I’ve always loved finding creative ways to add texture to low-carb veggies without piling on the carbs. Recently, I was craving something savory and crisp, so I whipped up these Crunchy Pork Rind Zucchini Sticks. They are incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, and the combination of garlic butter and crushed pork rinds gives them a satisfying crunch that even non-keto eaters adore. It has quickly become one of my go-to appetizers when I want something comforting yet light!
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients:
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2 medium zucchinis (approx. 14 oz / 400g), halved lengthwise and seeded
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0.25 cup (0.5 oz / 14g) crushed pork rinds
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0.25 cup (0.9 oz / 25g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 garlic cloves (0.2 oz / 6g), minced
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2 tbsp (1 oz / 28g) melted butter
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0.5 tsp Pink Himalayan salt (or to taste)
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0.25 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp (0.5 fl oz / 15ml) Olive oil, for drizzling
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Place the prepared zucchini halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 0.25 cup (0.5 oz / 14g) crushed pork rinds, 0.25 cup (0.9 oz / 25g) grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and 2 tbsp (1 oz / 28g) melted butter.
- Season the mixture with the Pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing until all ingredients are well combined and crumbly.
- Spoon the pork-rind mixture generously onto each zucchini stick, pressing down slightly to adhere, and drizzle each stick with the 1 tbsp (0.5 fl oz / 15ml) olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is turning golden brown.
- Turn on the oven broiler to high and broil the zucchini sticks for 3 to 5 minutes to finish browning the crust, then remove and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 288 kcal
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Total Carbohydrates: 7.5g
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Protein: 11.5g
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Total Fat: 24g
Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Sticks
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Hollow Out Thoroughly: When seeding the zucchinis, use a small spoon or a melon baller to scrape out the seeds and soft flesh completely. This removes excess moisture, ensuring the zucchini roasts firmly rather than becoming soggy.
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Don’t Over-Crush the Rinds: When crushing your pork rinds, aim for a coarse breadcrumb texture rather than a fine powder. Leaving a few larger chunks adds a much better crunch and contrast to the soft zucchini.
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Watch the Broiler Closely: The high fat content in pork rinds and parmesan cheese means the topping can go from golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them during those final 3–5 minutes.
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Serve Immediately: Pork rind breading is best enjoyed right out of the oven. If left to sit too long, the moisture from the cooling zucchini can soften the topping, so serve them hot for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these zucchini sticks in an air fryer instead of the oven? Yes, absolutely. To make these in an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the pork rind topping is crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Is this recipe suitable for a strict Keto or Carnivore diet? This recipe is excellent for Keto diets as it is high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates. While it fits a “Keto-Carnivore” style (using animal-based fats and pork rinds), strict Carnivore diets typically exclude plant matter like zucchini and garlic. However, for those on a flexible low-carb or Ketovore plan, it is a perfect choice.
How should I store and reheat leftovers to keep them crunchy? 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 topping soggy. Instead, place them back in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–8 minutes until they are heated through and the crust crisps up again.
Can I substitute the pork rinds if I don’t eat pork? Yes, if you do not consume pork, you can substitute the crushed pork rinds with an equal amount of almond flour or crushed parmesan crisps (cheese crisps). Keep in mind that almond flour will result in a slightly softer topping compared to the intense crunch of pork rinds.
These Crunchy Pork Rind Zucchini Sticks are the perfect proof that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing texture or flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a savory appetizer for guests or enjoying them as a quick keto-friendly snack, they are sure to satisfy that craving for something crispy. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you—give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments below!
