Keto Appetizers: Copycat Restaurant Recipes

Most restaurant starter dishes and takeout appetizers are a no-go because they carb-loaded thanks to added sugars and other keto-unfriendly ingredients. But, the good news is, you can still recreate low-carb versions of most. Or, you can make new, equally tantalizing keto appetizers to enjoy. Use these low-carb appetizer recipes to start off every meal without fretting about extra carbs.

Why Share?

I wanted to create a collection of restaurant appetizer replacements and help other keto and low-carb dieters enjoy their starters guiltlessly. If you need help with delicious keto first course dishes, below are some ideas worth considering:

Low Carb Seafood Appetizers

1. Low Carb Bang Bang Shrimp

This dish resembles the typical bang bang shrimp, but my recipe is low-carb, and the result is extra yummy.

2. Air Fryer Keto Crab Cakes

If you love crab cakes, this low-carb version will steal your heart. It has more crab and no flour in the breading.

3. Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Surprise your taste buds with this protein keto starter. You need 3 ingredients and 15 minutes to get it done.

4. Keto & Low Carb Breaded Air Fryer Shrimp

This dish uses almond and coconut flours to replace breadcrumbs, and the result is delicious.

Keto Chips & Dips

1. Easy Keto Queso Cheese Dip

If you’re looking for flavorful, super easy keto appetizers, this is the bomb. It effortlessly replaces the Mexican cheese dip.

2. Kale (or spinach) Artichoke Dip

I created this low-carb delicacy to satisfy my cravings for the Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips With Creamy Spinach Dip.

3. Best Keto Guacamole

Avocados make yummy and low-carb appetizers. This guacamole dip will add only about 2g net carbs to your dish.

4. Keto Nachos

Missing nachos? This low-carb version will sort you out.

5. Creamy BLT Dip

If you love bacon, here’s your treat. This flavor-packed dip mimics the classic BLT sandwich in a keto-friendly way. 

Keto Wings & Tenders

1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Do you miss takeout wings and are looking for a low-carb alternative? Try this easy homemade dish.

2. Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings

Enjoy crispy chicken wings without the deep frying menace. You need about 7 ingredients for this one.

3. Keto Sweet Chili Sticky Asian Chicken Wings

This is one of my favorite sweet and savory combination dishes. Awaken your taste buds with these Asian flavor wings.

4. Spicy Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Use my homemade dry rub to make crispy and juicy wings. It’s low-carb and easy to make using simple ingredients.

5. Keto Chicken Tenders

This is your sure fix if you’re looking for something like your favorite chicken tenders minus the extra carbs. 

6. Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Make tasty buffalo wings at home and save on the take-out costs. Air frying makes cooking easy and quick.

7. Keto Honey Sriracha Wings

If you love the regular sriracha wings, you’ll definitely fall for this low-carb version. It’s simple but flavor-rich.

8. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

These crispy wings are packed with lemon flavor and can be cooked up in the air fryer or oven.

Bread, Pretzels & Sticks

1. Easy Keto Parmesan Garlic Bread Bites

This dish proves that keto appetizers don’t need to be boring or bland. It mimics Domino’s parmesan bread bites with fewer carbs.

2. Keto Mozzarella Sticks

These little sticks are a riot of flavors coated in eggs, almond flour, and Italian seasoning. Every bite counts.

3. Keto Pretzel Bites

Keto coconut fathead dough is the secret ingredient for these super bites. They are nut-free, low-carb, and ridiculously delicious.

Poppers & Veggies

1. Keto Jalapeno Poppers (Air Fryer or Oven)

Tickle your taste buds with these poppers. You need less than 5 ingredients and about 20 minutes to make them.

2. Keto Zucchini Fries (Air Fry or Bake)

Are you looking for keto alternatives to french fries? These crispy zucchini fries will do. Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.

3. Keto Fried Pickles

These 5-ingredients pickles will excite and keep your taste buds anticipating the next bite. They are easy, crispy, and low-carb.

4. Pulled Pork Stuffed Mushrooms

Does your pulled pork always taste uninspired? This recipe is your easy and sure fix. The results are amazingly delicious.

5. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus (Air Fryer)

Asparagus are keto, and bacon is the king of flavor. This bacon-asparagus dish will do your tastebuds justice.

6. Crispy Keto Ricotta Stuffed Eggplant Rounds

You may need to close your eyes as you take a bite to soak in all the flavors. This low-carb appetizer is like small bite eggplant lasagna.

7. Jicama Fries in The Air Fryer

This is one of the many low-carb appetizers that work as a keto side for burgers. Jicama fries are tasty, crispy, and simple.

Skewers & Kabobs

1. Bacon-Wrapped Kola BBQ Chicken Kabobs

These chicken kabobs are the bomb, and my homemade keto BBQ sauce makes them worth every bite.

2. Easy Indoor Grill Chicken Kabobs

These grilled kabobs will set your taste buds ablaze with only a few ingredients, minus the outdoor grilling hassle. 

3. Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers

This dish will make you fall in love with shrimp all over again. They take about 5 minutes to cook.

4. Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Are you looking for super easy, flavorful keto appetizers? These grilled chicken kebabs are your fix. 

Bites, Meatballs & Pockets

1. Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pockets

If you love cheesesteaks, this is for you. The recipe replaces bread with keto fathead dough.

2. Frozen Meatballs (Air Fryer)

This dish comes together in about 15 minutes, and you don’t have to thaw the meatballs before air frying them. I use keto marinara sauce, but you could top these with bbq sauce too!

3. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These juicy steak bites take 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer and require only 4 ingredients.

4. Easy Keto Italian Sausage Meatballs

You can now enjoy delicious meatballs without throwing your keto goals through the window. Almond flour replaces breadcrumbs.

5. Loaded Cauliflower Bites

These bites are a perfect replacement for french fries and loaded potato skins. A single serving has 4g net carbs.

Final Thoughts

Keto and low-carb appetizers are available but finding what’s best for you is the greatest challenge. I hope the recipe ideas I’ve shared here will help you find your way around the keto jungle and create a meal plan that actually works.