These Keto Mozzarella Sticks (Air Fryer style!) are the perfect low-carb alternative to the traditional fried favorite. With a golden, crispy coating and a gooey cheese center, this easy recipe is ready in minutes using your air fryer, no deep fryer or mess required.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Kid-approved and perfect for parties, snacks, or apps
- Air fryer mozzarella sticks = less mess, fewer calories
- Low carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free
- Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside
Low-carb Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 Mozzarella Sticks
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Cup of Almond Flour
- 1 Tablespoon of Parmesean Cheese
- 1 Cup of Pork Rinds
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
Important: Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour before coating and air frying to keep the cheese from oozing out.
How to Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Grind the Pork Rinds
Use a food processor to grind pork rinds into a fine powder. Pour the crushed pork rinds into a bowl and set aside. This will serve as the crunchy, low carb breading for your keto mozzarella sticks.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients such as garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend adds flavor without carbs, perfect for keto-friendly mozzarella sticks.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
Crack the eggs into a third bowl and beat them until fully mixed. Set aside. This egg wash helps bind the coating to the cheese sticks.
Step 4: Cut the Mozzarella
Slice each mozzarella string cheese in half. For smaller keto mozzarella bites, cut each stick into 4 equal chunks. Both sizes cook well in the air fryer and make great low carb snacks.
Step 5: Dredge the Cheese
Roll each cheese piece in the flour and seasoning mixture until well coated. Next, dip each piece into the beaten egg, making sure to shake off any excess.
Step 6: Coat with Pork Rinds
Roll each egg-washed mozzarella piece in the crushed pork rinds. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well—this is what gives your keto mozzarella sticks air fryer version that classic crunch without the carbs.
Step 7: Optional – Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the coated cheese sticks on it. Freeze for about 45 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer. You can also freeze them ahead of time and only cook when ready to serve.
Step 8: Air Fry the Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 7–8 minutes.
Step 9: Check for Doneness
The keto cheese sticks are done when golden brown on the outside and melty on the inside. If you like them extra crispy, air fry a bit longer. For a softer, cheesier bite, remove them a little earlier.
Tips for Perfect Low Carb Cheese Sticks
- No almond flour? Use crushed pork rinds for zero net carbs.
- Craving extra crunch? Spray with avocado oil before air frying.
- Want a thicker crust? Freeze after coating, then repeat the dip process.
Are Mozzarella Sticks Keto?
Traditional mozzarella sticks aren’t keto due to the breadcrumb coating, but this air fryer version swaps in low carb alternatives like almond flour or pork rinds, making them completely keto-approved.
FAQ: Keto Mozzarella Sticks Air Fryer
Yes! Coat and freeze them until you’re ready to air fry. No need to thaw—just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
Almond flour and pork rinds are both excellent low-carb choices. Parmesan cheese also works for extra flavor.
String cheese holds its shape better. Shredded cheese will melt too fast and ooze out in the air fryer.
Make sure they are frozen solid before cooking and don’t overcook.
Related Low-Carb Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
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Low Carb Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
This Keto Mozzarella Sticks air fryer recipe is low carb, gluten-free, and easy to make. Crispy outside, melty inside, perfect keto snack!
Ingredients
- 8 Mozzarella Sticks
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Cup of Almond Flour
- 1 Tablespoon of Parmesean Cheese
- 1 Cup of Pork Rinds
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
Instructions
Grind pork rinds using a food processor to a fine powder, pour into a bowl, and set aside. Add the other dry ingredients to another bowl, and set aside.
Then add the eggs to a third bowl. Beat them and set them aside.
Cut all of the mozzarella sticks in half. Or if you would prefer cheese bites, cut the mozzarella sticks into 4 equal chunks. Dredge every piece of mozzarella in the flour mixture until well coated. Dip it in the egg, being sure to shake off any excess.
Then roll the egg-washed mozzarella sticks in the pork rinds until well coated.
The next step is optional but it does help to make a better mozzarella stick if you have the time to spare. Freeze the mozzarella sticks on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 45 minutes or prepare ahead of time and only take the sticks out when you are ready to fry them.
Preheat air fryer to 400 F and then Air fry for 7-8 minutes,
They are done when they are golden brown and melty inside. The level of gooey cheese can be customized to your preference. If you savor an extra crisp, crunchy texture, extend the cooking time. On the other hand, if a softer bite is preferred, remove them from the heat a bit earlier.
Notes
Freezing the breaded cheese sticks can help the breading stick better during the cooking process. Although it is not necessary it is helpful.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 92Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 31mgSodium 185mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 5g
The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
AJ
Thursday 25th of August 2022
These look amazing! I have never tried making mozzarella sticks at home, but I love them as an appetizer when I am eating out! Going to have to try this, thanks for sharing!!
Melissa
Wednesday 31st of August 2022
@AJ, No problem, I think you will love them as much as I do.
Kat
Thursday 25th of August 2022
That looks so appetizing especially that it is made with low carb mozzarella! I definitely have to give this a try.
Tammy
Thursday 25th of August 2022
Mmm these look so delicious and crispy! Brilliant idea for the coating...gosh now I cannot wait to give these a try!
Rhian Westbury
Thursday 25th of August 2022
We're trying to do Keto/ eat lower carb so this has come at a great time. I love mozzarella sticks so I need to try this asap x
Melissa
Wednesday 31st of August 2022
@Rhian Westbury, Awesome! This is a great one to add to your weekly rotation.
Melanie E
Thursday 25th of August 2022
I love mozzarella sticks, they're so yummy. I didn't know you could get low carb mozzarella sticks. I need to look out for those x
Melissa
Wednesday 31st of August 2022
@Melanie E, It's all about the breading, this recipe uses a few keto friendly tricks.