Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Step by Step Instructions

1. 1

   Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half. Set aside.

   For this step

   • 8 cheese sticks
2. 2

   Set out three shallow bowls: almond flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and finely ground pork rinds in the third.

   For this step

   • 1/4 cup almond flour (finely milled)
   • 2 eggs
   • 1 1/2 cups pork panko
3. 3

   Working with one halved cheese stick at a time, first dust with almond flour.

4. 4

   Then dip in egg wash.

5. 5

   Dredge in pork panko, covering the sides and cut ends. Repeat with all the cheese sticks. Dip each stick in egg and pork panko a second time, pressing the crumbs on gently and covering any bare spots.

6. 6

   Place the coated sticks in a single layer on a lined baking tray. Freeze for at least 2 hours and until solid. Keep frozen until ready to cook, then choose ONE of the following three methods.

7. 7

   Add avocado oil to a small skillet and heat over medium heat. Carefully lower a few frozen sticks into the hot oil without crowding. Fry for about 30-45 seconds, turning as needed, until the coating is golden and fully cooked with no wet egg remaining. Start with a small batch to check the heat; lower it if the coating browns too quickly. Remove with a slotted utensil to a paper towel-lined plate. Let the hot cheese cool briefly before eating.

   For this step

   • Avocado oil
8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the frozen coated sticks in one layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 6 minutes, watching closely, until the coating is cooked and the cheese is softened. Remove promptly if cheese starts to escape. Let cool briefly before serving.

9. 9

   Set the air fryer to 390°F, preheating if your model requires it. Arrange the frozen coated sticks in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for about 3-4 minutes, checking early, until the coating is cooked and the cheese is softened. Cook in batches if needed and let cool briefly before serving.