Name: Air Fryer Crispy Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Full-fat cream cheese, cold; Eggs, beaten; Crushed zero-carb coating (e.g., pork rinds or similar)

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These Air Fryer Crispy Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites are the kind of crunchy, creamy snack I love making when I want something satisfying without any carbs or sweeteners. With only three simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes total, I can have a batch ready whenever the craving hits. The outside crisps up beautifully while the inside stays smooth and melty—perfect for anyone following a carnivore or low-carb lifestyle.

Air Fryer Crispy Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and uses just a handful of ingredients I usually have on hand. The outside gets wonderfully crisp while the inside stays cool and creamy, giving a satisfying texture in every bite. It’s also a great way to enjoy something rich and indulgent without going off track. Whether I’m making a savory snack, a shareable appetizer, or even a no-sweetener dessert, these bites deliver.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, cold – I always go with full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture. Keeping it cold makes it easier to slice and shape.
Eggs, beaten – This helps bind the coating to the cream cheese and gives it a golden, crisp finish.
Crushed zero-carb coating – I use a finely crushed, crunchy ingredient with neutral flavor and no added carbs. It crisps up perfectly and holds together in the air fryer.

Directions

I slice a block of cold cream cheese into 6 to 8 pieces, then gently roll each one into a ball. It’s important not to let the cheese get too soft.
I beat a couple of eggs in a small bowl and place the crushed coating in another.
Each cream cheese ball goes into the egg wash first, then gets rolled and pressed into the crumb coating until fully covered.
I place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching, and air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes until they’re crisp and golden.
After air frying, I let them cool just a bit before serving—hot is best, but they’re also delicious cold.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 bites, which serves around 2 to 4 people depending on appetite. I spend about 10 minutes on prep and 10 minutes on cooking, so the whole process takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

When I want to change things up a bit, here’s what I do:

Herb twist: I mix garlic powder, dried chives, or onion powder into the coating.
Cheese mix-in: I sometimes tuck a bit of sharp aged cheese inside for extra depth.
Zesty version: A little lemon zest in the cream cheese adds brightness.
Savory seasoning: I’ve added a pinch of salt-free spice blends to the crumb coating for more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I make a big batch, I freeze the bites individually on a tray before transferring them to a bag. To reheat, I just pop them in the air fryer or oven until warm and crisp. I avoid using the microwave, since it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different binder instead of eggs?

Yes, I’ve tried using heavy cream or melted fat as a binder. Eggs give the best result in terms of texture and holding power, but those other options work in a pinch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. I prep and coat the bites the day before, store them in the fridge, then air fry them fresh before serving. They’re also great reheated if I’ve already cooked them.

How do I keep the cream cheese from getting too soft?

I always work with the cream cheese straight from the fridge and avoid handling it too much. If it starts getting soft, I chill it again before rolling or coating.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. I freeze them on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. I air fry from frozen when I need a quick snack—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.

What can I serve these with?

I like serving them with a side of whipped cream cheese or a simple creamy dip made from sour cream. They also go well as part of a larger platter with other zero-carb, high-fat options.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Crispy Carnivore Cream Cheese Bites are everything I want in a quick snack: simple ingredients, easy prep, and a delicious mix of creamy and crispy textures. Whether I’m staying strict with my carnivore goals or just looking for something low-carb and comforting, this recipe hits the mark every time.