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My keto mozzarella sticks feature a crispy, golden breading with gooey, half-melted mozzarella cheese. Make them on the stovetop, in the oven, OR in the air fryer! 2 grams of net carbs.
Need another low carb appetizer? Try my keto buffalo chicken dip, keto deviled eggs, and keto stuffed mushrooms next.
If you had told me 10 years ago (back before being keto was fashionable) that low carb mozzarella sticks were a thing, I wouldn’t have believed you! Thankfully, they are now.
For this recipe, I start with string cheese (trust me, it works), then coat them in a low carb breading. Each is lightly fried until golden brown, crackling crisp, and bursting with melty cheese.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- They’re SO easy to make. Just dredge the string cheese in the eggs and breading, then fry them up until golden.
- Multiple cooking methods. I love that extra crispy exterior you get from frying, though I know some people prefer an oil-free option, so I tested the oven and air fryer.
- Naturally gluten-free. Because we’re using pork rinds instead of flour!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd. This is one of the appetizers I’ll make when half the crowd is keto and the other isn’t. No one can tell the difference, and everyone comes back for seconds!
Ingredients needed
- String cheese. String cheese is the best because it holds its shape well, even when fried. Use a low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese for the best results. If you can’t find the right string cheese, slice up a block of mozzarella cheese.
- Parmesan cheese. For added savory and cheesy flavor. I prefer the shelf-stable kind, as it sticks to the cheese and mimics traditional breadcrumbs.
- Keto bread crumbs. Crushed-up pork rinds (usually found in the chip or snack aisle). I tried this recipe with coconut flour and almond flour but didn’t like the gritty texture it left.
- Italian seasoning. Optional, but it adds a lovely flavor.
- Egg and water. Mixed to create an egg wash.
- Oil. For frying. Use any oil with a neutral flavor and high smoke point, like avocado oil or peanut oil.
How to make keto mozzarella sticks
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the breadcrumbs. Cut each cheese stick in half. In a blender, combine the pork rinds, parmesan, and herbs. Blend until it reaches a powdery consistency.
Step 2- Assemble the stations. Place the breadcrumbs in one bowl. In another, whisk the eggs with water.
Step 3- Dredge. Dip each piece of cheese in the egg mixture, then the parmesan mixture, and repeat. Transfer the dredged cheese sticks to a plate and freeze until firm.
Step 4- Fry. Heat an inch of oil in a deep pan. Place the cheese sticks in the oil and fry until golden brown. Flip and continue frying until crisp.
Step 5- Drain and serve. Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve warm.
Alternative cooking methods
While I prefer using the fried method (hello, ultra crispiness!), I’ve also tested these in the oven and air fryer!
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 240C/500F. Place the mozzarella sticks onto a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air fryer method: Place the mozzarella sticks into an air fryer basket and cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Season the bread crumbs. Add one teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Fry in batches. If you add too many cheese sticks to the oil, the temperature will drop, leaving you with oily mozzarella sticks. I try only to add enough to cover about half of the frying pan.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks with sugar-free marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Storage instructions
To store: Cooked mozzarella sticks should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Place leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven (180C/350F) for 10 minutes or in the air fryer (200C.400F) for 6 minutes.
More fried keto finger foods
Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 6 mozzarella cheese sticks part skim low moisture mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups keto bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning optional
- 1 large egg
- tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cut each mozzarella cheese stick in half and set aside. In a high speed blender or food processor, add your pork rinds, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, and blend until a powdery texture remains.
- Transfer the crumb mixture into a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water, until combined.
- Moving quickly, dip each cheese stick in the egg mixture, followed by the dry mixture, and repeat once more. Place the coated mozzarella cheese sticks and place them on a lined plate. Place them in the freezer for two hours.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil into a non-stick pan and place over medium heat. Once hot, remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and place them in the sizzling oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, before flipping and cooking for a further 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Place the mozzarella sticks onto a plate covered with a paper towel, and serve immediately.
This will be my second time making this. So amazing! Made it for non keto eaters and they loved it! Every recipe I’ve ever made from Big Man’s World is simply amazing!! You will not regret making this or any recipe from this site I promise. Sounds like a lot of work but is so simple and fast to prepare.