
    close up of keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites on a plate.

    Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy

    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
    • Low Carb Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
    • Maple Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
    • Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks
    • Keto Air Fryer Pizza

    Recipe tips

    Double Breading: these low carb jalapeno popper bites did leak a little bit of cheese but not much. If you want to avoid this you can double bread them by dipping in the egg mixture and then pork rind breading a second time before cooking them in the air fryer.

    Breading: Not a fan of pork rinds? See my Low Carb Breadcrumbs recipe and use them instead of pork rinds.

    • Allow to Cool: Super important to allow them to cool in the air fryer basket as they are still soft after air frying. Let them firm up a bit before removing from the air fryer basket. Use a fork and metal spatula to remove them.
    • Serving: serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce like a creamy ranch dressing.
    • Storage: if you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, warm up in the air fryer at 200°F for about 3-4 minutes.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use other kinds of cheese instead of monterey?

    Yes, any cheese that melts easy will work in this recipe. Cheddar, provolone or mozzarella works well.

    Can I make these keto jalapeno popper bites ahead of time?

    Yes, make as per the recipe but don't air fry them until you are ready to consume them. Store the prepared uncooked bites in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    How many carbs per jalapeno popper bite?

    Each bit or ball contains roughly 1g of total carbs making them keto, low carb and diabetic friendly.

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    close up of keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites on a plate.
    close up of keto air fryer jalapeno popper bites on a plate.

    Keto Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

    Oscar
    All the same flavours of a low carb bacon jalapeno popper mixed and rolled into a ball and lightly breaded with pork rind crumbs.
    5 from 34 votes
    Print Pin This Recipe
    Prep Time : 15 mins
    Cook Time : 12 mins
    Total Time : 27 mins
    Course : Appetizer
    Cuisine : American
    Diet : Diabetic, Gluten Free
    Servings : 24 Bites
    Calories : 112

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Large Glass Mixing Bowl
    • Small Cookie Scoop
    • 2 small bowls for breading

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz cream cheese softened
    • 3 jalapenos diced
    • ¼ cup bacon crumble
    • 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

    Breading

    • 2 cups pork rind crumbs
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
    Get the New E-bookCheck out Low Carb Comfort Food!

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl combine the the cream cheese, jalapenos, monterey jack cheese, bacon crumble, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper.
    • Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F
    • Whisk the eggs and heavy cream together in a bowl and add the pork rind crumbs in another bowl.
    • Scoop out the cream cheese mixture with a small cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into your hands to create a ball. Dip in the egg mixture and then bread with the pork rind crumbs. Set aside on the parchment lined baking tray while you make the rest of the bites.
    • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the bites in the air fryer and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
    • Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Allow to cool in the air fryer basket before removing or they will fall apart.

    Notes

    The bites may leak a little cheese but still turned out fine for me.  If you want to avoid this, double bread them by dipping in the egg mixture and the pork rind breading a second time before cooking them in the air fryer.

    This recipe card provides the basic details to make this recipe. For more information, questions or variations please review the content above the recipe card.

    Updates and Revisions

    If conflicting information between the video and recipe card, the recipe card will always have the most up to date information, ingredients and instructions.

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutritional Information

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Sugar: 1g
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    Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooked food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more food guidelines

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Wendy

      October 21, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      These look amazing. I''m a new low-carb/keto adopter so I'm looking forward to trying these and your other recipes.
      I haven't used pork rinds before. Why have I never thought of that! Being a life-long coeliac for over five decades, breadcrumbs have always been problematic... do you grind homemade pork rind in a blender or food processor, or can they be bought? I've never seen them in the UK, but then I haven't looked for them (plus they may be processed in a gluten environment). Plus, I'd love to make a keto Chicken Kiev without all the gooey deliciousness leeking out and I think pork rinds might be the way to go!
      Anyway, new to your website and will give feedback when I make your recipes. Especially grateful for the air fryer recipes as I bought the Ninja dual basket fryer recently and it had become my best friend in these times of cost of living crisis in the UK.
      Thanks for inspiring me to branch out in this healthy eating lifestyle. Lets hope the hubby loves them too ???

      Reply
      • Oscar Chimenti

        October 21, 2022 at 5:07 pm

        Hi there, thanks for your comment. I usually buy regular pork rinds and grind them up in my blender. There may be some brands that sell them but I find it much much cheaper to do it myself. Enjoy the recipes.

        Reply
    2. Lucas

      May 09, 2022 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      Cutting off carbs never felt so good! I love how simple and tasty this recipe is. A threat for jalapeno lovers.

      Reply
    3. Jessica

      May 05, 2022 at 9:55 am

      I'm a sucker for anything jalapeno popper so I knew as soon as I saw this recipe I had to try it. And let me tell you, it did not let me down! In fact, it's my new favorite. Melted cheese, jalapenos, and BACON, how could you go wrong?!?! The icing on the cake though is the pork rind coating. I don't think I'll ever use bread crumbs again!

      Reply
    4. Genevieve

      May 04, 2022 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you use pork rind crumbs! What an interesting idea for Jalapeno poppers! These look delicious!

      Reply
    5. Jere Cassidy

      May 03, 2022 at 10:27 pm

      5 stars
      We love poppers so I am excited to try this recipe. It is interesting you are using pork rind crumbs, that is such a good idea for both flavor and crunch.

      Reply
    6. Kara

      May 03, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for my family and everyone loved them! They had the perfect crunch.

      Reply
    7. Nancy

      May 03, 2022 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Wow I love this awesome snack recipe! The heat is perfect!

      Reply

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    I am a Type 2 Diabetic and enjoy creating low-carb and diabetic-friendly recipes that are good for you! All recipes are developed to help you make great food without the highs and lows of diabetes.

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