Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Crispy Cheese Crisps (Oven or Air Fryer)

Sarah Smith
Jan 11
2 min read

Orange cheese crisps in a white bowl on a wooden surface. The crisps have a bubbly texture, creating a crunchy appearance.

These Crispy Cheese Crisps are crunchy, savory, and incredibly satisfying — the ultimate low-carb snack made with just cheese. Baked or air-fried until golden and crisp, they deliver that salty crunch you crave without any flour, starch, or fillers. Simple, cozy, and endlessly snackable, they’re perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.

If you love easy keto snacks, these cheese crisps pair perfectly with creamy favorites like Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip for game day or cozy nights in. They also work beautifully alongside lighter meals such as the Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl or as a crunchy side for bowls like the Hot Honey Chicken Keto Bowl, making them a versatile staple in your keto rotation.

Why You’ll Love This

Ultra-crispy with just one main ingredient
Keto-friendly and naturally gluten-free
Oven or air fryer options included
Perfect for dipping or snacking
Ready in minutes

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5–7 minutes Total Time: 10–12 minutes Servings: 12 crisps

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~110
Protein: ~7g
Fat: ~9g
Carbs: ~1g
Fiber: ~0g
Sugar: ~0g

Ingredients

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper

Instructions

Oven Method

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon small mounds of shredded cheese onto the sheet, spacing them well apart.
Flatten slightly and sprinkle with optional seasonings.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Let cool completely — they will crisp as they cool.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Place small mounds of cheese on parchment or a silicone liner inside the basket.
Cook for 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Cool fully before removing.

Notes & Tips

Parmesan makes the crispiest chips, while cheddar gives a richer bite.
Letting the crisps cool fully is key to maximum crunch.
Store cooled crisps in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Are cheese crisps keto-friendly? Yes. Cheese crisps are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly when made with real cheese.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts and crisps better without additives.

What can I serve these with? They’re perfect with dips, soups, salads, or as a crunchy replacement for crackers.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Cheese Crisps prove that the simplest keto snacks are often the best. Crunchy, savory, and endlessly versatile, they’re an easy go-to when you want something comforting, low-carb, and completely satisfying — a recipe you’ll keep on repeat.