Air Fryer Crispy Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites

If you're in the mood for something crispy and totally satisfying, these carnivore cream cheese bites are about to become your new favorite snack you can make in a snap. A creamy cream cheese center wrapped in a crunchy pork rind coating, all done up in the air fryer with a perfect golden finish. Whether you're on the carnivore train or just love a good low carb treat, these bites are super easy to make and even easier to devour.

Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

When I first set out to create a carnivore-friendly dessert, I had one goal in mind: something creamy and satisfying, like cheesecake, but without any sweeteners for those on strict carnivore. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to come up with something that would hit the spot without breaking the rules. After a few trial runs and some serious brainstorming, I thought, “Why not try just combining cream cheese with some kind of crust?” That's when the idea of using crushed pork rinds as a breading came to mind, and I knew I was onto something.

Of course, I didn't come up with this idea entirely on my own. The carnivore community is full of creative minds, and with a little input from some seasoned pros, I was able to refine the recipe. The concept was simple: coat a piece of cream cheese in an egg wash, roll it in crushed pork rinds, and pop it in the air fryer. The first time I tried it, I wasn't sure what to expect, but as soon as I heard that crispy sizzle, I knew I was in for a treat.

And let me tell you, when I took that first bite, I was blown away. The creamy, tangy center paired with the crunchy coating was pure magic. I couldn't believe I'd whipped up something so delicious in just a few minutes using the air fryer. These bites were everything I wanted-a rich, satisfying snack that felt indulgent but was completely carnivore-approved. I knew right then that this recipe was going to be a hit, not just for me, but for anyone looking for a quick and tasty carnivore treat.

Ingredients for Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites

Just 3 simple, no-nonsense ingredients for this recipe! Grab your pork rinds, cream cheese, eggs, and anything else you want to get creative.

• Cream Cheese - Full-fat cream cheese is your best bet because it gives you that rich, creamy texture we're going for. It's important to use it straight from the fridge, so it's firm and easier to handle when you're coating it. If you're looking for a substitution, mascarpone could work, but it's a bit softer, so you might need to freeze it slightly before using. But honestly, cream cheese is the way to go for that classic tang and creaminess.
• Eggs - You'll need 1-2 eggs to create the binding layer for your pork rind coating. The egg helps the crushed pork rinds stick to the cream cheese, ensuring an even, crispy crust. Make sure your egg is beaten for the best coverage. If you're out of eggs, you could try using heavy cream or melted butter as a binder, but the egg really does the best job in terms of getting that perfect crunch.
• Crushed Pork Rinds - The magic ingredient that gives these bites their incredible crunchy exterior. Pork rinds are generally zero-carb (check the label) and add that neutral flavor that makes these bites so satisfying. You can use store-bought pork rind crumbs or crush your own at home-just make sure they're finely ground so they adhere well to the cream cheese. If you're not into pork rinds or can't find them, you might try a parmesan cheese crust instead, but it won't be quite as crunchy.

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How to Make Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites in Air Fryer

Crush → Slice & Roll → Beat → Dip & Coat → Air Fry → Cool

It doesn’t matter what order you crush the pork rinds, slice and roll up the cream cheese, and beat the eggs as long you do the coating part in the right order.

Prepare & Coat

1. Crush up your pork rinds in a ziplock bag or leave them in the bag it came in. Just hit it with a mallet or the back of a heavy ice cream scoop. Just something heavy to crush it up. Or blitz it in a blender. Or just store-bought pork rind crumbs. Whatever is easiest for you!
2. Slice up a cold right-out-of-the-fridge cream cheese brick into about 6-8 equal pieces. Then, roll them into balls. Careful not to mash it or work the cream cheese too much or it will get warm.
3. Beat eggs in a small bowl. Add the crushed pork rinds to another bowl. Dip one cream cheese ball in egg.
4. Then, coat in pork rinds. Press the pork rinds into the cream cheese ball until well coated. Shake off any excess.

Air Fry & Cool

1. Place your coated cream cheese bites in the air fryer. Air fry in batches if you need to. Make sure they are separated at least by an inch or two.
2. Air fry at 400°F / 205°C for 8-10 minutes until crispy.

Allow to cool slightly because we don’t want to burn our tongues, then serve immediately because these are best served right from the air fryer. And they are great cold from the fridge the next morning!

Frequently Asked Questions about Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites

1. Can I use almond flour instead of pork rinds? This recipe is designed to be a carnivore-friendly, low-carb snack or dessert, so crushed pork rinds are the best option for a crispy coating. Almond flour could be used as a coating, but it wouldn't provide the same crunch or flavor that pork rinds do, and it might not be ideal for those strictly following the carnivore diet. If you're looking for a keto diet alternative, almond flour plus parmesan cheese is a decent substitution, but the texture and taste will differ.
2. What's the best way to store these bites? To keep these fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer bag. Just make sure to reheat them in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy texture, either way you store them.
3. Can I make these ahead of time for family gatherings? Absolutely! These bites are perfect for prepping ahead. You can make them up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up. They're a hit at family gatherings and are easy to make in large batches.
4. What are some substitution options? If you don't have pork rinds on hand, you could try using crushed cheese crisps or even parmesan cheese as a coating, though it might add a few more carbs. For those on a keto diet, almond flour could be an option, but it won't give you that same crispy texture. And while cream cheese is the main ingredient, you could experiment with mascarpone or a combination of softened cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly different flavor and texture.
5. How do I make sure the bites don't stick to the baking sheet? Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is the easiest way to prevent sticking. You could also use a silicone mold or mini muffin pans if you want to create uniform shapes. If you're air frying, you likely won't need anything to prevent sticking, but parchment paper can help keep everything tidy.
6. Can I add any extra flavors to these bites? Certainly! While the classic version is simple and delicious, you can experiment with adding a touch of garlic powder or sharp cheddar cheese to the pork rind coating for a savory version. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even mix in some bacon bits with the pork rinds or add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese for a little zing.
7. How can I serve these at a party? These bites make a great party snack! You can serve them alongside other low-carb options like keto sausage balls or as part of a cheese platter. They pair well with whipped cream cheese or a simple dip made with sour cream and chives. Arrange them on a platter with some crispy bacon or mini muffins for a low carb feast that will impress your guests.
8. Is there a printable recipe card available? Yes! At the bottom of the page, you'll find a printable recipe card with full instructions and exact measurements. It's perfect for keeping on hand or sharing with friends who are also following a carnivore or keto diet. You'll also find a step-by-step video to guide you through the process.
9. Can I reheat these bites? Yes, you can reheat these bites easily. The best way is to pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy exterior. You can also reheat them in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
10. Can I make these bites into a dessert? These bites are meant to be a dessert without sweetener to adhere to a more strict carnivore lifestyle, but if you are following a more relaxed carnivore diet, you could tweak the recipe by adding a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of monk fruit sweetener to the cream cheese filling. Pair them with whipped cream or a drizzle of melted cocoa powder mixed with coconut oil for a low carb dessert option that your taste buds will love!

More carnivore and keto recipes you might like:

• 13 Quick & Easy Carnivore Diet Desserts Without Sweetener
• 70 Carnivore Snack Ideas That'll Add More Variety To Your Life
• 25 Genius Quick & Easy 2-Minute Keto Snacks Ideas
• Keto & Carnivore Brown Butter Bites

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