Air Fryer Keto Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, Cheesy, And Delicious!

How to Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer

Keto mozzarella sticks are a delicious, low-carb snack or appetiser. They are simple to prepare, with a crispy, golden breading and gooey, half-melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients:

- Mozzarella cheese sticks

- Eggs

- Almond flour

- Parmesan cheese

- Spices (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano)

- Oil for frying (optional)

Method:

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half.

2. Set out two medium bowls: one with beaten eggs and one with the grated parmesan and almond flour mixed with spices.

3. Dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in the egg wash, then roll them in the breading to coat. Repeat this process to ensure the mozzarella sticks are fully coated.

4. Place the sticks on a plate and freeze for at least an hour or overnight for best results.

5. When frozen, place the sticks into the air fryer rack, ensuring they do not touch each other.

6. Air fry for 7-10 minutes at 370-400°F, turning them halfway through.

7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with low-carb marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

Keto mozzarella sticks ingredients

Keto mozzarella sticks are a great snack or appetiser. They are simple to prepare and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or stovetop. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make keto mozzarella sticks:

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks (low moisture, part skim)
• Eggs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Almond flour
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Coconut flour (optional)
• Pork rind crumbs (optional)
• Oil for frying (avocado oil, coconut oil, or peanut oil are recommended)

Tips:

• It is important to freeze the mozzarella sticks before cooking, to prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out.
• Use one hand for the dry dredging and breading, and the other hand for the wet egg wash. This will help keep the breading bowl dry so that the breading sticks.
• If you are frying the mozzarella sticks, heat the oil to around 375°F (190°C).
• If you are baking the mozzarella sticks in the oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• If you are using an air fryer, cook at 370-400°F (190-200°C) for 7-10 minutes.

How to coat the cheese sticks

To coat the cheese sticks, you will need to prepare a dredging station. First, cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to create two shorter sticks from each. Set aside.

Beat one or two large eggs in a small to medium bowl. You can start with one egg and add another later if needed.

In a separate medium-sized bowl or dish, blend together the dry ingredients. This will be your "breading" mix. The exact ingredients will vary depending on the recipe you are following, but will likely include parmesan cheese, almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.

Now, create a dipping station with the following items in this order: cheese sticks, egg wash, "breading" mix, and a small pan or dish covered with a sheet of parchment paper.

One by one, dip each cheese stick in the egg wash, then roll the cheese stick in the "breading" mix. Repeat these steps a second time before placing the fully coated cheese stick on the parchment paper. Each cheese stick should get two egg washes and two rolls in the "breading" mix.

Once all the cheese sticks have been dipped and rolled, check each one to make sure that no cheese is showing through. Re-roll any that need extra "breading". If the cheese stick isn't fully coated, there is a greater risk that cheese will ooze out during cooking. You should have very little of the "breading" mixture left by the time you are done with the coating process.

How to cook the keto mozzarella sticks

How to cook keto mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks (low moisture, part skim)
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• Almond flour
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Cooking spray
• Low-carb marinara sauce or ranch dressing (optional)

Method:

• Prep your air fryer basket insert with a tin foil liner.
• Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut them in half.
• Beat your eggs in a small to medium bowl.
• In a separate medium-sized bowl, blend together the parmesan cheese, almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt.
• Create a dipping station with the cheese sticks, followed by the egg wash, then the "breading" mix, and finally a small pan or dish covered with a sheet of parchment paper.
• One by one, dip each cheese stick in the egg wash, then roll it in the "breading" mix. Repeat this process a second time, ensuring each cheese stick gets two egg washes and two rolls in the almond flour/parmesan breading.
• Once all the cheese sticks have been dipped and rolled, check each one to ensure no cheese is showing through. Re-roll any that need extra "breading".
• Place the cheese sticks in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Grease your air fryer basket and/or tin foil liner, as well as each cheese stick, with cooking spray.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer. Cook at 375 degrees (or 380 if your air fryer doesn't have 5-degree increments) for 7-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
• Serve immediately with low-carb marinara sauce or ranch dressing, if desired.

How to store keto mozzarella sticks

Storing keto mozzarella sticks is easy. If you're storing them in the refrigerator, they'll last for up to three days. If you're storing them in the freezer, they'll last for up to two months.

To store keto mozzarella sticks in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180C/350F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 200C/400F for six minutes.

To store keto mozzarella sticks in the freezer, place them in a ziplock bag. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180C/350F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 200C/400F for six minutes.

How to prevent the cheese from melting

To prevent the cheese from melting in keto mozzarella sticks, it is important to prepare the cheese sticks properly before placing them in the air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cheese sticks turn out perfectly:

Freezing the Cheese Sticks:

First, it is crucial to freeze the cheese sticks before air frying. Freezing helps to slow down the melting process, giving the outer coating time to crisp up without the cheese oozing out. Place the prepared cheese sticks on a level surface in the freezer for at least an hour. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the high heat of the air fryer.

Choosing the Right Cheese:

When making keto mozzarella sticks, it is important to use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese. Higher moisture content in the cheese will make it more prone to melting and oozing out during cooking.

Double Coating:

After cutting the cheese sticks in half, create a dipping station with a bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl with the "breading" mix (a combination of parmesan cheese, almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt). Dip each cheese stick in the egg wash, then roll it in the "breading" mix. Repeat this process a second time to ensure a thorough coating. This double coating helps to fully seal the cheese within the outer layer, reducing the chances of melting and leakage during cooking.

Cooking Temperature and Timing:

Cooking the keto mozzarella sticks at the right temperature and for the appropriate amount of time is crucial to preventing the cheese from melting. Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 380 degrees if your air fryer doesn't have 5-degree increments). Cook the cheese sticks for 7-10 minutes, checking on them regularly after the first 5 minutes. If you notice the cheese starting to ooze out, it's time to take them out.

Greasing the Air Fryer Basket:

Before placing the cheese sticks in the air fryer, grease the air fryer basket and/or tin foil liner with cooking spray. This step helps to prevent sticking and ensures that the cheese sticks release easily, reducing the risk of melting and sticking to the basket.

Using Parchment Paper:

When preparing the cheese sticks, place them on a small pan or dish covered with parchment paper after the dipping and coating process. Parchment paper helps to create a barrier between the cheese and the cooking surface, reducing the chances of melting and sticking.

Checking the Coating:

After dipping and coating the cheese sticks, carefully examine each one to ensure that no cheese is showing through. If any areas of cheese are visible, re-roll those sticks in the "breading" mix. A thorough coating is crucial to preventing the cheese from melting out during cooking.

By following these detailed instructions, you can successfully prevent the cheese from melting in your keto mozzarella sticks cooked in an air fryer. Enjoy your crispy, melty, and gooey treat!

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