Introduction

Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites are a perfect low-carb snack bursting with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon flavor. These bite-sized treats are air-fried to golden perfection, making them wonderfully crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Ideal for parties, game days, or a quick snack.

A white bowl filled with round, crispy fried balls that have a golden brown, crunchy outer layer with visible small green herb bits. One ball is cut open and resting on top, showing a creamy white inside mixed with small red and green vegetable pieces. The texture of the inside looks soft and smooth, contrasting with the coarse, crispy exterior. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easier mixing)
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 (such as Oscar Mayer real bacon bits)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp heavy cream
2 large eggs
2 cups crushed pork rinds (finely crushed for best coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, diced jalapenos, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until blended. In a second bowl, place the crushed pork rinds for coating.
Step 3: Scoop portions of the cheese mixture using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, then roll each portion into a ball. Dip each ball fully into the egg mixture, then roll it in the crushed pork rinds until evenly coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and repeat until all mixture is used.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated cheese bites in the basket without touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.
Step 5: Allow the bites to cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes before removing to help them hold their shape. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
You can substitute shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
If you don’t have pork rinds, crushed crushed pork rinds work best for keto; otherwise, crushed pork rind alternatives can be used.
Use fresh bacon bits by cooking and crumbling bacon yourself for a more authentic flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover jalapeno popper bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds eight round, golden-brown fried balls with a crunchy texture, some showing darker spots from frying. Two balls are cut open to reveal a creamy, white filling mixed with pieces of green, red, and darker ingredients, giving a soft contrast inside the crisp outside shell. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a partial view of a white bowl with red sauce and a green pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the bites in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden and crispy. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flip halfway through for even cooking.

Are these jalapeno popper bites gluten-free?

Using pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, perfect for keto and gluten-sensitive diets. Just ensure your bacon bits and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.