Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
This recipe offers a simple, low-carb method for making delicious mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. String cheese is halved, coated in an almond flour and Parmesan mixture seasoned with Italian herbs, then frozen. Air-fried until golden and gooey, these homemade mozzarella sticks make a perfect keto-friendly snack or appetizer.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 3 Shallow Bowls For egg wash and dry coating
- 1 Fork or Whisk To beat the egg
- 1 Baking Sheet For freezing the coated sticks
- 1 Tongs For handling the sticks
Ingredients
Main
- 6 String Cheese Sticks cut in half
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 1/4 Cup Almond Flour
- 1/4 Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Cut each string cheese stick in half, yielding 12 shorter pieces.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the beaten egg, one with almond flour, and one combining grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix dry ingredients well.
- Dip each cheese half into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Transfer the egg-coated cheese to the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly on all sides. For extra crispiness, repeat egg and flour coating.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30-60 minutes, or until firm. This is crucial to prevent melting during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Carefully arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze slightly.
- Shake the basket gently halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Serve immediately with your favorite low-carb marinara sauce.
Notes
Crucial Freezing: Ensure mozzarella sticks are thoroughly frozen for at least 30-60 minutes before air frying. This prevents the cheese from melting and oozing out prematurely, ensuring a firm interior and crisp exterior.Double Dredging: For an extra crispy crust, consider a second dip in the egg wash followed by another roll in the almond flour mixture. This builds a thicker coating.Don't Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary, leaving space between sticks to allow for even air circulation and crisping.Flavor Boost: A pinch of garlic powder in the breading mix would elevate the savory profile. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.