Keto pork tenderloin slices are coated with ground pork rinds for an amazing panko crust. Watch the video and see how easy it is to make these crunchy bites in this step by step recipe.
These are seriously amazing keto pork tenderloin crispy bites.
The coating is made with fried pork rinds! 0 carbs, 100% delicious!
I haven’t made crunchy fried meat (like these panko crusted pork chops) in ages. I used to fry pork tenderloin following this country fair pork recipe. But since going low carb, I’ve been avoiding all the batter and breadcrumbs.
Until today. I’ve found an amazing substitute.
Incredibly, pork rinds ground up in the food processor make a super panko crust.
This meal can be summed up in one word: crunch.
Are pork rinds keto?
Yes! Pork rinds are fried or roasted skin of a pig. And since they have no carbs, they’re perfect for someone on a low carb or keto diet.
You can definitely use these to make a tasty chicken or pork cutlet. But I decided to do something a little bit different.
My supermarket often has a great sale on pork tenderloin. Usually, it’s a buy one, get one free sale. I love when I catch that sale because while pork chops and pork roast are best brined to tenderize them, pork tenderloin is a nice tender cut of meat. No need to brine.
That really shortens up the prep time. Quick and easy.
But pork’s mild flavor needs some spicing up. So I wanted to see if I could liven up the tenderloin with some pork rind flakes.
And that’s how these keto crispy pork tenderloin bites came to be.
And how did they turn out??? Drum roll, please.
Wow! Just wait until you taste these.
They’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Even your pickiest eater.
Okay, let’s go make some.
Ingredients
- pork tenderloins (They’re usually sold in packages of two)
- pork rinds
- eggs
- salt
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- and avocado oil
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
First slice each tenderloin crosswise.
Then turn you pork rinds into crumbs in your food processor.
Next, set up a bowl with beaten eggs and a bowl with your pork rind crumbs plus your seasonings.
Now dip your pork slices in the egg and then into the seasoned pork rinds.
And we’re ready to fry.
Which is the healthiest oil for frying?
Excellent question. I fry these pork slices in avocado oil as I do with my salmon cakes. Refined avocado oil is highly nutritious and loaded with antioxidants.
Read all about its health benefits here and here. It’s very heat stable with one of the highest smoke points making it one of the best possible oils for frying.
Whether you choose avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil, you don’t need to have a high flame. Just keep the flame on medium and make sure the oil doesn’t start to smoke.
I cook them for 4 minutes on each side, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Just look at how crispy they are.
Take one bite and tell me what you think.
Pro tips and recipe notes
- Fry your pork in batches so as not to crowd the pan. If there’s not enough room in the pan, the pork will steam instead of getting nicely browned, flavorful, and crispy.
- Find pork rinds with the snack chips in your supermarket or you can get these ready ground Pork Panko crumbs. You’ll need one cup of ground pork rinds per pound of meat.
- I’ve seasoned my pork rind crust with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Would you like grated parmesan mixed in? Go ahead. How about rosemary, thyme, or oregano? Feel free. It’s up to you.
- Serve on their own or with your favorite topping.
- This recipe also works with chicken breast cutlets. However, I recommend pounding each chicken breast with a meat tenderizer because it can have a tendency to be a little tough.
I can’t wait for you to try this. And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP.
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Keto Pork Tenderloin Crispy Bites
Ingredients
- 2 Pork Tenderloins (8-12 ounces each) They're usually sold in packages of two
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups of ground pork rinds
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice each tenderloin crosswise and set aside.
- Then place your pork rinds in the bowl of your food processor fitted with the large chopping blade. Process until the pork rinds resemble breadcrumbs.
- Next set up two bowls. One bowl with beaten eggs and one with your pork rind crumbs. Add salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to you pork rind crumbs and stir.
- Now dip each pork slice in the egg wash and then coat both sides of each tenderloin slice with the seasoned pork rind crumbs.
- Heat oil in your skillet until it's hot, but not smoking. Fry coated tenderloin slices in batches for 4 minutes on each side. Drain fried pork slices on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve on their own or with your favorite topping and enjoy.
Notes
- Fry your pork in batches so as not to crowd the pan. If there’s not enough room in the pan, the pork will steam instead of getting nicely browned, flavorful, and crispy.
- I fry these pork slices in avocado oil as I do with my salmon cakes. Refined avocado oil is highly nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. It’s very heat stable with one of the highest smoke points making it one of the best possible oils for frying.
Whether you choose avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil, you don’t need to have a high flame. Just keep the flame on medium and make sure the oil doesn’t start to smoke.
- Find pork rinds with the snack chips in your supermarket or you can get these ready ground Pork Panko crumbs. You'll need one cup of ground pork rinds per pound of meat.
- I’ve seasoned my pork rinds crust with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Would you like grated parmesan mixed in? Go ahead. How about rosemary, thyme or oregano? Feel free. It’s up to you.
- This recipe also works with chicken breast cutlets. However, I recommend pounding each chicken breast with a meat tenderizer because it can have a tendency to be a little tough.
Nutrition
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Kelly says
Absolutely delicious! This is now my favorite way to eat pork loin! My husband LOVES this recipe!
Barbara Bianchi says
Woo hoo! You made my day, Kelly. I’m so glad you both enjoyed this recipe. And thanks for the stars. 💕
Denise says
Can these be baked in the oven?
Barbara Bianchi says
Good question, Denise. I haven’t made these in the oven, but I think it would be good. Please let me know how you like it.❤︎