Craving a cheesy, crunchy snack without the carb overload? These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks deliver all the gooey satisfaction of the classic appetiser, but with a keto-friendly twist. By swapping traditional breadcrumbs for a seasoned almond flour coating, you get a golden, crisp exterior that perfectly complements the melty mozzarella inside—no deep frying or flour needed.
Perfect for parties, movie nights, or a quick savoury treat, these sticks are ready in under 30 minutes and require minimal prep. The air fryer ensures a crisp finish without excess oil, making them lighter yet just as indulgent. Serve them hot with a sugar-free marinara or your favourite keto dip for the ultimate comfort snack.
Simply freeze mozzarella sticks, coat them in egg and almond flour, then air fry until golden. The result: irresistible, stretchy cheese pulls and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
At a glance
- Time: 28 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Energy: 230 kcal
Ingredients
- 8 sticks Mozzarella cheese sticks (Full-fat, each about 28g)
- 60g Almond flour (Finely ground)
- 2 Eggs (Beaten)
- 30g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tsp Dried Italian herbs (Oregano, basil, or mixed)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
Steps
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
- In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, then roll in the almond flour mixture to coat. Repeat for a thicker crust.
- Place coated sticks back on the tray and freeze for 15 minutes to help the coating set.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Cheese should be just starting to ooze.
- Serve hot with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy, eggs, nuts
Potential swaps:
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For nut-free and extra crunch
- Eggs → Unsweetened almond milk — For egg-free, but coating may be less crisp
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For dairy-free, though texture will differ
Serving Ideas
- Sugar-free marinara sauce – classic pairing for dipping.
- Keto ranch dip – creamy and cooling contrast.
- Fresh basil garnish – adds colour and a fresh aroma.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Double-coat sticks for extra crunch and to minimise cheese leakage.
- Freeze sticks thoroughly before air frying for best results.
- Spray lightly with olive oil for a more golden finish.
Variations
- Add smoked paprika or chilli flakes to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Use cheddar sticks for a different flavour profile.
- Try a mix of Italian herbs for a more complex taste.
Troubleshooting
- If coating falls off, press it firmly onto the cheese and freeze again before air frying.
- If cheese melts out, reduce air fryer temperature slightly and check after 5 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 1 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 2–3 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Mozzarella cheese: Choose full-fat mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
Almond flour: Finely ground almond flour creates a crisp, golden crust without carbs.
FAQs
Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the coated sticks for up to 1 month and air fry from frozen when ready.
Why did my cheese leak out?
Ensure sticks are well frozen and double-coated to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
Can I use shredded mozzarella?
No, use whole mozzarella sticks for best results and to maintain shape.
Is almond flour necessary?
Almond flour gives a crisp, low-carb coating, but you can use crushed pork rinds for a nut-free option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 2–3 minutes until hot and crisp.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks with Crispy Almond Coating
Ingredients
- 8 sticks Mozzarella cheese sticks (Full-fat, each about 28g)
- 60g Almond flour (Finely ground)
- 2 Eggs (Beaten)
- 30g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tsp Dried Italian herbs (Oregano, basil, or mixed)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
- In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, then roll in the almond flour mixture to coat. Repeat for a thicker crust.
- Place coated sticks back on the tray and freeze for 15 minutes to help the coating set.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Cheese should be just starting to ooze.
- Serve hot with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy, eggs, nuts
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For nut-free and extra crunch
- Eggs → Unsweetened almond milk — For egg-free, but coating may be less crisp
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For dairy-free, though texture will differ
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Energy: 230 kcal
