Are you craving a sweet and crunchy snack but trying to stick to a keto or low-carb diet? Look no further than keto cinnamon pork rinds! This surprisingly delicious treat combines the satisfying crunch of pork rinds with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweetener. It's a quick, easy, and surprisingly addictive snack that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your dietary goals.
What are Pork Rinds?
Pork rinds, also known as chicharrones, are made from pig skin. The skin is cut into slices and then baked in the oven at low heat for an hour or two to remove most of the excess moisture. They can be eaten at this point, but they’ll puff up even more if they’re deep-fried for a couple of minutes. Salt is usually added, either before baking or after deep-frying.
Why Pork Rinds Work in a Sweet Snack
Pork rinds might seem like an unusual base for a sweet snack, but their neutral flavor and satisfying crunch make them surprisingly versatile. Their slightly salty flavor complements the sweetness of the cinnamon and sweetener, creating a balanced and addictive treat.
The Magic of Cinnamon Sugar Pork Rinds
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can transform plain pork rinds into a delectable snack that tastes nothing like pork rinds! The melted butter acts as a binding agent, allowing the cinnamon-sweetener mixture to adhere perfectly to the pork rinds.
Ingredients
- Pork rinds (unsalted recommended)
- Melted butter (salted or unsalted, depending on preference)
- Keto-friendly granulated sweetener (such as Swerve, erythritol, or allulose)
- Cinnamon
- Optional: Vanilla powder, pumpkin pie spice, unsweetened cocoa powder, natural almond or maple flavor, ground pecans
Basic Recipe: Keto Cinnamon Sugar Pork Rinds
This recipe provides a foundation for endless variations. Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners, spices, and extracts to create your perfect flavor combination.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). A lower temperature of 200 degrees F can also be used, potentially requiring a longer baking time.
- Prepare the pork rinds: Dump 4 cups (950 ml) of unsalted pork rinds into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, place pork rinds in a large resealable (Ziploc) bag.
- Melt the butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Combine cinnamon and sweetener: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of keto-friendly granulated sweetener (like Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sweetener) and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
- Coat the pork rinds: Pour the melted butter over the pork rinds and toss to coat evenly. If using a bag, add melted butter, seal the bag, and shake to evenly coat pork rinds in the melted butter.
- Add cinnamon-sweetener mixture: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sweetener mixture over the buttered pork rinds. Toss again to ensure they are evenly coated. If using a bag, add the mixture to the bag, seal the bag, and shake well to evenly coat all the pork rinds. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon/sweetener mixture onto the pork rinds, covering the areas that don’t have much coverage.
- Bake: Spread the coated pork rinds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 6-8 minutes, or until the pork rinds are crispy and the coating is caramelized. Stir at the halfway point to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them because they will burn!
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. The pork rinds will crisp up further as they cool.
- Store: Store at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag to maintain their crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Swap out the cinnamon for 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a taste of fall.
- Vanilla Almond: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder with 2 tablespoons of erythritol or allulose. Combine 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of natural almond flavor. Toss the butter mixture with the pork rinds, then sprinkle with the vanilla-sweetener mix.
- Chocolate Cinnamon: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sweetener mixture. Mix 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of erythritol or allulose and the cocoa powder.
- Maple Pecan: Mix 2 teaspoons of natural maple flavor with the melted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of erythritol or allulose and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of ground pecans (optional) to the mix.
Tips for Success
- Use unsalted pork rinds: Unsalted pork rinds allow you to control the overall saltiness of the snack and prevent it from becoming too overpowering. If using salted pork rinds, consider reducing or omitting the salt in the recipe.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the pork rinds are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and crisping.
- Watch carefully during baking: Pork rinds can burn easily, so keep a close eye on them while they're in the oven. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so adjust accordingly.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter snack, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness.
- Experiment with flavors: Don't be afraid to get creative with your flavor combinations. Try adding a pinch of sea salt, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of your favorite spices.
Serving Suggestions
- As a snack: Enjoy a handful of keto cinnamon pork rinds as a quick and satisfying snack between meals.
- As a cereal: Break up cooled cinnamon crunch into a small bowl and serve with unsweetened almond milk for a unique and surprisingly delicious keto cereal.
- As a topping: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds over yogurt, chia seed pudding, or other keto-friendly desserts for added crunch and flavor.
- As a party appetizer: Serve a bowl of keto cinnamon pork rinds at your next party or gathering. They're sure to be a conversation starter!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used. Carbs from sugar alcohols have been excluded since they have shown to have no impact on blood sugar.
A typical serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: 186kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g (net carbs)
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 366mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
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