If you are craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and downright delightful to eat, then the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden bites combine the playful fun of Babybel cheese with a perfectly seasoned outer crust, air fried to crispy perfection. Whether you want something fun for a party, an appetizer to wow guests, or simply a cozy treat, this recipe brings you that melt-in-your-mouth magic without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you try it, these little gems will become your new go-to snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is a breeze because all the ingredients are simple, everyday staples that each play a vital role in layering flavor and texture. From the creamy Babybel cheese at the heart of it all to the carefully chosen coatings, every component works together to create a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and full of personality.
- Babybel cheese: The star of the show, these mini rounds provide a rich, creamy center that melts beautifully when cooked.
- All-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick to the cheese, creating that crucial base layer for crispiness.
- Large eggs, whisked: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs, ensuring the coating adheres perfectly for a golden crust.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These add a flavorful, crunchy shell with herbs that complement the creamy cheese inside.
How to Make Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Babybel Cheese
Start by unwrapping each Babybel cheese from its wax coating. Make sure you handle them gently so the cheese remains intact and ready for its crispy makeover. It’s best to work quickly to keep the cheese cold until it goes into the flour; this helps it hold shape better during cooking.
Step 2: Coat the Cheese in Flour
Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl and toss each Babybel round gently to coat it fully. This dry layer is essential as it creates a rough surface that helps the egg mixture cling to the cheese in the next step.
Step 3: Dip in Whisked Eggs
Next, dip the floured cheese into the whisked eggs, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This wet layer acts like a binder, making sure the breadcrumbs stick well and form that delicious crispy coating we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Crust with Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Finally, roll the cheese in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Press lightly but firmly so the breadcrumbs adhere completely, creating a flavorful crust loaded with herbs and a perfect crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the coated Babybel bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly and emerge piping hot!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and punch up the flavor by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A small drizzle of honey or a dash of smoked paprika can also add unexpected delight, balancing the savory with a hint of sweetness or gentle heat.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes. For a more indulgent pairing, offer them alongside a tangy marinara sauce or a cool ranch dip to add variety and complement the cheese’s rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these crispy delights in mini cupcake liners or on a wooden board sprinkled with sea salt for a rustic touch. If you’re entertaining, you can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy dipping and nibbling. The playful presentation makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any extras (and that’s rare!), store the crispy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before packing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze uncoated Babybel cheese rounds and then coat and air fry them fresh when ready. Once cooked, freezing the crispy bites is not recommended as the texture of the crust can suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and revive their crunch, pop the bites back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will refresh that satisfying crisp while warming the cheese inside without melting it into a gooey mess.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Babybel?
While Babybel cheese is perfect for its size and texture, you can experiment with other small, semi-soft cheeses, but choose those that won’t melt too quickly or leak out during air frying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve that irresistible crispy coating right from the start.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but keep a close watch to avoid over-melting. Air frying gives the best crisp texture with less oil.
What dipping sauces go well with Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe?
Marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or a simple garlic aioli make fantastic dips that complement the cheese and crunchy coating perfectly.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Chilling the cheese before breading and cooking at a high temperature quickly helps the cheese hold its shape. Also, making sure the coating is thorough and secure prevents leaks.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe enough for anyone who loves a tasty, fun snack with minimal fuss. The way the crunchy coating gives way to creamy, melted cheese inside is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, share it with your friends, and watch how quickly these bites disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
Description
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese recipe offers a crispy, golden crust enveloping warm, gooey cheese, perfect as a delightful appetizer or snack. The coated Babybel cheeses are air fried to perfection, delivering an irresistibly crunchy texture without deep frying, making it a healthier yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 package Babybel cheese (12 pieces)
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls or plates; place all-purpose flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the Cheese: Remove the wax from each Babybel cheese. Dredge each piece first in the flour to coat evenly. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs, making sure it is fully covered. Finally, roll the cheese in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to form a thick crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to get it ready for cooking.
- Air Fry the Cheese: Arrange the breaded Babybel cheeses in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow even cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside melts gently.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the air-fried Babybel cheeses using tongs. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad for an irresistible starter or snack.
Notes
- Removing the wax from Babybel cheese is crucial for proper breading and cooking.
- For extra crispiness, consider double coating: repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Serve immediately after cooking as the cheese can seize up and become less gooey when cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
