Name: Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients: 8 ounces softened cream cheese; 3 diced jalapenos; 1/4 cup bacon bits; 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups crushed pork rinds; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a zesty, satisfying low-carb snack, look no further than these Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites. Perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy inside, they deliver just the right amount of kick—without any of the guilt. Whether you’re prepping for a party, game day, or simply indulging your comfort food cravings on a weeknight, these bites are a breeze to whip up and sure to become a repeat favorite.

Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in how just a few well-chosen ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Each component in these Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites brings its own excellence to the table—from creamy richness to a crunchy, flavor-packed coating. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

8 ounces softened cream cheese: This makes the filling rich, creamy, and helps bind everything together for that classic popper texture.
3 diced jalapenos: The star of the show! Jalapenos add that signature bite and fresh, bright heat—use more or less for your spice preference.
1/4 cup bacon bits: For a smoky, savory contrast that pairs beautifully with cheese and jalapeno, adding both texture and depth.
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese: Melty and mild, it becomes gooey and stretchy, perfectly complementing the zingy jalapenos.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A touch of garlic elevates the overall flavor without overpowering it.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Subtle allium sweetness that rounds out the filling and enhances the savoriness.
2 cups crushed pork rinds: Your secret to getting that golden, crunchy exterior without breadcrumbs—crispy, keto, and oh-so-delicious.
2 large eggs: Eggs help the pork rinds stick perfectly and contribute to that light, crispy coating.
1 tablespoon heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create an even egg wash for flawless coating.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch heightens all the other flavors.
Cooking spray: Helps the bites crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and prevents sticking.

How to Make Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a uniform, luscious mixture. Be thorough—this ensures every bite is flavor-packed and creamy with a little jalapeno in every mouthful.

Step 2: Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Coating Ingredients

Set your air fryer to 400°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to fry. While it preheats, grab two shallow bowls. In one, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until silky and well combined—this is your glue. In the other, pile in those crunchy crushed pork rinds for your crispy coating. Lining up your dredging station now makes everything quick and tidy once you start forming the bites.

Step 3: Form and Coat the Cheese Bites

Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop up mounds of the cheese mixture, rolling each in your hands into a ball. One at a time, dip the cheese balls into the egg and cream wash to coat fully, then gently roll them in pork rind crumbs so every side is covered with crispiness. Place the finished bites on a parchment-lined tray. Keep going until you’ve used up every last bit of the mixture—the anticipation at this step is half the fun!

Step 4: Air Fry the Cheese Bites

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated cheese bites in the basket, making sure there’s a bit of space between each for maximum crispiness. Give the tops a light spritz of cooking spray as well, then air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. The anticipation will just about kill you as the bites turn golden and the kitchen smells amazing!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bites cool for a few minutes right in the basket before you scoop them out—this sets the coating and keeps them from breaking apart. Serve your Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites warm and delight in the cheesy, spicy, bacon-packed goodness. Grab one quick—they’ll disappear fast!

How to Serve Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or extra crumbled bacon for a colorful, tasty finish. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing alongside each plate adds a creamy, tangy contrast—and looks gorgeous for guests.

Side Dishes

These bites are fantastic as a standalone snack but even better when paired with crisp, cool celery sticks, refreshing cucumber slices, or a simple green salad. For a full party spread, think about serving them with guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, or a light slaw to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the bites onto a rustic wooden board, surrounded by other keto-friendly finger foods for a colorful appetizer platter. Or skewer them onto toothpicks and arrange on a platter with dipping sauces in the center—perfect for a playful, grab-and-go party set-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, flavorful, and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or quick lunches later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these bites! Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month and can be reheated straight from the freezer—convenient and just as tasty!

Reheating

To bring leftover or frozen bites back to life, just pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 6–8 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. They’ll be just as melty and delicious as when you first made them—no soggy microwave mishaps!

FAQs

Can I make Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, turning once for even cooking. Just watch for that perfect golden color.

What’s the best way to crush pork rinds for the coating?

Toss pork rinds in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form, or simply use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin. Aim for small, even bits so the coating is crispy without being chunky.

Can I use another cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, you can experiment with Colby Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or mild cheddar. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that gooey center we all love.

How spicy are these Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites?

The heat is pretty mild if you remove the jalapeno seeds and ribs, but you can leave some in—or even add a dash of cayenne—if you want more kick. It’s easy to tailor to your crowd.

Can I prep these in advance for a party?

Definitely! Form and coat the bites, then keep them refrigerated (unbaked) for up to a day before air frying. This makes party-day prep effortless and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Give these Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites a try and see just how easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright craveable keto snacking can be. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, you’re in for a treat that’s sure to become a new favorite—one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 popper bites 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

These Tasty Keto Jalapeno Popper Bites are a low-carb, spicy, and cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With a crispy coating and a creamy, flavorful filling, these popper bites will be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces softened cream cheese
3 diced jalapenos
1/4 cup bacon bits
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Coating:

2 cups crushed pork rinds
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, jalapenos, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Coating Ingredients: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F. Whisk eggs and heavy cream in one bowl. Place pork rind crumbs in another bowl.
Form and Coat the Cheese Bites: Scoop out cheese mixture, form balls, dip in egg mixture, and coat with pork rind crumbs. Place on a baking tray.
Air Fry the Cheese Bites: Spray air fryer basket, place coated cheese bites inside, and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Let the cheese bites cool in the air fryer before serving warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Keto