Who doesn’t love a good crunchy mozzarella cheese stick? The air fryer is a great tool to create these best crunch air fry low carb mozzarella sticks. The best alternative to frying in oil. Much healthier version without compromising taste.
Best Crunch Air Fry Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 C Pork Panko or ground pork rinds
- 1/2 C Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian Seasonings
- pinch of salt
- 8 Mozzarella cheese sticks
Instructions
- Pork panko is used in this recipe because when you live low carb keto, you cannot use Panko bread crumbs. Pork panko is an excellent option. If you can't find pork panko, all you need to do is grab a bag of pork rinds and place them in food processor and process till fine crumbs. Or just place the pork rinds in a ziploc bag and roll with a rolling pin until you reach the desired consistency.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a shallow bowl. Whisk egg in a separate shallow bowl.
- Roll the cheese sticks in egg first, then roll in the panko bread mixture with all the seasonings.
- Now this is the secret part to this recipe…. Lay them on a cookie sheet and place flat in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will allow them to not completely melt and ooze all over the place when placed in air fryer.
- Spray air fry basket with oil and place cheese sticks in basket being very careful not to touch each other. Bake at 400 ° for 6-8 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Yummy cheesy goodness right here. Serve with your favorite low carb marinara sauce. Enjoy friends!
Notes
What Makes These Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks So Special?
Traditional mozzarella sticks are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, which makes them high in carbohydrate count, But this version is a total game-changer. By using pork panko and an air fryer, you still get that crispy golden exterior and gooey cheese pull—without the carbs. This makes them the perfect option for anyone following a keto lifestyle, or simply looking for a more low carb option.
Using an air fryer also means less mess, no hot oil to deal with, and a faster cook time. It’s the ultimate solution for creating air fryer snacks that are crunchy, cheesy, and low carb.
Variations You Can Try
Want to customize your low carb mozzarella sticks? Try these variations to keep things interesting:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your pork panko mix for a spicy twist.
- Herb Blend: Mix in dried oregano, basil, or rosemary for extra Italian flavor.
- Double Coating: For an ultra-crunchy finish, dip the mozzarella stick back into the egg and breading a second time before freezing.
- Dairy-Free: Try dairy-free mozzarella sticks and follow the same instructions if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Mini Cheese Bites: Cut the mozzarella sticks into thirds to make bite-sized keto air fryer snacks—great for parties or kids!
Make It a Meal: What to Serve With Mozzarella Sticks
These crunchy cheese sticks make a great snack on their own, but you can also turn them into a full meal. Here are some ideas:
- Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and mozzarella sticks on the side.
- Low carb pizza night—serve alongside your favorite keto-friendly pizza.
- A game-day platter with other air fry cheese recipes, keto wings, and veggie sticks.
They also work well as part of a gluten free snacks spread for gatherings and entertaining. These are great for those avoiding gluten or grains altogether.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked breaded sticks before air frying. Store them in a freezer bag and cook straight from frozen for an easy snack any time.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they can get soggy!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a healthy mozzarella recipe, or just want something quick, tasty, and satisfying—these low carb mozzarella sticks hit the spot every time. They’re crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor without any of the carbs from traditional breadcrumbs. Plus, they’re easy to make and require just a handful of ingredients.
Serve these with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy guilt-free snacking with all the crunch and none of the carbs!
- Suggested Items:
- Baking Sheet
- Silicone baking mat
- Parchment paper
- Air Fryer
- Mini Chopper
