Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Published January 15, 2021 • Updated February 2, 2026
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Crispy low-carb mozzarella sticks fried or baked for that gooey cheesy center. No parmesan, coconut flour or homemade breadcrumbs needed!
Sometimes you just need a recipe that keeps you on track. Similar to my corn dog recipe, these keto mozzarella sticks feel like cheating but they’re not! Each fried cheese stick is only 0.2 grams of carbs – practically zero. Ready in under 12 minutes, get your ranch and marinara sauce ready for this restaurant favorite appetizer.
I’m still surprised at how easy these are with just 4 ingredients and a few minutes of your time. I know exactly what my kids are eating and I can feel good about it. Plus I don’t have to spend a ton of time on snack prep.
What makes this recipe different?
- No parmesan cheese, coconut flour or homemade breadcrumbs – Many popular cheese stick recipes call for a combination of grated parmesan, coconut flour or require you to make your own breadcrumbs. The problem with using grated parmesan is that it changes the cheese flavor of your fried mozzarella stick. Instead of a mild, creamy cheese, you will be tasting notes of nuts and salt. The problem with using coconut flour is that coconut flour has such a strong underlying coconut odor which will give your cheesy appetizer a hint of coconut flavor. And there is no need to add extra time making your own breadcrumbs.
- Uses ground pork rinds – Instead this recipe uses almond flour as the binding agent and pork panko (ground up pork rinds) for an irresistible crunchy exterior. Pork panko has zero carbs, so the carb count stays super low.
- Lowest carb recipe – This recipe has the lowest carbs with only 0.2 g net carbs per stick and 0.4 g total carbs.
- Prioritizes flavor – Since we aren’t adding in ingredients that muddle the authentic flavor of cheese sticks, like coconut flour or other cheeses, you get a crunchy, gooey appetizer that tastes like they came right out of the fryer from your favorite restaurant.
KetoFocus fans agree it’s the best!!
” The kiddos loved the mozzarella sticks and so did I! They taste better than the store bought, frozen mozzarella sticks.”
➤ from YouTube subscriber @SallyG
Explore 680+ keto recipe videos with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to make keto easy.
Ingredients
8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese) -
1/4 cup almond flour
-
2 eggs
-
1 1/2 cups pork panko
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Cut the string cheese
Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half. Set aside.
- 8 cheese sticks
Prepare the coating
Using three shallow bowls, add almond flour to one bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in the second bowl. Add ground pork rinds to the third bowl.
- 1/4 cup almond flour (finely milled)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pork panko
Cover with almond flour mixture
Working with one halved cheese stick at a time, first dust with almond flour.
Now the pork rind bread crumbs
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.
Add to baking sheet and freeze
Place each cheese stick on a baking tray and freeze for 2 hours or until hardened. This will prevent the cheese from melting before the outer coating is cooked.
Fried mozzarella stick instructions
Instructions for frying (preferred): Add avocado oil to a small skillet. Heat over medium heat. Once oil is heated, drop in a few mozzarella sticks and fry for about 30-45 seconds. Remove and place on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil.
- Avocado oil
Baked mozzarella stick instructions
Instructions for baking: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 6 minutes or until golden brown and cheese starts to melt out.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
I've tried twice and both times the pork skins didn't stick to the cheese and the melted flat before I could get them anywhere near brown...help!
It sounds like maybe you aren't using the almond flour first. You may want to do a double coating too. Also, are you freezing them for at least 2 hours before frying or baking? That is why they melt before the coating is browned.
My kids and neighbor kids now ask for these too. Big smiles watching the cheese stretch. Thank you Annie for your recipes.
I didn't have any ground pork rinds, so I just got some plain pork rinds at Walmart. I crushed them in the Blendtec which worked fine. The sticks came out great!
Gnom Gnom... I air fried these after seeing some Tik tok videos and I wanted to find a keto version and I love them. I am gonna try some cheese sticks like cheddar or jack.
I tried making these using the Pork King Good ground pork rinds and they turned out soo salty. Glad there was a link here for an alternative brand as I wont be buying those again. My salmon cakes and mozzarella sticks came out waaay tooo salty without me adding salt.
Hi Chalet, that is a bummer on the Pork King Good pork rinds. While we have the salt & vinegar Pork King Good pork rinds, I don't have their ground version, but yes, please try the Pork Panko by Bacon's Heir.
I agree with Annie. I use Pork Panko, smokey flavor, from Walmart in nearly everything I make, especially chicken tenders. I love them.
I made these in the air fryer instead of frying them and didn't need to freeze them at all. I just rolled them in the almond flour, egg wash and pork panko. I sprayed them with avocado oil and cooked 6-7 min at 400 F.