Keto Fried Cheese Sticks: A Crispy, Gooey Delight

There's nothing quite like the combination of crunchy, savory breading and gooey, melted cheese. Keto fried mozzarella sticks offer a healthier, gluten-free, and grain-free alternative to traditional fried cheese sticks, making them a family-favorite keto appetizer. These low-carb mozzarella sticks are a kid-friendly treat that can be enjoyed without the guilt.

Key Ingredients and Considerations

Cheese Selection

The most crucial step to prevent a cheesy mess is to ONLY use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese. Ensure the ingredient list specifies "low moisture, part-skim mozzarella." Some successful brands include Lucerne, Kraft, and Frigo Cheese Heads.

Breading Alternatives

Traditional recipes often call for parmesan cheese, coconut flour, or homemade breadcrumbs. However, these keto mozzarella sticks utilize a combination of almond flour and ground pork rinds (pork panko) for an irresistible crunchy exterior without compromising the cheese flavor. Some recipes may include whey protein isolate and spices like onion powder for added flavor.

Oil for Frying

The nutrition facts typically do not include the frying oil. To calculate the macros for the oil you use, record how much you start with and subtract how much you end with (after it cools). The amount of oil soaked up by the fried mozzarella may vary depending on the type of oil, its temperature, and the cooking time.

Air Fryer Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

This recipe provides instructions for creating crispy, gooey keto mozzarella sticks using an air fryer.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Egg(s)
• Almond flour
• Finely grated parmesan cheese (the powdered kind)
• Cooking spray
• Optional: No-sugar-added marinara sauce and ranch dressing for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut them in half to create shorter sticks.
2. Set up Breading Stations: Beat the egg(s) in a small to medium bowl. In another dish, combine almond flour and finely grated parmesan cheese.
3. Breading Process: One by one, dip each cheese stick in the egg wash, followed by rolling it in the almond flour/parmesan mix. Roll the cheese stick between your palms to press and secure the coating. Repeat these steps a second time.
4. Check and Re-roll: Ensure no cheese is showing through the coating. Re-roll any sticks that need extra breading to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
5. Freeze: Place the coated cheese sticks on a pan or dish lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.
6. Prepare Air Fryer: Grease your air fryer basket (or tin foil liner if using) and each cheese stick with cooking spray. If needed, prep your air fryer basket insert with a tin foil liner, especially for mesh-style liners. Perforate the tin foil every 1/4″ to 1/2″ to ensure proper airflow.
7. Air Fry: Place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 8 minutes, checking them every minute or so after the first 5 minutes.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately to ensure the fried mozzarella sticks remain crispy, melty, and gooey. Accompany with no-sugar-added marinara and ranch dressing.

Deep Fried Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

This recipe provides instructions for creating crispy, gooey keto mozzarella sticks using deep frying.

Ingredients:

• 16 whole mozzarella string cheese sticks (1 oz each)
• 1 large egg
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 c. whey protein isolate
• 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
• 2 tbsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut all of the cheese sticks in half.
2. Set up Breading Stations: Whisk the egg until mixed well. Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer to 375°F. Follow your deep fryer manual for the minumum amount of oil required and usage instructions. While the oil is warming up, whisk remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Breading Process: Depending on the size of your deep fryer, dip 3-4 cheese stick halves in the egg and shake until dripping stops. Coat with the breading mixture and drop into the oil, careful not to splatter or touch the other cheese sticks.
4. Deep Fry: Fry for approximately 45 seconds, turning halfway through until each side is golden brown. Drain on a paper towel. Continue frying the cheese sticks in batches until finished.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve with low sugar marinara sauce.

Baked Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

This recipe provides instructions for creating crispy, gooey keto mozzarella sticks using baking.

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Egg(s)
• Almond flour
• Ground pork rinds (pork panko)
• Avocado oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half.
2. Set up Breading Stations: Add almond flour to one shallow bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in the second bowl. Add ground pork rinds to the third bowl. You can make your own pork panko by grinding pork rinds in a food processor or blender.
3. Breading Process: Working with one halved cheese stick at a time, first dust with almond flour. Then dip in egg wash. Next dredge in ground pork rinds. Repeat with remaining cheese sticks. Do a second dip in the egg wash and dredge in ground pork rinds for each cheese stick.
4. Freeze: Place each cheese stick on a baking tray and freeze for 2 hours or until hardened.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 6 minutes or until golden brown and cheese starts to melt out.
6. Serve Immediately: Remove and place on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil.

Serving and Storage

Serve the keto fried mozzarella sticks immediately after cooking for the best crispy, melty, and gooey experience. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Dipping Sauces

While keto mozzarella sticks are delicious on their own, consider serving them with low-carb dipping sauces like:

• No-sugar-added marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Homemade keto pizza sauce

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Breading: Experiment with different combinations of almond flour, pork rinds, whey protein isolate, and spices to find your preferred flavor profile.
• Cheese: While low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended, you can try other types of cheese, but be mindful of the potential for oozing.
• Cooking Method: You can deep fry the mozzarella sticks for a more traditional texture, but air frying offers a healthier alternative with less oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mozzarella sticks keto-friendly?

Traditional mozzarella sticks are high in carbs, but keto-friendly versions using low-carb breading alternatives are a great option.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

How many net carbs are in keto mozzarella sticks?

A low-carb mozzarella stick can have as little as 0.2g of net carbs per stick.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sticks up to the freezer step and store them until ready to cook.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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