If you’re craving the ultimate crispy-cheesy snack without the guilt of deep frying, Air Fried Babybel Cheese is about to become your newest obsession. Imagine velvety cheese rounds wrapped in a golden, crackling crust—warm, gooey, and ready in minutes thanks to your trusty air fryer. This irresistible appetizer is the perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and satisfyingly melty, hitting all the right notes whether you’re hosting friends or cozying up for movie night. Trust me, once you take a bite, it’ll be clear why Air Fried Babybel Cheese deserves a spot in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Air Fried Babybel Cheese lies in its handful of everyday ingredients, each bringing something crucial to the table—flavor, crunch, or ooey-gooey goodness. These essentials work together seamlessly for the ultimate crispy cheese bite.
- Mini Babybel cheese rounds (6, unwrapped): The creamy, snack-sized star of this recipe delivers rich flavor and a perfect melt.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick, creating the first layer of crunch.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the glue to bind everything together for an even coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): These crunchy crumbs give you that irresistible, shatteringly crisp exterior.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with mellow, savory depth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herby, aromatic flair and a pop of color.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
- Cooking spray or oil spray: Ensures your crust crisps up perfectly without sticking to the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Cheese Rounds
Start by removing the distinctive red wax and any plastic wrapper from each Babybel cheese round. This simple step ensures nothing stands between you and that glorious, melty center once they hit the fryer!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour (your foundation), one with the beaten eggs (for perfect sticking), and combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika in the third. This trio is your secret to layers of flavor and crunch for every Air Fried Babybel Cheese bite.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Rounds
Roll each Babybel in flour, then dunk into the egg, making sure it’s well coated. Immediately transfer to the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so every surface is covered. For next-level crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating; it really makes a difference!
Step 4: Freeze to Set the Coating
Arrange your breaded cheese rounds on a tray and pop them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick chill is key—freezing helps the cheese hold its shape and keeps it from bursting in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly mist each cheese round with cooking spray, then arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until irresistibly golden and crisp. Be ready to serve immediately for maximum gooeyness!
How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or a touch of flaky sea salt right before serving. If you love a pop of heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a playful kick. A quick squeeze of lemon over the top can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
A side of marinara, ranch, or even hot honey dipping sauce complements the toasty crunch and creamy center perfectly. You can pair Air Fried Babybel Cheese with a crisp green salad or a medley of roasted vegetables for a light meal, or serve alongside other finger foods for a fun, shareable spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, skewer the Air Fried Babybel Cheese rounds and alternate with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for an instant caprese-style appetizer. Stack them on a platter with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing, or nestle in mini lettuce cups for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fried Babybel Cheese (rare, but possible!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of their signature crunch, but a quick refresh will bring them right back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, uncooked cheese rounds for up to a month. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can fry up a batch whenever the craving hits—no need to thaw, just add an extra couple minutes to the air fryer time!
Reheating
To restore that crispy coating, reheat refrigerated or frozen Air Fried Babybel Cheese in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. They’ll crisp right up, and the center will be just as melty as when they were first made.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses besides Babybel?
You can definitely experiment with similar snack-sized cheeses (like mini mozzarella balls), but Babybel’s firm, creamy texture is ideal for holding up to air frying without melting too quickly.
Why do I need to freeze the cheese before air frying?
Freezing the breaded cheese helps it keep its shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out as it cooks, ensuring a perfectly contained, gooey center every time.
What dipping sauces go well with Air Fried Babybel Cheese?
Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or hot honey are fantastic too. Each sauce brings a unique flavor, so feel free to offer a variety for dipping!
Can I make Air Fried Babybel Cheese gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with your favorite gluten-free versions—there are excellent options out there that still give crisp results.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Double coating (egg and breadcrumbs twice) and freezing before air frying are key steps. Pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the cheese also helps them stay perfectly in place during cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a crispy, cheesy paradise, you need to give Air Fried Babybel Cheese a whirl. It’s unbelievably easy, fun to make, and delivers a seriously wow-worthy snack that’ll disappear in minutes. Grab your air fryer—you’re in for an addictive treat!
Print
Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes freezing time)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes (plus freezing)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These air-fried Babybel cheese rounds are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted center, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make and ready in no time, these fried cheese bites are a must-try!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 Mini Babybel cheese rounds (unwrapped)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
- Remove the wax and plastic: from each Babybel cheese round. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Coat the cheese rounds: Roll each cheese round in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time.
- Freeze the cheese: Place the breaded Babybel cheeses in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the cheese rounds with cooking oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For added flavor, try using spicy breadcrumbs or add chili flakes to the coating.
- Freezing is key to avoid cheese leakage while air frying.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or hot honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
