Crispy Pork Panko (Keto + Whole30 Breadcrumb Hack)
Pork panko is my secret weapon in the kitchen when I want that golden, crispy crunch without the carbs. If you’ve ever struggled to find a breadcrumb alternative that actually delivers on texture and taste, this one-ingredient miracle will blow you away. Let me show you how!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pork Panko Recipe
So many of my favorite recipes call for breadcrumbs. Whether it’s to bind a meatball, coat chicken tenders, or top a casserole with something crunchy. But most breadcrumb alternatives are still full of carbs: crushed pretzels, chips, crackers, and more.
After trying nearly every “healthy” swap out there, I discovered the perfect solution, pork rinds! Ground into fine crumbs, they mimic the texture of panko perfectly with no added carbs – seriously, I double checked the label. It has changed everything in my Whole30 and keto kitchen.
I now keep a big batch of this pork panko on hand and use it in everything from my Keto BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls to Keto Chicken Meatballs. It’s the crispy coating I didn’t know I was missing.
Watch The Recipe Demo (1:13 minutes)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork Rinds: This recipe calls for four 2.5-ounce bags of plain salted pork rinds. You can use more or less depending on how big a batch you want. Look for unflavored varieties without added sugar or spices.
That’s it! One ingredient, endless uses.
How to Make Pork Panko
Step 1: Add to Food Processor. Pour one bag of pork rinds into your food processor.
Step 2: Pulse Until Fine. Pulse until the pork rinds are ground into fine, fluffy crumbs that resemble panko.
Step 3: Repeat. Repeat with the remaining bags of pork rinds, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Store. Transfer the pork panko to an airtight container.
How to Use Pork Panko
Use it anywhere you’d use breadcrumbs:
- Coat chicken, pork, or fish before baking or air frying
- Mix into meatballs or meatloaf as a binder
- Sprinkle over casseroles for a crispy topping
- Add to keto crab cakes or veggie patties
If you’re making Instant Pot Keto Braised Short Ribs, this is the perfect sidekick for a crunchy topping. Or use it in Keto Mashed Cauliflower bakes for that golden crust.
Storage + Recipe Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag and thaw as needed.
- Use Ratio: Use as a 1:1 substitute for any recipe that calls for panko or regular breadcrumbs.Pro Tip: Pulse just until you get fine crumbs. Over-processing will turn the crumbs into powder. You want a light, crispy texture.
Need more Whole30 and keto kitchen hacks? Check out my roundup of 10 Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes for more easy ideas!
Recipe FAQs
Pork panko is ground pork rinds that mimic the texture of breadcrumbs and panko. It’s grain free, low carb, and keto friendly.
I’ve found the sweet spot is just before it turns powdery. You want a fluffy crumb that sticks well but still crisps up beautifully.
Yes! It works beautifully as a binder and adds a mild savory flavor.
More Keto Recipes
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Crispy Pork Panko (Keto + Whole30 Breadcrumb Hack)
Ingredients
- 4 2.5 ounce bags pork rinds
Equipment
Instructions
- In your food processor, blend 1 bag at a time until fine bread crumbs. Repeat with the remaining 4 bags.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag and thaw as needed.
- Use Ratio: Use as a 1:1 substitute for any recipe that calls for panko or regular breadcrumbs.
- Pro Tip: Pulse just until you get fine crumbs. Over-processing will turn the crumbs into powder. You want a light, crispy texture.
15 Comments on “Crispy Pork Panko (Keto + Whole30 Breadcrumb Hack)”
Hi
Just wondering if the breadcrumbs can be frozen and used when needed.
Will the freshness remain?
I just bought a HUGE container from Costco!
Your thoughts are appreciated!
Yes you can freeze the pork rind panko Bev. I sure hope you like it!
Did a taste test against regular breadcrumbs and this one definitely won! So good & easy.
I love that you did a taste test comparing it with regular bread crumbs Ali. Sounds like fun!
How long do the crumbs last in an airtight container?
It is best to use the pork panko right away, but in an airtight container they will last for several days Teresa. I sure hope you like them!
Are yours stinky? Just have the Fresh Thyme brand – hopefully they’ll taste better than they smell!
I wouldn’t describe the panko as stinky, but it definitely smells like pork to me Laura. The taste is actually quite delicious. I sure hope you like it!
Hi Natalie ,
I did try it and it tasted great! The sauce was really good, especially over the zucchini noodles, too. I may still try the Epic brand if the pork rinds next time. Thank you – I didn’t mean to sound snarky above – I’d just never used the rinds before!❤️
I am really glad you liked it Laura! Trust me, you were not snarky at all. I would have asked the same thing. LOL!
I have never bought pork rinds and no idea that there were so many possible uses. Hubby is diabetic so I love the idea of using this as a low carb breading option. Thank you for continuing to expand my kitchen and pantry with these wonderful tips.
Isn’t the pork panko a fun new ingredient Heather? I am glad you are finding lots of uses for them. They are such a fantastic alternative to bread crumbs.
I LOVE this! I use them anytime I need to sub breadcrumbs in any recipe. I just made low carb onion rings to top my chili (also tasteslovely’s recipe!) and oh my! You can’t tell they are low carb they are crunchy and delicious. I definitely ground them a little finer than normal for that onion ring crisp. PERFECT. Thank you for sharing all of these amazing recipes.
I am so happy you like my pork panko Alicia! Oh my goodness your onion rings sound fantastic. Topping your chili with the onion rings is a delicious idea!
I wonder if there are any other kinds of rinds one can use? My husband doesn’t eat pork.