Garlic Parmesan Pork Tenderloin Bites with Zucchini Chips

These air fried Garlic Parmesan Pork Tenderloin Bites with Zucchini Chips are a crunchy, protein-forward snack designed for steady blood sugar. Bite-size pork tenderloin cooks quickly and stays juicy, while thin zucchini slices turn into crisp, savory chips. If you use a diabetic friendly dual basket air fryer, you can cook pork in one basket and chips in the other for a speedy snack that satisfies. Love steak nights too? This technique borrows from the same high-heat approach you might use for a low net carb air fryer ribeye, but sized for snacking. Each serving delivers about 34 grams of protein with around 4 grams net carbs, which helps minimize glucose spikes. Pork tenderloin is naturally lean, and a light almond flour and Parmesan dusting provides flavor and crunch without breading. Zucchini adds fiber and volume so you feel full longer. For variety in your weekly plan, you can always balance with poultry on another day. Browse more [chicken recipes](/recipes/category/poultry) to keep your protein rotation interesting. A simple olive oil and garlic marinade seasons the pork without added sugar. Parmesan boosts umami and calcium, and almond flour adds healthy fats that fit a low carb lifestyle. If you enjoy burger nights or meal prep, this method pairs well with your favorite air fryer ground beef keto recipe ideas for future weeks, keeping your menu fresh. For best results, preheat your air fryer and cook the pork in a single layer so hot air can circulate. Use a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) and cook pork to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, then rest 3 minutes before serving. A fine mist from a [quality olive oil sprayer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) helps the chips crisp without excess oil. If you have a dual basket air fryer for zero carb proteins on other nights, this same setup lets you separate components neatly. Outfitting your kitchen with a few keto air fryer accessories keeps clean-up easy and consistency high, and a reliable [air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) makes all the difference. Serve with lemon wedges or a quick garlic yogurt dip, and pair with our crunchy [keto coleslaw](/recipes/keto-coleslaw) for a party platter. Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; re-crisp in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes. For more technique tips, check our [beginner's air fryer guide](/blog/beginners-air-fryer-guide) and streamline your week with our [keto meal prep tips](/blog/keto-meal-prep-guide). **Can I substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce?** Yes. Use 1 teaspoon coconut aminos in place of low sodium soy. Coconut aminos add a touch of sweetness; at this small amount, carbs are minimal. **Can I cook the sides at the same time as the protein?** Yes. In a dual basket, cook zucchini at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes while pork cooks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. In a single basket, cook pork first, then chips. **How do I scale this recipe for a family of six?** Increase ingredients by 1.5 times and cook in batches, or use both baskets if available. Keep pork in a single layer and always verify 145 degrees Fahrenheit before the 3 minute rest.

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 12 min. Servings: 4.

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1 inch bite-size pieces
• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons super-fine almond flour
• Olive oil spray, as needed
• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the pork: In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add pork pieces and toss to coat. Marinate 10 minutes at room temperature while you prep the zucchini.
2. Prep zucchini chips: Pat zucchini slices dry. Toss with a light mist of olive oil spray and the remaining salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Make the crisp coating: In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan and almond flour. Lift pork pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and toss in the Parmesan mixture to lightly coat.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
5. Cook the pork: Arrange coated pork in a single layer with space between pieces. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once, until the center of the largest piece reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit on a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon). Remove pork and let rest 3 minutes before serving.
6. Cook the zucchini: While pork rests, air fry zucchini at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway, until edges are crisp and lightly browned. Sprinkle with a pinch of extra Parmesan if desired.
7. Dual basket option: If using a dual basket air fryer, cook pork at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and zucchini at 375 degrees Fahrenheit simultaneously, following the times above.
8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt. Garnish pork with parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with lemon wedges.

View full recipe on Low Carb Air Fryer