These crispy, gooey low carb mozzarella sticks are easy to make at home and take just minutes in the air fryer! Just 1 net carbs per serving using my crispy coating that is almond flour free! 

Homemade Keto Mozzarella Sticks

One of the most perfect appetizer of all is cheesy fried mozzarella sticks dipped in marinara sauce! Honestly that was the only thing I missed greatly when I decided to go on a keto diet, was traditional mozzarella sticks. 

The crispy coating alone was always what gave the breaded cheese sticks that crispy outer texture, but with soft, gooey melty cheese in the middle. I knew that I had to recreate this popular appetizer and make my own keto mozzarella sticks at home and, not only keto friendly, but nut free as well, since my son has a tree nut and peanut allergy. 

I adapted from my keto breading recipe published in my cookbook, Naturally Keto. It is what I use again and again for a perfect, crispy coating for pretty much everything! 

Best Keto Mozzarella Sticks

The main ingredients that makes these the best low carb keto mozzarella sticks is my keto breading in my cookbook, Naturally Keto, and mozzarella string cheese, with few other simple ingredients you already have in your keto kitchen like eggs and olive oil cooking spray. 

Combining crushed pork rinds with Italian seasoning, whey protein powder, onion powder and salt, you end up with a fool proof breading that works for a crispy coating for chicken, pork, any protein really and now even cheese! I've used this breading for my easy keto skillet chicken parmesan and my veal parmesan recipe. 

Air Fry or Oil Fry

These are much easier using the Air Fryer. I have an extra large air fryer basket since we are a family of five so I am able to fit 12 comfortably without touching each other. Be sure to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to avoid the cheese leaking through. 

They need to be separate so the air can circulate all around them. If you don't have an air fryer, I would highly recommend getting one!

But of course, you can also fry these mozzarella sticks in your oil of choice. I'd use coconut oil or avocado oil for their high smoke point. If you do oil fry, I would suggest freezing your mozzarella sticks for about an hour before oil frying. 

How To Store Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Store these keto mozzarella sticks, uncooked, between a layer of parchment paper in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

These keto mozzarella cheese sticks can also be frozen and taken out of the freezer whenever you like. Pop into the air fryer for 5-8 minutes or to your doneness.

Favorite Dipping Sauces

My favorite dipping sauce for these low-carb mozzarella sticks is of course low carb marinara sauce, but for kids who don't like tomato sauce, ranch dressing is also an option.

Is the Whey Protein Needed?

YES! For best results, do not leave out the whey protein powder! I have made these just dipping the cheese sticks in a beaten egg and pork rinds and the result was completely flattened coated cheese sticks in my air fryer.

All the gooey, delicious cheese and breading went right through the holes of the tray. Still delicious, but not what I was hoping for. Dipping the sticks in the whey provides it the extra coating it needs to keep their shape before air frying. 

This is an easy low-carb recipe and the most perfect low-carb appetizer for a party, especially if you are on a low-carb diet or even a keto diet since they are just 2 total carbs per serving.

Easy Keto Mozzarella Sticks (Nut Free, Air Fryer)

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Keto Mozzarella Sticks (Nut Free, Air Fryer)

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes

Servings 8 @ 4 per serving

Calories 241kcal

Author Brenda Bennett/Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

• 1 pound mozzarella cheese sticks (16 sticks)
• ¼ cup unflavored whey protein powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1.25 cups crushed pork rinds
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

• Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and set aside on a baking sheet pan lined with parchment. You should have 32 halves.
• In a shallow bowl, place the whey protein powder.
• In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and cream together.
• Whisk together the crushed pork rinds, salt, parsley and onion powder in another shallow bowl.
• Roll mozzarella sticks into the whey protein powder, then coat with the egg mixture, then roll in pork rind mixture and place on the baking pan while you finish the rest. Freeze for 30 minute to 1 hour.
• Place as many sticks as you can without touching each other, on the air fryer tray. I have an extra large basket and can fit 12 pieces. Coat the sticks on both sides with olive oil or coconut oil cooking spray which will give them that nice golden color.
• Air fry at 400 degrees F for 4-7 minutes. Enjoy with my homemade keto marinara sauce!

Notes

Net Carbs: 1g

This recipe was first published in February 2021.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving @ 4 sticks | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 681mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg