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 & Variations for the Best Keto Cheese Sticks

To make truly irresistible keto mozzarella sticks – golden and crispy outside, gooey inside, and packed with flavor – a few simple techniques make all the difference. These tips will help you get restaurant-quality results at home every single time.

Double-Coating Is a Must

Always coat the cheese twice. Dip the mozzarella in egg wash, then the keto breadcrumb mix, and repeat. That second coat gives you a crunchier crust and seals the cheese so it doesn’t leak out while cooking – especially in the air fryer or oven.

Boost the Flavor With Seasonings

Don’t be shy about adding herbs and spices to your low-carb breading. Try these for extra flavor:

• Thyme or rosemary – fragrant and earthy
• Paprika or smoked paprika – adds warmth and depth
• Chili powder or cayenne – a spicy kick
• Onion powder or ranch seasoning – bold and savory
• Grated parmesan – more crunch and rich, cheesy flavor

💡 Pro Tip: You can even whisk a little seasoning into the egg wash for flavor in every bite.

No String Cheese? Use Mozzarella Blocks

If you don’t have string cheese, cut a block of low-moisture mozzarella into sticks (about 4-inch by ½-inch). It’s budget-friendly and lets you control the size.

Use the “One Wet, One Dry” Hand Trick

Keep one hand for dipping in the egg wash and the other for the dry mixture. This avoids clumpy breading and helps the coating stick evenly.

Freeze Before Cooking

Don’t skip this step! Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too quickly and ensures the outside gets perfectly crisp without falling apart.. Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too fast and helps the outer coating crisp up beautifully without falling apart.

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover keto mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of crunch but still taste great.
• Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Arrange the breaded (uncooked) sticks on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. You can also freeze leftovers after cooking, though they’re best before cooking.
• Reheating: Pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy again. Skip the microwave – it makes the coating soggy and the cheese rubbery.
• Make Ahead: Bread the cheese sticks and freeze them raw. When you’re ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen (just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time).

How To Serve Keto Mozzarella Sticks

The classic way to serve mozzarella sticks is with sugar-free marinara sauce – the flavor combo gives total pizza vibes! But you don’t have to stop there. They’re also delicious with:

• Garlic aioli
• Keto ranch dressing
• Chipotle mayo
• Remoulade
• Or even alongside roasted veggies for a fun snack-style meal

Can I Bake Mozzarella Sticks?

Yes! If you’d rather skip frying, you can make baked mozzarella sticks and they still turn out golden and crispy. Preheat the oven to 440°F (225°C), arrange the coated cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking tray, and bake for about 8 minutes – just until the coating looks crisp and the cheese is gooey inside.

How to Make Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer

The air fryer mozzarella sticks version is just as good (if not better) and a little lighter too. Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray, arrange the coated sticks in a single layer, and air fry at 400°F / 200°C for 8–10 minutes. They’ll come out perfectly melty with a golden, crunchy crust.

Tip: Keep an eye on them for the last minute or two – every air fryer runs a little differently, and you don’t want your cheese escaping!

More Keto Snacks Recipes

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