Carnivore Popcorn Recipe
Servings: 2–4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken skin (or pork skin, or thinly sliced beef fat)
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Salt to taste (optional)
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Seasoning (optional: smoked paprika, garlic powder—omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven or air fryer:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). -
Prepare the skin:
If using raw chicken or pork skin, pat it dry thoroughly using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Cut the skin into small bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch squares. They will shrink significantly during cooking. -
Optional seasoning:
If you like, sprinkle a little salt or seasoning on the skin pieces. Strict carnivores may skip seasoning altogether. -
Arrange for cooking:
Lay the skin pieces flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping. -
Bake or air fry:
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Oven method: Bake for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to prevent burning.
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Air fryer method: Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Every air fryer varies, so check frequently after 8 minutes.
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Cool and enjoy:
Once crisp, remove from the oven or air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes. The texture will firm up more as they cool.
Serving Suggestions:
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Eat as-is like popcorn—crunchy, salty, and satisfying.
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Pair with melted beef tallow or butter for dipping.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Tips:
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Chicken skin gives the best “popcorn-like” crunch.
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You can save skin from whole chickens or thighs and freeze until you have enough.
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Want zero waste? Render the leftover fat into tallow or lard!
Carnivore Popcorn is the perfect crunchy snack for meat-lovers, keto followers, and anyone looking to ditch carbs but keep flavor.