If you’ve ever wanted a snack that’s crispy on the outside, irresistibly gooey on the inside, and fuss-free to make, then this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is about to become your new kitchen bestie. Imagine that perfectly melted mini cheese wheel encased in a golden, crunchy coating, made healthier and quicker with the magic of air frying. Whether you’re craving a cozy appetizer or a fun party bite, this recipe delivers all the cheesy comfort without the guilt or mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that are absolutely essential for achieving the perfect crispy crunch and melty center. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the flour that helps the coating stick, the eggs that bind the breading layers, or the spices that elevate the flavors with just the right hint of warmth and savoriness.
- 6 Mini Babybel cheeses: Your main event, these little cheese wheels melt beautifully inside a crispy shell.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a dry base layer to help the egg stick to the cheese.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb coating—don’t skip this step!
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned): Adds that all-important crunch; feel free to experiment with panko for extra texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the breading with a subtle, savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a warm color and mild smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential touches that tie all the flavors together.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures a golden crisp without deep frying and keeps things lighter and cleaner.
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with your seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup makes it super easy to coat each Babybel perfectly without any mess or fuss.
Step 2: Bread the Babybel Cheeses
Take each Babybel (with wax and wrapper removed), roll it first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For that irresistible double crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more. This double breading seals the cheese perfectly, preventing leaks and ensuring a golden crust that crunches on every bite.
Step 3: Freeze to Set
Lay the breaded Babybels on a plate and pop them into the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the coating firm up so the cheese doesn’t ooze out during air frying, maintaining that perfect round shape.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen, breaded cheeses in a single layer without crowding them. Give the tops a gentle olive oil spray for that beautiful, golden crisp. Air fry for 5–6 minutes until they’re perfectly browned and crispy. Let them cool just a minute or two—they’ll be piping hot and deliciously melty inside.
How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these crispy delights with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of chili flakes to bring brightness and a slight kick to the rich, cheesy flavor. A pinch of flaky sea salt right after frying also lifts the taste to new heights.
Side Dishes
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with tangy marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli. You can even set out a platter with fresh veggies or a simple green salad to complement the richness, balancing the meal while adding crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve these bite-sized treasures skewered with toothpicks arranged on a wooden board alongside colorful dipping bowls. Or, get fancy and wrap each in a small piece of prosciutto before breading for an extra savory twist. These little golden rounds are guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though unlikely because these are seriously addictive), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind the crispiness will fade over time, so reheating properly is key.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded Babybel pieces before air frying by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a zip-top bag for up to one month. This makes it easy to enjoy your Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To bring back the golden crunch and melty goodness, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy and the cheese could over-melt, losing that beloved texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of Babybel?
While this recipe shines with Babybel due to its size and wax coating, you can experiment with other small firm cheeses like mozzarella balls or halloumi, but cooking times and breading adherence may vary.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the breaded cheeses at 400°F (200°C) on a sprayed baking sheet for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Deep frying works too but is messier and oil-heavy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. The results will still be fantastic.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Freezing the breaded Babybels for at least 20 minutes before air frying is a crucial step to firm up the coating and keep the cheese intact during cooking.
Can I add herbs or spices to the coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your breadcrumb mix with Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or even parmesan powder to boost the flavor and make the snack uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Making this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is hands-down one of the most satisfying snack adventures you can take in your kitchen. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and it brings that perfect crispy-cheesy combo that everyone loves. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this fun, crowd-pleasing delight—you’ll be smiling (and snacking) all day long!
Print
Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 pieces
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown snack that’s perfectly melty on the inside. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection, these bite-sized cheeses make an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 Mini Babybel cheeses (wax and wrappers removed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls. Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and in the third bowl combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bread the Babybel cheeses: Roll each Babybel cheese first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step once more.
- Freeze the breaded cheeses: Place the breaded Babybel cheeses on a plate and freeze them for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the cheese bites: Arrange the frozen, breaded Babybel cheeses in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 5–6 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cheese bites carefully and let them cool slightly before serving, as the cheese inside will be hot and melty. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.
Notes
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an extra crunchy texture.
- Add Italian seasoning or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a more flavorful kick.
