Creamy Pesto Mozzarella Sticks with Roasted Peppers

These creamy pesto mozzarella sticks with roasted peppers are the perfect appetizer or snack. They're made with fresh mozzarella cheese, almond flour, parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Dip them in pesto sauce for a delicious and flavorful treat.

Mozzarella sticks are a classic Italian appetizer that is typically made with breaded and fried mozzarella cheese. This recipe takes a healthier approach by using almond flour instead of bread crumbs and air frying the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them in oil. The result is a crispy and delicious appetizer that is also lower in calories and fat.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 12 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup pesto sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick in pesto, then roll in almond flour mixture.
4. Place mozzarella sticks in air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve immediately with additional pesto for dipping, if desired.

Why It Works

• The almond flour coating gives the mozzarella sticks a crispy exterior without the need for breading.
• Air frying the mozzarella sticks results in a crispy exterior and a melted, gooey interior.
• The pesto sauce provides a flavorful dipping sauce that complements the mozzarella sticks perfectly.