Keto Mozzarella Sticks

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These keto mozzarella sticks are ultra crispy on the outside, irresistibly gooey on the inside, and so easy to make at home! With just a handful of simple, low-carb ingredients, you can enjoy a cheesy, satisfying snack or appetizer that tastes just like the classic version—minus the carbs.

Whether you’re hosting game night, looking for a quick low-carb snack, or craving something crunchy and cheesy, these low carb mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly every time. They’re gluten-free, keto-friendly, and sure to be a hit with everyone—even non-keto eaters!

Super easy to customize, these keto mozzarella sticks can be fried, baked, or air-fried—whatever works best for you! They’re crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, and completely satisfying without all the carbs.

Growing up, mozzarella sticks were a party staple for me. Whether it was sleepovers, birthdays, or casual get-togethers, you could always count on a tray of frozen mozzarella sticks showing up. They were my ultimate comfort food.

Since starting my keto lifestyle, I’ve definitely missed my favorite fried restaurant foods. That’s why I had to recreate a low carb mozzarella stick recipe that still delivers all the crunch, cheesiness, and nostalgia—just in a healthier way.

These low carb mozzarella cheese sticks are every bit as tasty and satisfying as the traditional version, but with a few simple keto-friendly swaps. The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer! Whether you fry them in a skillet, pop them in the oven, or crisp them up in the air fryer, these are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why This Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Is the Best

These keto mozzarella sticks are everything you love about the classic appetizer—gooey, crispy, cheesy perfection—with a low-carb twist that fits your lifestyle. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Easy to Make – With just 6 simple ingredients, these come together quickly and easily, even for beginners.
• Crispy and Golden – Coated in a flavorful low-carb breading, they fry or air fry to a perfect crunchy texture, just like traditional mozzarella sticks.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Made with almond flour and crushed pork rinds (or keto breadcrumbs), they’re
• gluten-free and ideal for a low-carb snack or appetizer.
• Versatile Cooking Options – You can fry, bake, or air fry depending on your preference—no deep fryer needed!
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at parties, game days, or as a fun after-school snack everyone will enjoy—even non-keto eaters.
• Great for Freezing – Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for a quick snack you can pop straight into the air fryer or oven.

Are Mozzarella Sticks Keto?

Traditional mozzarella sticks are not keto-friendly, as they’re typically coated in a high-carb breadcrumb mixtureand then deep-fried. While the cheese itself is low in carbs, the breading adds a significant amount of carbohydrates, making classic mozzarella sticks unsuitable for a keto or low-carb diet.

Fortunately, with just a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a keto version of mozzarella sticks that’s just as crunchy and satisfying. By replacing the breadcrumbs with a combination of almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or other low-carb alternatives, you can recreate this popular appetizer without sabotaging your macros.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Keto Mozzarella Sticks

You’ll be happy to know that these keto mozzarella sticks require just a few basic ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect crispy, gooey snack without the carbs. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mozzarella Cheese (String Cheese or Block) – The star of the show! Use whole milk mozzarella cut into sticks for the best flavor and melt. If using pre-packaged string cheese, be sure it’s low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella—this helps keep the sticks from melting too quickly and losing their shape during cooking.
• Almond Flour – Acts as part of the crispy, golden coating. Choose super-fine blanched almond flour for the best texture.
• Eggs – Used to bind the coating to the cheese sticks. Beat them in a shallow bowl for an easy dipping station.
• Pork Rinds – These replace traditional breadcrumbs and deliver that satisfying, crispy crunch with zero carbs. Crush them finely for the best results.
• Seasonings – I used Italian seasoning and garlic powder to give these mozzarella sticks their irresistible flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste—don’t skip this step, as it enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

How to Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks (Without Breadcrumbs)

These keto mozzarella sticks are grain-free, low in carbs, and incredibly easy to make. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, we use a flavorful blend of almond flour, crushed pork rinds, and seasonings to get that crunchy, golden exterior you love—without the carbs.

1. Start by cutting each piece of mozzarella cheese in half crosswise. Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, pork rinds, and seasoning to create the keto breadcrumbs to coat the cheese.
3. Bread the cheese sticks first in the egg and then in the almond flour mixture.
4. Freeze the coated cheese sticks for 2 hours or overnight. This step prevents the cheese from melting during cooking.
5. Cook frozen mozzarella sticks in your favorite way until golden brown. I fried mine in a few tablespoons of oil until crispy, but the oven-baked version is just as delicious.

Tips and Variations for the Best Keto Cheese Sticks

To make truly irresistible keto mozzarella cheese sticks, a few simple techniques go a long way. These helpful tips and creative variations will give you the perfect crispy coating, gooey center, and restaurant-quality flavor—without the carbs.

Double Coating Is a Must. For the best results, always use a double coating. Dip the mozzarella into the egg wash, then into the keto breadcrumb mixture, and repeat once more. This not only adds a thicker, crunchier crust but also helps seal the cheese to prevent it from leaking during cooking—especially in the air fryer or oven.

Add Flavor With Custom Seasonings. Enhance the taste of your low-carb breading by mixing in your favorite herbs and spices. Here are some tasty options to consider:

• Thyme or rosemary – for a fragrant, earthy twist
• Paprika or smoked paprika – for depth and a hint of warmth
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper – to add a spicy kick
• Onion powder or ranch seasoning – for bold, savory flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese – for added crunch and umami flavor

Tip: You can also add seasonings directly to the egg wash for a flavor boost in every bite.

Use Mozzarella Blocks If You Don’t Have String Cheese. Don’t worry if you don’t have pre-packaged string cheese. Simply cut a block of low-moisture mozzarella into 4-inch by ½-inch sticks. This gives you more control over the size and makes the recipe even more budget-friendly.

Use the “One Wet, One Dry” Hand Method. To keep your coating mixture from getting sticky and clumpy, assign one hand to the egg wash and the other to the dry mixture. This keeps everything neat and helps the coating adhere better for even crispier results.

Freeze Before Cooking.

This step is non-negotiable! Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 2 hours or overnight before cooking. Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too fast and helps the outer coating crisp up beautifully without falling apart.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

These keto mozzarella sticks are perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and crispy:

• Fridge – Store cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer – Transfer leftover cooked mozzarella sticks to a ziplock, bake, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make Ahead 

As cheese sticks need to be frozen before cooking to prevent leaking, these keto fried mozzarella sticks are the best appetizer to make ahead of time. Prep the sticks a few days ahead, and cook when ready to serve.

How To Serve Keto Mozzarella Sticks

They are usually served with marinara sauce, and this way, it tastes just like pizza. Another great dipping sauce is Aioli, keto ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, remoulade, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Can I Bake Mozzarella Sticks?

Yes, you can bake them if you prefer healthy mozzarella sticks. Preheat the oven to 440 degrees F and place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the coating looks crispy.

How To Make Mozzarella Sticks in An Air Fryer?

To make keto air fryer mozzarella sticks, grease your air fryer basket using a non-stick cooking spray. Place the mozzarella sticks into an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400F/200C for 8-10 minutes.

How To Reheat?

Reheat keto mozzarella sticks with pork rinds in the preheated oven at 400F for 10 minutes until warmed through.

More Keto Snacks Recipes

• Keto Cheese Chips
• Keto Crackers
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Broccoli Cheddar Tots