If you are on the lookout for an irresistibly crispy and melty snack that tastes like a little celebration in every bite, then you have to try this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe. It transforms those adorable mini Babybel cheeses into golden, crunchy morsels bursting with gooey cheese inside. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a fun party treat, these bites bring together simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer to deliver a healthier twist on fried cheese that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you—each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and melty goodness in this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, making this recipe very approachable for any home cook.
- Mini Babybel cheeses: The star of the show, these bite-sized cheeses melt beautifully and have a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy coating.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Acts as the first layer of breading to help the coating stick better to the cheese.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Bind the flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring a nice even crust forms during air frying.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to crunch, you can use plain or seasoned, and panko works great for an extra crispy crust.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild, savory depth to the breadcrumb coating.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky flavor and a touch of color to the coating.
- Salt and pepper: Balanced seasoning tones that elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
- Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the breading in the air fryer for a golden finish without deep frying.
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls and set up a classic breading station for easy dipping: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup makes the process efficient and fun, helping each cheese get coated evenly for that perfect crispy crust.
Step 2: Coat the Babybel Cheeses
Start by rolling each Mini Babybel cheese in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the mixture to coat the cheese completely. Finally, press it into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. For an extra crispy shell, dip the cheese bites once more into the egg and breadcrumbs again.
Step 3: Freeze for Structure
Place your breaded Babybel cheeses on a plate and pop them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This freezing step is crucial to help them hold their shape and avoid melting too quickly when air frying.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen, breaded Babybel bites in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching for even cooking. Give them a quick spritz of olive oil on top to encourage the golden crunch. Air fry for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crispy.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cheese bites cool for a few minutes before serving, as the inside will be delectably hot and gooey. This cooldown helps avoid any messy burns and allows the coating to settle, giving you that perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these tasty bites with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat, or even a drizzle of honey for those who love a sweet-savory combo. The visual appeal and flavor layering elevate this snack into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe with fresh veggie sticks, tangy marinara sauce, or a cool ranch dip. They also go surprisingly well alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the richness with some crisp freshness. These bites can be the perfect appetizer before a hearty meal or a fun treat on their own.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving them on a wooden platter with an array of colorful dipping sauces or stacking them on skewers for party-friendly finger food. You could even sprinkle them with grated Parmesan and herbs before serving to give an elevated, restaurant-worthy appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum gooeyness.
Freezing
For future cravings, you can freeze the breaded Babybel cheeses before air frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, air fry straight from frozen—adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive that crispy texture, pop any leftover bites back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Bake the breaded Babybel cheeses at 400°F (200°C) on a lightly greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even coloring.
What dipping sauces go best with this recipe?
Classic marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo pair wonderfully with these bites. Choose sauces that complement the rich, melty cheese and crispy crust for a flavorful bite every time.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe is centered around Babybel cheese which is dairy-based, so it’s not suitable for a vegan diet. However, you could experiment with vegan cheese rounds and plant-based substitutes, but results will vary. Just keep in mind the melting characteristics may differ.
Why is the freezing step necessary before air frying?
Freezing the breaded cheese bites helps them maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from melting out too quickly during cooking. It ensures a crisp exterior with a perfectly melted inside.
How can I add more flavor to the breading?
Feel free to mix Italian seasoning, chili flakes, grated Parmesan, or even smoked paprika into your breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor profile and make each bite even more exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is an absolute game-changer for easy, delicious snacks that wow every time. The combination of crispy golden coating and gooey cheese inside is pure magic, and with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip these up quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re entertaining or just want a little cheesy indulgence, these bites are sure to become a favorite go-to—so grab your Babybels and air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with the crisp!
Print
Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites 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 quick and delicious snack featuring mini Babybel cheeses coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. Ideal as a savory appetizer or fun finger food, these cheese bites are crunchy on the outside and delightfully melty inside.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 6 Mini Babybel cheeses (wax and wrappers removed)
Breading
- 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
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup will allow you to coat the Babybel cheeses evenly for a crispy crust.
- Bread the Babybel cheeses: Roll each Babybel cheese first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps once more.
- Freeze the breaded cheeses: Place the coated cheeses on a plate and freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Air fry the Babybel cheeses: Arrange the frozen, breaded cheeses in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Let the cheeses cool slightly before serving, as the insides will be hot and melty. Enjoy them with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or any favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Using panko breadcrumbs results in an extra crunchy texture.
- Feel free to add Italian seasoning or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicier twist.
