Bacon Bourbon Keto Meatballs

Low Carb Bacon Bourbon Meatballs

Bacon bourbon keto meatballs are juicy and have a deliciously complex flavor profile. These low carb appetizers contain bacon, whiskey and BBQ sauce. With a combination like that, they were meant to be served an your tailgating or Super Bowl party. Drizzle with a tangy BBQ bourbon sauce and this keto snack is sure to disappear fast!

Besides being the ultimate meatball that every guy dreams about, these keto meatballs are easy to make and you can cook them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven. Either way, you will be popping these beefy bacon balls into belly in no time!

Air Fryer Meatballs

I am a huge fan of cooking meatballs in the air fryer. Not only do they cook up quickly, but the air fryer produces very juicy meatballs.

It’s important to place your keto meatballs in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket. Space them about 1/2 inch about. Crowding the air fryer with meatballs will create issues with evenly cooking your appetizer all the way.

For an air fryer to work properly, there should be even air flow surrounding the entire item of food.

Oven Instructions

If you don’t own an air fryer, you can bake these keto bacon bourbon meatballs in the oven. Simply arrange your meatballs on a parchment or foil lined baking tray. Space them about an inch apart. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 9 to 13 minutes.

Your whiskey meatballs will take longer to cook but you can cook more of them at a time compared to your air fryer which can only hold so many meatballs as it has a smaller tray or frying space.

Is Bourbon Keto?

Yes! Bourbon or whiskey is keto approved. The majority of hard liquors are considered low carb. In fact, whiskey contains zero net carbs per serving! Not only can you enjoy a shot or two of whiskey in your cocktail but bourbon can be used to cook with as well. It imparts a delicious flavor in your keto recipes.

If you are in the California area, I highly recommend you check out Denny Bar Distillery. Their Roosevelt Rye Whiskey is 4 year old rye whiskey and works perfectly in this recipe.

Keto BBQ Sauce

It’s important that you are using a low sugar BBQ sauce in this keto meatball recipe. This keto BBQ sauce is easy to make so you could throw it together in a few minutes before to prep your bacon meatballs.

If you don’t want to make your own, you may be able to find a low sugar BBQ at your grocery store. Primal Kitchens and Lillie’s Q make low carb barbeque sauces. These are good options to have on hand and can be used in some of my other BBQ recipes, like BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf and BBQ Chicken.

Make Ahead Meatballs

If you are needing a keto appetizer that you can make ahead, then add this bacon bourbon keto meatballs to your list. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored uncooked in the freezer until the night before you want to serve them.

When you want to cook them, thaw them out in the refrigerator the night before. Then bake as instructed above either in the air fryer or the oven.