Say hello to your new favorite snack obsession: Air Fried Babybel Cheese! These crispy, golden-coated cheese rounds are pure magic—melt-in-your-mouth creamy on the inside, perfectly crunchy outside, and honestly impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re making a party platter or indulging in a solo treat, this recipe is a game-changer for cheese lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Serious Crispy-Creamy Contrast: Each bite bursts with crispy coating on the outside and irresistibly melty, gooey cheese inside—pure comfort delivered in a snackable round!
- So Simple, So Satisfying: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to whip up a batch of Air Fried Babybel Cheese—no fuss, just fast, fresh flavor.
- Party-Perfect & Kid-Approved: These little cheese bites never fail to please a crowd—kids love the fun size and grown-ups love the gourmet twist on classic fried cheese.
- Healthier Air Fryer Magic: Enjoy all the decadence of fried cheese with a fraction of the oil (and none of the guilt!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how easy this recipe for Air Fried Babybel Cheese comes together. Just a handful of pantry staples, each chosen for texture and flavor, will ensure your cheese bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
- 1 package Babybel cheese: These perfectly portioned, creamy little cheese rounds are what dreams are made of—the melty star of the show!
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Gives the first light, dry layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick for the ultimate crunch.
- 2 large eggs, whisked: Acts as a “glue” ensuring that golden crust stays put and gets extra crispy during air frying.
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Infuse the coating with savory herbs and spices, and bring the essential crunchy finish.
- Olive oil spray (for misting): A quick spritz ensures maximum crunch without deep frying—don’t skip this step!
Variations
One of the best things about Air Fried Babybel Cheese is its versatility! Feel free to make it your own with these easy variations, whether you’re switching up the flavor, breading, or even accommodating dietary needs.
- Panko Crunch: Swap Italian breadcrumbs for panko for an ultra-light and crispy crust with extra crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for a bold, spicy flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly snack that doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste.
- Different Cheese: If you’re adventurous, try this method with other small, firm cheeses—the results can be absolutely delectable!
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Cheese Rounds
Start by carefully unwrapping each Babybel cheese. Remove both the red wax and the plastic wrapping, and set each cheese round aside. Make sure they’re at room temperature to help the coating stick evenly—cold cheese can make for slippery dipping!
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Stations
Grab three shallow bowls: add the flour to one, whisked eggs to the second, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to the third. This assembly line makes coating the cheese rounds smooth and mess-free, so everything’s ready for action.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese
One at a time, dip each Babybel round in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dunk it into the whisked eggs, making sure every surface is coated. Finally, roll the round in breadcrumbs until thoroughly covered. For an extra-crunchy crust (and to ensure the cheese doesn’t ooze out), you can double dip—repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating!
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Give each coated cheese round a light spritz of olive oil spray on both sides—it’s the secret to that bubbly, golden finish. Arrange the cheese in a single layer in your basket, making sure the edges don’t touch. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is deep golden and crisp.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Enjoy
Carefully transfer your Air Fried Babybel Cheese to a serving plate and dig in while they’re piping hot! They’re best enjoyed right away when that cheesy center is perfectly melty—don’t be surprised if they disappear instantly.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fried Babybel Cheese
- The Double Dip Secret: For a truly foolproof crust, dip each cheese round in egg and breadcrumbs twice. This extra-thick coating keeps the cheese safe inside and delivers unbeatable crunch.
- No Overcrowding Allowed: Give the cheese rounds a bit of breathing space in the air fryer basket so the hot air can crisp every surface—otherwise, you risk soggy bottoms!
- Chill for Extra Insurance: After breading, pop the rounds in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating stick even better and prevents premature melting.
- Flip with Care: Use tongs and a gentle hand when turning the cheese halfway through cooking, so the coating stays perfectly intact.
How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley or basil—adds a splash of color and elevates the look in seconds. Or, for a little extra kick, try sprinkling with cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt right as they come out of the air fryer. Freshly grated parmesan is never a bad idea either!
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fried Babybel Cheese with a tangy marinara sauce, pesto, or ranch for dunking—trust me, the creamy cheese and crisp coating love a good dip! They’re especially good alongside a fresh, crunchy salad, veggie sticks, or even a bowl of tomato soup for an ultra-cozy lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them up on a rustic wooden board with a rainbow of dipping sauces for a DIY appetizer bar. Skewer them with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a playful caprese twist, or pile them into paper cones for easy party munching on the go—there are no limits to the fun you can have with Air Fried Babybel Cheese!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you do manage to save a few (no judgment if you don’t!), let them cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, still holding onto much of their tasty crunch.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, freeze the coated (but not yet air fried) Babybel cheese rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can air fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time!
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. The coating will crisp right up, and the cheese will become wonderfully gooey again—just like fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use other kinds of cheese for air frying?
Absolutely! While Air Fried Babybel Cheese is a classic, you can adapt this method to other small, firm cheeses like mozzarella balls or cheddar rounds—just keep shapes and sizes similar for even cooking.
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Why did my cheese leak out during air frying?
If the cheese leaked, it’s usually from a thin or uneven coating. Try double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs, and consider freezing the coated cheese for 5–10 minutes before air frying to help seal in those precious, melty centers.
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Can I make Air Fried Babybel Cheese ahead for a party?
You sure can! Bread the cheese rounds and freeze them uncooked, then air fry straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve. They’ll taste freshly made and impress everyone, guaranteed.
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What dipping sauces go well with Air Fried Babybel Cheese?
Classic marinara is always a hit, but you can get creative with ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, pesto, or a garlicky aioli. The creamy cheese and crunchy coating pair beautifully with just about any dip you love!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll treat yourself to a batch of Air Fried Babybel Cheese soon—it’s a snack that brings out smiles, laughter, and so much flavor! There’s something so joyful about biting into that crisp shell and finding perfectly melty cheese inside. Give it a try, share with your favorite people, and come back for seconds. Enjoy every bite!
PrintAir Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese, a delicious and easy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These cheese rounds are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and air fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Babybel Cheese
- 1 package Babybel cheese
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Babybel Cheese: Remove the wrapper and wax packaging around each piece of cheese, then set aside.
- Set Up Dipping Stations: Create three dipping stations using shallow bowls – one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat Cheese: Dip each cheese round in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray cheese rounds with olive oil, air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and enjoy warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg