If you are craving a snack that is juicy on the inside, with a satisfyingly crispy crust on the outside, then the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. This easy and fun appetizer transforms simple Babybel cheeses into golden, crunchy bites that melt in your mouth, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. With each bite, you’ll experience a heavenly contrast of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be few, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe. From the creamy cheese to the crunchy coating, every element builds on the next to deliver a delicious snack that’s packed with flavor and texture.
- Babybel cheese: The star of the show, these little rounds bring creamy, mild flavors and melt beautifully when cooked.
- All-purpose flour: Serves as the first coating layer, helping the egg to stick and creating a base for crispiness.
- Large eggs: Whisked to perfection, eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere tightly to the cheese for that irresistible crunch.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Packed with herbs and spices, they add an herby, crispy texture with every bite.
How to Make Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cheese
Begin by unwrapping each Babybel cheese. It’s important to keep them whole so that when you bread and air fry them, the cheese inside stays perfectly soft and gooey. Set aside on a plate ready for dipping.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In three separate shallow bowls, place the all-purpose flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in the third. This classic breading setup will ensure your babybel cheeses get a thick and even coating.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese Bites
Start by rolling each Babybel cheese lightly in the flour until fully dusted. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the cheese into the breadcrumbs until completely covered. For an extra thick crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the coated Babybel bites in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to allow even air circulation. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until the coating is golden and crisp. The cheese inside will have melted into gooey goodness ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the bites for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes can also add a tantalizing touch of spice to elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe alongside tangy marinara sauce for dipping or a cooling garlic aioli. They also pair beautifully with a fresh mixed greens salad or crispy vegetable sticks for a balanced snack or starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the bites on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces such as honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ranch. You can also thread the prepared cheese bites on cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the bites have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They will still retain some of their crispiness but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded but uncooked Babybel bites by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To warm leftovers without losing their crispness, reheat the bites in your air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian seasoned?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. To keep the flavor, consider mixing in some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic powder to mimic the Italian seasoning.
Is it possible to bake these instead of air frying?
You can bake the coated Babybel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer produces a crispier texture, but baking works well too.
What if the cheese leaks out during cooking?
Make sure the bites are tightly coated and avoid overfilling your air fryer basket. Also, keeping the cheese chilled before breading helps prevent excessive melting too soon.
Can I double coat the cheese bites?
Absolutely! Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs creates an even thicker, crunchier crust, which many people love for this Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe.
Are there other cheeses I can use instead of Babybel?
The small, round size and mild taste of Babybel cheese make it ideal, but other similar-sized cheeses like mini mozzarella balls could work. Just be mindful of melting qualities and texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips for making this irresistible Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. You’ll love how simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful, crunchy, gooey snack that everyone will adore. Go ahead and share this bubbly, cheesy goodness with your friends or keep it as your secret indulgence!
Print
Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese recipe creates a crispy, gooey snack or appetizer by coating mini Babybel cheeses in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and air frying them to golden perfection. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth creamy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are quick and easy to make, making them an excellent party appetizer or comfort food snack.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 package Babybel cheese (typically 12 pieces)
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap each Babybel cheese completely, removing all the wax coating. Set the cheeses aside on a plate.
- Set up Breading Stations: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. In a third bowl, place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat Each Cheese: One by one, dredge each Babybel cheese in the flour, coating evenly. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll the cheese in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Babybel Cheese: Place the breaded Babybel cheeses in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to prevent sticking. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes or until the breadcrumb crust is golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the hot cheeses from the air fryer. Let them cool for a couple of minutes as the melted cheese will be very hot. Serve immediately while warm and gooey, optionally with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs will increase crispiness and help prevent cheese from leaking.
- Make sure to unwrap all wax completely for the best breading adherence.
- You can substitute Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs plus garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Best eaten fresh out of the air fryer for optimal crispness.
