Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could marry the joy of playful snacking with downright indulgence, this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is about to become your next edible obsession. Imagine: creamy Babybel cheese rounds tucked inside a shatteringly crisp panko crust, all made golden and gooey in the convenience of your air fryer. Each cheese bite is a flavor-packed mini celebration, balancing a savory, herby crunch with the ultimate molten center. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping party platters, or just craving an irresistible snack, this recipe turns those nostalgic red-waxed cheeses into the superstar of the appetizer table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe lies in its short, easy ingredient list—each element brings something special, from irresistible crunch to that signature gooey melt. With a handful of pantry basics and a few simple flavorings, you’re well on your way to cheese snack bliss.
- Mini Babybel cheese rounds (6, unwrapped): These adorable cheese rounds are perfectly portioned and melt beautifully, making them ideal for this snackable recipe.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): A light flour dusting helps the egg and breadcrumb layers adhere, giving you the ultimate crunchy exterior.
- Large egg (1, beaten): The egg creates a sticky coating, ensuring every crumb of panko clings to your cheese for a complete cover.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Panko brings the extra crispy texture—don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want the best crunch!
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the crust that makes each bite pop.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This blend infuses the panko coating with herby flavor for true snack-shop vibes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance out the cheese and seasoning for a craveable finish.
- Olive oil spray: A mist of oil ensures your cheese rounds fry up irresistibly golden without excess grease.
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Babybel Cheese
Begin by unwrapping each Babybel cheese round and setting them aside. This is where the fun starts! Make sure you remove all traces of the red wax so nothing sneaks into your crunchy bites later.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Gather three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for the beaten egg, and one for panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Having everything ready makes the breading process quick (and less messy).
Step 3: Coat the Cheese
Dredge each cheese round in flour first, then roll it in the beaten egg. Next, coat it evenly in the seasoned panko mixture—press gently so that every spot is covered. For the crunchiest crust, double up by dipping each round again in the egg and breadcrumbs. This makes your Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe extra crispy and restaurant-worthy.
Step 4: Freeze for the Perfect Texture
Arrange your breaded cheese rounds on a small baking sheet or plate and pop them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling helps the coating stay put and keeps the cheese from oozing out too soon once it hits the heat.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Give both the air fryer basket and the coated cheese rounds a light spray with olive oil. Arrange the rounds in a single layer so air flows around each one, and air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? A crisp, golden shell with a perfectly melted center that’s everything you hoped for in an Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe.
How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For finishing touches that really shine, try dusting your cheese bites with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a gentle grating of Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a playful heat, while a drizzle of hot honey transforms each one into a sweet-and-savory masterpiece.
Side Dishes
These cheesy delights are perfectly paired with classic marinara for dipping, but don’t stop there—ranch, garlic aioli, or a tangy balsamic glaze will keep things interesting. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside roasted veggies, garlic breadsticks, or a crisp salad to round out the snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic platter! Try threading your Air Fried Babybel Cheese bites on skewers between cherry tomatoes and basil for a playful Caprese twist, or serve them atop little crostini for a unique hors d’oeuvre. For a touch of whimsy, offer a variety of dipping sauces in shot glasses around your tray so everyone can find their favorite combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe bites (rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Layer parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking, and keep them away from fragrant foods so they retain their cheesy aroma.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze breaded but uncooked cheese rounds. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen—just add an extra couple of minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your cooked cheese bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy (nobody wants limp cheese bites).
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
While Babybel rounds are ideal for this recipe due to their size and meltability, you can experiment with other small, firm cheeses (like mini mozzarella balls or cheddar rounds). Just be mindful that softer cheeses might ooze more quickly, so keep an eye on your air fryer!
Do I really need to double-coat the cheese?
Double-coating isn’t strictly required, but it really takes this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe over the top by creating an irresistibly thick and crunchy crust. If you have the extra few minutes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a deliciously gluten-free version of this cheesy favorite.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
You can bake them in the oven on a wire rack at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They’ll turn out tasty and crisp, though the signature crunch from the air fryer method makes the Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe truly special.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Air Fried Babybel Cheese?
Classic marinara is always a crowd-pleaser, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a spicy buffalo sauce to keep every bite unique and flavor-packed.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about transforming simple cheese rounds into a crave-worthy snack, and this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe does it with style and ease. Once you try that golden, gooey bite, you’ll want to make them for every party, get-together, and midnight craving—so don’t wait, give them a go and share the cheesy joy!
Print
Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these crispy and flavorful Air Fried Babybel Cheese rounds, a perfect appetizer or snack that’s quick and easy to make in your air fryer. The melted cheesy center encased in a crispy coating is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Cheese Rounds:
- 6 Mini Babybel cheese rounds (unwrapped)
Breading:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Unwrap the Babybel cheese. Set up three shallow bowls for breading: flour, beaten egg, and panko mixed with seasonings.
- Breading: Dredge each cheese round in flour, then egg, and coat with seasoned panko. For extra crispiness, double coat.
- Freeze: Chill the breaded cheese rounds for 15–20 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F.
- Cook: Lightly spray cheese rounds and air fryer basket with olive oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing the coated cheese helps maintain shape.
- Experiment with flavored panko for variety.
- Best served immediately after air frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese round
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
