Keto–Low-Carb Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Values (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil), for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combine all of the ingredients to make a seasoned breading mixture.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks:
- Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the mozzarella sticks in the seasoned almond flour mixture, pressing the breading onto the cheese to adhere evenly. Place the coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Freeze the covered mozzarella sticks for around 30 minutes. Freezing them helps the breading set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the Cooking Oil:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. The depth of the oil should be about two inches.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a dish lined with paper towels to drain excess oil using a slotted spoon.
- Serve the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns from the hot cheese.
- Serve the low-carb mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Use part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks to reduce the overall fat content while still achieving that gooey, melted texture.
- Make sure the cooking oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) to achieve crispy breading without overcooking the cheese.
- If you prefer, you can also bake the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy these delicious low-carb mozzarella sticks as a satisfying appetizer or snack, without worrying about your carb intake!
Has anyone tried these in an air fryer?