Keto Popcorn Cheese Puffs

If you miss popcorn, you will love our low carb version made with cheese. Extra sharp cheddar cheese is crumbled into a “popcorn” like size onto a baking sheet. The cheese is then dried out for several days to eliminate any excess moisture. Once dried, the cheese is placed into an air fryer to puff up and crisp. You can use this popcorn as a base for a multitude of Keto-friendly seasonings like salt and pepper for a classic combo, cayenne for a spicy kick or even sweetener for a sweet/salty blend.

Do I have to use extra sharp cheddar cheese?

Yes, using extra sharp cheddar cheese will ensure the lowest moisture content to start. If the cheese has too high a moisture content and is not dried for long enough, the cheese will simply melt versus puffing during the cooking process.

Why is the cheese dried in the fridge and then at room temperature?

Drying the cheese in the fridge will allow for most of the moisture to evaporate from the cheese so it will not go bad once you dry it outside of the fridge. The cheese is then removed from the fridge and placed on a counter at room temperature to finish releasing the rest of the moisture at a faster rate. If you live in a high humidity environment, be sure to give the cheese an extra day or so to dry out.

What should I do if the cheese does not puff on the first round of cooking?

If the cheese still looks pale on the first round of cooking, immediately repeat the process but set the timer for 1-2 minutes. Check the cheese periodically to make sure the cheese is golden and puffed. There should be bubbles on the cheese pieces when puffed. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and cool completely to crisp.

Serving suggestions

To make the ultimate pairing, serve this with other Keto snack recipes like our Keto Oven-Fried Kale Chips:

https://www.carbmanager.com/recipe-detail/ug:eb5508a2-1dcd-6829-8b66-9a33813bdbf1/keto-oven-fried-kale-chips

Net Carbs

0 g
Fiber

0 g
Total Carbs

0 g
Protein

25 g
Fats

35.7 g

411 cals

Quantity

Serving Size

#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010

Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.

Create Shopping List

Extra Sharp Cheese

200 g

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Crumble the cheese into small “popcorn” sized pieces. Allow the cheese to dry uncovered in the fridge for at least two days.
Step 2

Then remove the cheese from the fridge and allow it to dry at room temperature for 1-2 days until very dry. Once the cheese is dried, place half of the cheese into the bottom of an air fryer basket.
Step 3

Set the air fryer to 390 F (200 C) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and puffed. Repeat with the remaining cheese. Remove the cooked cheese to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any liquid fat. Allow cooling completely until crisp.