If you’ve been missing that satisfying crunch while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Parmesan and Pork Rind Green Beans recipe is going to be a total game-changer for you. Honestly, finding a tasty low-carb side dish that isn’t just plain steamed veggies can be a struggle, but adding crushed pork rinds gives these beans an incredible breadcrumb-like texture without the carbs. It’s super quick to whip up, perfectly salty, and makes getting your greens in actually enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll want to add this crispy, gluten-free deliciousness to your weekly dinner rotation!
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 2
Ingredients
0.5 pounds (8 ounces / 227 grams) fresh green beans, ends trimmed 2 tbsp (0.25 ounces / 7 grams) crushed pork rinds 2 tbsp (1 ounce / 28 grams) olive oil 1 tbsp (0.2 ounces / 5 grams) grated Parmesan cheese 0.25 tsp Pink Himalayan salt (or to taste) 0.1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the 0.5 pounds of green beans into the bowl. Add the 2 tbsp of crushed pork rinds, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle in the 0.25 tsp of Pink Himalayan salt and 0.1 tsp of black pepper. Toss everything together until the beans are thoroughly coated in the oil and crumb mixture.
- Roast: Spread the green bean mixture onto a baking sheet in a single, even layer. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes.
- Shake and Finish: About halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark), give the pan a shake or use a spatula to stir the beans gently. This ensures even roasting.
- Serve: Remove from the oven when the beans are tender and the coating is crispy. Divide evenly between two plates and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: 185 kcal Total Fat: 15.5g Saturated Fat: 3g Total Carbohydrates: 8.1g Dietary Fiber: 3g Net Carbohydrates: 5.1g Protein: 5.1g Sodium: 420mg (varies based on salt added) Potassium: 240mg
Total Recipe Totals: Calories: 370 kcal Total Fat: 31g Total Carbohydrates: 16.2g Dietary Fiber: 6g Net Carbohydrates: 10.2g Protein: 10.2g
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Crunch
Dry Your Beans Thoroughly: This is the secret to roasting! After washing your green beans, make sure to pat them completely dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth. If the beans are wet, they will steam instead of roast, and your pork rind coating will get soggy rather than crispy. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your beans some breathing room. Spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet. If they are piled on top of each other, they trap moisture. You want that hot air to circulate around every bean for maximum crispiness. Crush Consistency: When crushing your pork rinds, aim for a texture similar to coarse breadcrumbs (panko style). If you crush them into a fine powder, they might burn quickly. If the pieces are too big, they won’t stick to the beans. A few pulses in a food processor or smashing them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin works best. Freshly Grated Cheese: If you have the time, buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents (like potato starch) that can inhibit melting and add hidden carbs. Freshly grated melts better and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Air Fryer Method: Want to speed things up? You can make this in an air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The circulating air makes the pork rinds exceptionally crunchy. Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add 0.25 tsp of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pork rind mixture. It adds a nice kick that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh is best for that crisp-tender texture. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely first and pat them extremely dry with paper towels. Frozen beans hold more moisture, so they may turn out slightly softer than fresh ones.
Can I make these green beans in an air fryer? Absolutely! This recipe works great in the air fryer. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The circulating air makes the pork rind topping extra crunchy.
What can I use instead of pork rinds if I don’t eat pork? If you want to keep it keto but skip the pork, you can substitute the crushed pork rinds with almond flour or crushed pecans. If you aren’t strictly low-carb, Panko breadcrumbs are a standard substitute, though they will increase the carb count significantly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will make the breading soggy. Instead, pop them back in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes until they crisp up again.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally 100% gluten-free! Pork rinds are a fantastic zero-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, making this dish safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time? You can trim the beans and crush the pork rinds in advance, but it is best to toss everything together right before roasting. If you let the beans sit in the salt and oil mixture for too long before cooking, the salt will draw out moisture and make the coating soggy.
I hope these Keto Parmesan and Pork Rind Green Beans become a new staple in your kitchen! It just goes to show that eating low-carb doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice texture or flavor. Whether you serve this alongside a juicy steak or enjoy it as a savory snack, it’s the perfect guilt-free way to satisfy those crunch cravings. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear what main dish you paired it with!
