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Recipe from Simpler Savory

The recipe

Easy Low Carb Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Prep
25 min
Cook
8 min
Total
33 min
Servings
6 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving multiplier

Nutrition values scale; ingredient amounts stay as written.

Original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.

calories
250

2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.

calories
500

3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.

calories
750
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 12 sticks mozzarella string cheese (whole milk preferred) — cut each stick in half
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour — for initial dusting
  • 2 large eggs — well beaten
  • 1 cup almond flour (blanched, finely ground)
  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds — crushed very fine, like coarse sand
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt — divided between coconut flour and crumb mix
  • black pepper — optional, to taste
  • avocado or olive oil spray — for misting basket and tops
  • 1 cup low sugar marinara or ranch — for dipping, warmed if using marinara

Instructions

  1. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and cut each in half; place on a small tray and freeze until firm while you set up the breading station (about 20 minutes).
  2. Prepare three shallow bowls: 1) coconut flour with a pinch of salt, 2) well-beaten eggs, 3) almond flour, crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and remaining salt; add black pepper if desired.
  3. Working quickly with chilled cheese, roll each piece in coconut flour and tap off excess, then dip in egg and let excess drip.
  4. Press into the almond flour–pork rind mixture to fully coat, then return to the egg and coat a second time in the crumb mixture for a sturdy double coat.
  5. Arrange breaded sticks on a parchment-lined plate or tray and freeze until very firm, 20 to 30 minutes; do not skip to prevent cheese blowouts.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 385°F for about 3 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with oil spray.
  7. Place sticks in a single layer with space between; lightly mist the tops. Air fry 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp with just a hint of cheese at the ends—pull before they burst.
  8. Serve immediately with warm low-sugar marinara or cool ranch for dipping.
  9. Cook in batches to avoid crowding, which traps steam and softens the crust.
  10. Keep an eye on the last minute; the coating goes from perfect to burst quickly.
  11. For leftovers, air fry at 360°F for 3 to 5 minutes from the fridge or 6 to 8 minutes from frozen until re-crisped.

Notes

Let mozzarella sticks cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, place cooked sticks on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F until hot and crisp.

Source: https://simplersavory.com/easy-low-carb-air-fryer-mozzarella/