If you’re a fan of fried foods like chicken, zucchini, or fish, but want to keep it low carb, you’ve got to try this simple pork rind breading recipe. I’ve used it in countless low carb dishes, and my family can’t get enough of it.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t always a fan of pork rinds. Even though they’re carb-free and seem like the perfect low carb snack for chip lovers, they just didn’t appeal to me. However, last year I decided to give them a chance, and everything changed when I used them to bread chicken nuggets. I was instantly hooked!
Today, I want to share with you my must-try low carb pork rind breading recipe. It’s incredibly versatile and will surely turn you into a pork rind enthusiast.
What Sets Pork Rinds Apart?
Pork rinds are sometimes referred to as cracklins, but they’re actually different. Pork rinds are made from fried pig skin without any fat, while cracklins contain fat, resulting in a richer crunch. For our breading, we’ll be using pork rinds, which you can find easily in most grocery stores. If you want to learn more about pork rinds, click here for additional information.
Embrace the Low Carb Goodness
Low carb and keto dieters love pork rinds because they have absolutely no carbs. These salty and crunchy snacks make a great substitute for chips. They even come in various flavors to satisfy your taste buds. Personally, I often go for the Aldi brand, which provides approximately:
- 160 calories
- 12g fat
- 0 carbs
- 0 fiber
- 16g protein
Perfecting My Pork Rind Breading
Now, let’s dive into how to make my pork rind breading. The first step is to grind the pork rinds into crumbs. While you can use a meat mallet to pound them, I find that a food processor works best. To the ground pork rinds, I add parmesan cheese and a blend of spices. For a basic recipe, you’ll need:
- 3.5oz bag of crushed pork rinds
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Feel free to adjust the spices according to the dish you’re preparing. For Parmesan chicken, try using Italian seasoning; for a Mexican twist, go for chili powder and cumin.
A Secret Ingredient for Extra Crunch
To achieve an irresistibly crispy and delicious coating, I started using mayonnaise as a base layer before dipping the chicken or other ingredients into the pork rind breading. This technique works especially well when using an air fryer. The mayo adds an extra crunch that you’ll absolutely love. Trust me, I once tried ranch dressing as a substitute, and it was surprisingly tasty!
While I personally prefer mayonnaise, you can always use beaten eggs as you would for traditional breading. However, I highly recommend giving the mayo a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Explore Low Carb Recipes with Pork Rinds Breading
Below, I’ll share a few low carb recipes that use pork rind breading or feature it as a bread crumb topping. These ideas will help you unleash the full potential of this delectable mixture:
- Parmesan chicken nuggets
- Zucchini fries
- Crispy fish fillets
Make Your Own Pork Rinds (If You Dare)
If you feel adventurous and want to try making your own pork rinds, check out my friend Carolyn’s incredible homemade chicharrones recipe. I must admit, I haven’t gotten around to trying it myself, but Carolyn is a fantastic low carb cook, and her homemade pork rinds are a testament to her skills.
Where to Get Pork Rind Breading
If making your own pork rind crumbs isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can easily purchase Pork Panko breading crumbs on Amazon. They’re a convenient option for those who prefer a ready-to-use solution.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this low carb breading recipe a try and let me know what you think. I promise you won’t be disappointed.