Air Fried Babybel Cheese

If you’re looking for a fun, irresistible snack that combines cheesy indulgence with a crispy golden crust, you’re going to fall head over heels for Air Fried Babybel Cheese. This simple yet scrumptious treat takes the classic Babybel cheese and transforms it into a crunchy, gooey delight that’s perfect for snacking or elevating your party appetizers. Using the air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the guilt of deep frying, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer crisps the cheese bites to golden perfection without any greasy mess.
• Versatile Snack: Great for kids, adults, or as party appetizers—always a crowd favorite.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires simple pantry staples that bring out rich, cheesy flavor.
• Healthier Option: Air frying makes this snack lighter than traditional fried cheese treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of essential ingredients that complement Babybel cheese’s creamy center while delivering a satisfying crunchy coating. Each element plays a key role in balancing flavor, color, and texture.

• Babybel Cheese: The star ingredient, offering a smooth and tangy taste wrapped in wax that you’ll remove before cooking.
• Flour: Helps the coating stick and creates a base for the crunchy crust.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the breadcrumbs in place perfectly.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides the irresistible crispiness and golden finish—panko works best for extra crunch.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper bring the coating to life with subtle flavor enhancements.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: A light mist helps achieve that beautiful crispiness in the air fryer without adding excess oil.

Variations for Air Fried Babybel Cheese

Feel free to get creative and tweak this recipe based on what you have or your personal preferences. These easy modifications keep the process simple while adding exciting flavors or accommodating dietary needs.

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a fiery twist.
• Herb Infusion: Mix dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley into breadcrumbs for a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap Babybel with mini mozzarella balls for a different but equally melty treat.
• Sweet & Savory: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and sugar into the coating for an unexpected but delightful contrast.

How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Babybel Cheese

Start by unwrapping the wax from each Babybel cheese while keeping the cheese intact and ready for its crispy coating.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Place flour seasoned with salt and pepper in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumb mixture combined with your chosen seasonings in a third bowl. This classic dredging trio ensures the coating sticks perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Babybel Cheese

Dip each cheese ball first in flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crust adheres well.

Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the coated Babybel cheese treats in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, spray lightly with cooking oil, and air fry for about 6-8 minutes until a golden crust forms and the cheese becomes deliciously melty inside.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the treats from the fryer, let them cool slightly to avoid burning, then serve immediately for the best ooey-gooey experience.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fried Babybel Cheese

• Wax Removal: Make sure to fully remove the wax coating from Babybel cheese before cooking to avoid unpleasant textures.
• Coating Pressure: Gently press breadcrumbs into the cheese to prevent the crust from falling apart during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer for even crisping and avoid sogginess.
• Spray with Oil: A light mist of cooking oil helps achieve a beautiful golden finish and adds extra crunch.
• Serve Warm: These treats are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when cheese is perfectly melted inside.

How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the top to add a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma that balances the rich cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair these crispy delights with tangy dipping sauces such as marinara, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra layers of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese on a wooden board surrounded by fresh veggies or alongside your favorite charcuterie for an impressive appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fried Babybel Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, the crust will soften slightly after refrigeration.

Freezing

Freeze uncoated Babybel cheese balls for easy future use, but it’s best to air fry freshly coated treats instead of freezing cooked ones to maintain crispiness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the treats back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to refresh their crispy texture without overcooking the cheese inside.

FAQs

Can I air fry frozen Babybel cheese?

It’s better to thaw and fully unwrap the cheese first for even cooking and crisp coating, as frozen cheese won’t cook evenly in an air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these treats in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet, but they may be less crispy than when air fried.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the coating is applied thoroughly and firmly pressed in to keep the cheese sealed during cooking.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

Substitute Babybel cheese with a plant-based mozzarella alternative and adjust the coating ingredients accordingly for a vegan-friendly snack.

Are Air Fried Babybel Cheese treats suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love the crispy exterior combined with the gooey cheese center, making them a perfect kid-friendly snack.

Final Thoughts

Give Air Fried Babybel Cheese a try next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing cheesy snack with that perfect crispy crunch and melty center. Once you taste these, you’ll be hooked on this fun recipe that’s equally simple to make and impossible to resist—share it with friends, family, or keep them all for yourself!

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