If you love gooey cheese snacks that are crispy on the outside and melty inside, you’re going to fall for this air fried Babybel cheese recipe. It’s a quick and fun way to turn those little round cheeses into a perfect appetizer or snack that’s both indulgent and easy to make.
This recipe for air fried Babybel cheese is designed to give you a crispy golden crust with a warm, gooey center every time. Whether you’re serving it for guests or treating yourself, it’s a simple snack upgrade that’s sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside with irresistibly melty cheese inside
- Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for quick snacks
- Uses your air fryer for less oil and mess than frying
- Great for parties, kids, or a cozy night in
- Simple ingredients, easy to customize with seasonings
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your crispy air fried Babybel cheese. You’ll need just a few pantry staples to get that perfect crunch and gooey center.
- 6 pieces Babybel cheese, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray, for air fryer basket
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 pieces
- Calories: Approximately 120 per piece
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese
- Unwrap the Babybel cheeses completely and set aside.
- Set up a dredging station: place the flour in one bowl, beat the egg in a second bowl, and mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Coat each Babybel cheese first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
- Place the coated cheeses on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 10 minutes to help the coating stick and prevent melting too fast during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the frozen coated Babybel pieces in the basket in a single layer without touching. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crisp. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
- Carefully remove from the basket and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving—they will be very hot inside.
Tips for the Best Results
- Freeze coated cheese before air frying to keep the cheese from leaking out.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust seasonings in the breadcrumb mix to suit your taste.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey texture and crisp crust.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover air fried Babybel cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain crispiness and warmth.
For longer storage, freeze the coated but uncooked cheese pieces before air frying. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular fryer instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry the Babybel cheese in hot oil at 350°F for about 1-2 minutes until golden. The air fryer version uses less oil and is easier to clean up.
What can I serve with air fried Babybel cheese?
These cheesy bites go great with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli. They also pair well with fresh veggies or a simple salad.
Is it necessary to freeze the cheese before air frying?
Freezing helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly, which keeps the crust intact and the cheese inside gooey.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies on Babybel cheese specifically, so for dairy-free options, consider using vegan cheese rounds designed for melting, but cooking times and results may vary.