When following a low-carb or keto diet, traditional breadcrumbs are off the table. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up crispy breaded foods like chicken tenders, fish sticks, and zucchini fries. Enter pork rinds – these crunchy deep-fried bits of pig skin can be processed into flavorful, carb-free breadcrumbs perfect for all your faux-frying needs.
Read on to learn how to make and use pork rind breadcrumbs for all your low-carb and keto recipes. With just a few simple steps, you can cut carbs without sacrificing crunch and flavor.
What are Pork Rinds?
Pork rinds, also called pork skin or chicharrones, are the skin of a pig that has been fried or roasted until puffy and crispy The fat renders out during cooking, leaving behind crunchy bubbles of skin that are then seasoned with salt or other spices
Pork rinds have been enjoyed as a snack for ages across many cultures. You can find them in grocery stores sold in bags, ready to eat. When ground into crumbs, they make an excellent substitute for traditional breadcrumbs in low-carb cooking.
Benefits of Using Pork Rinds as Breading
Using pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs offers a few advantages:
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Low carb – Pork rinds have zero net carbs since they are just skin. Great for keto and low-carb diets.
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Crunchy texture – When ground into crumbs, pork rinds provide a light, crispy coating that mimics real breading.
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Cost effective – Pork rinds are an inexpensive pantry staple, cheaper than nuts like almonds.
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Flavorful – Infuse pork rind crumbs with your favorite spices to add big flavor.
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Versatile – Use as breading on meats, veggies, and more for keto-friendly options.
For a satisfying crunch without the carbs and calories, pork rinds can’t be beat! The crumbs add fun texture and taste to otherwise off-limit foods.
How to Make Pork Rind Breadcrumbs
Making your own pork rind breadcrumbs only takes minutes with the following steps:
Ingredients
- 1 bag pork rinds (any flavor)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F
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Spread pork rinds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.
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Add pork rinds to a food processor and pulse into smaller crumbles, then process continuously into fine crumbs.
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For added flavor, pulse in seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, ranch seasoning, etc.
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Use breadcrumbs immediately or store in an airtight container for later use. They keep for several weeks.
That’s it! For even easier cleanup, you can skip the oven step and just process the pork rinds straight from the bag into crumbs. Enjoy your homemade low-carb breadcrumbs on everything from chicken tenders to zucchini fries.
Cooking with Pork Rind Breadcrumbs
When it comes to cooking with pork rind breadcrumbs, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the top ways to use them:
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Breading for faux-fried foods – Coat meats, fish, veggies, and more then bake or air fry into crispy “fried” foods.
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Binders in meatballs – Use crumbs as a binder and texture boost in meatballs and meatloaf.
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Coatings for baked chicken – For crispy baked chicken tenders, nuggets, or wings.
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Toppings for casseroles – Sprinkle over casseroles for crunch and flavor.
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Breading for pan-fried foods – Dredge meat or veggies then pan-fry as you would with regular breadcrumbs.
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Coatings for oven-baked pork chops or fish fillets – Keep foods moist and add texture.
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Crunch on salads – Toast extra crispy then sprinkle over salads in lieu of croutons.
Let your imagination run wild! Pork rinds lend lots of versatility to low-carb cooking.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
To achieve maximum crunch and flavor when cooking with pork rind crumbs, keep these tips in mind:
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Use very fine crumbs. Pulse well in the food processor for a fine texture.
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Remove all visible fat from foods before breading to prevent greasiness.
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Dip foods in egg wash then dredge in crumbs for a thin, even coating.
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Press the crumbs into the food, don’t just dust them on lightly.
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Spray or brush foods with oil before baking for an extra crispy finish.
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Bake at a high temp (400°F) to fully crispen the coating. Flip halfway.
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Let baked foods drain on a rack before serving to prevent sogginess.
Recipes Using Pork Rind Breadcrumbs
Ready to put your pork rind crumbs to work? Here are some top-rated keto recipes to try:
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Low-Carb Chicken Tenders – Kid-friendly and perfect for dipping!
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Breaded Pork Chops – Satisfying and homestyle.
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Fried Fish – A delicious low-carb remake of fish and chips.
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Zucchini Fries – Crisp, crunchy, and craveable.
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Mozzarella Sticks – Ooey, gooey, melty goodness.
Keto Meatloaf – Comfort food classic made over.
The options are endless when you use pork rinds! Breading doesn’t have to mean carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake with pork rind crumbs?
Yes! Pork rind breadcrumbs bake up crispy and delicious. Use in recipes just as you would regular breadcrumbs.
Do pork rind crumbs really taste like breadcrumbs?
While they don’t mimic the flavor exactly, their crunch comes close for a great gluten and carb-free alternative. Adding seasonings enhances the flavor.
Are there any downsides to using pork rinds?
The only drawback is they contain animal products, so they aren’t suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Otherwise, they make an excellent keto option.
Do you have to bake pork rinds before grinding?
Baking first helps dry them out for a finer, crunchier texture. But you can skip this step if short on time.
Crunchy, Crispy Pork Rind Breadcrumbs
For low-carb cooks missing the crunchy coating of real breadcrumbs, pork rinds are a gift. Ground pork rinds create carb-free, keto-friendly breadcrumbs that mimic the flavor and texture of the real thing. Crisp up chicken, fish, chops, veggies, and more with this easy homemade solution. Ditch the carbs – pork rind breading is where it’s at!