If you have a soft spot for gooey, cheesy snacks that satisfy both your cravings and your curiosity, then the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These little rounds of cheesy goodness transform from smooth, wax-covered bites into perfectly crispy, golden morsels with just the right amount of ooey-gooey cheese inside. The magic happens in the air fryer, which crisps up the outside while keeping the cheese melty without the mess of deep frying. It’s a delightful little treat that’s quick, fun to make, and utterly satisfying whether as a snack or shareable appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the first step to mastering the Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role: flour helps the coating stick, eggs bind everything together, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add a flavorful, crunchy crust that brings everything to life in the air fryer.
- Babybel cheese: The star of the show, these mini cheese wheels have an irresistible creamy texture perfect for melting inside a crispy shell.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the initial dry coating to help the egg adhere to the cheese.
- Large eggs, whisked: Acts as a sticky binder for the breadcrumbs, ensuring every bite is evenly coated.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Infuse plenty of herbs and flavor while creating that crave-worthy crispy crust.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly sprayed to help the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and add a hint of richness.
How to Make Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by unwrapping each Babybel cheese piece and peeling off the wax coating carefully. Setting these aside allows you to focus on building your crisp coating without any distractions. Handling the cheese gently helps it maintain its shape for the perfect bite.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Create three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and the last packed with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient, which is important because you want each cheese round to have an even and complete coating for the best texture.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese
Dip each Babybel first into the flour until it gets a light dusting. This step is crucial to help the egg stick properly. Next, dunk the floured cheese into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered to make the breadcrumbs stick. Then roll it into the breadcrumbs until well coated. If you want extra assurance that the coating seals in the cheese, double-dip the breadcrumb layer. This little step saves you from melting cheese leaks during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Lightly spritz each coated bite with olive oil spray on both sides—this gives your Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe its signature crunchy, golden finish. Place them carefully in the air fryer basket so they don’t touch; this ensures even crisping. Depending on your air fryer size, you might work in batches. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the coating is perfectly golden brown. Serve warm for the ultimate melty, crispy contrast.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper make lovely garnishes that add a pop of color and a fresh hint to balance the richness. A drizzle of honey or a side of zesty marinara sauce also creates a delicious flavor contrast that enhances the whole eating experience.
Side Dishes
These crispy cheese bites pair fabulously with vibrant salads or simple vegetable crudités. Consider a tangy coleslaw, crunchy carrot sticks, or a bright cucumber salad to cut through the richness and keep the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Pop your Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe onto a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look, or pile them in a bowl for casual snacking. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy party finger food or serve alongside an assortment of dips like spicy aioli, garlic ranch, or sweet chili sauce for an irresistible appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a rare occasion!), place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Eating them within 2 days ensures the best taste and texture, as the crispiness may diminish over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the coated, uncooked Babybel cheese bites if you want to prep ahead. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment so they don’t touch, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3 to 5 minutes to refresh the crispiness and melt the cheese back to perfection. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
While Babybel cheese is ideal because of its size and melting qualities, you can experiment with other small, wax-covered cheeses or even mozzarella balls. Just remember different cheeses melt differently, so you might need to adjust cooking times.
Do I have to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?
Not at all! Plain breadcrumbs work fine too, but Italian seasoning adds extra flavor that elevates the taste. You can also mix your own breadcrumbs with dried herbs and garlic powder for a personalized touch.
Is it possible to deep fry these instead of air frying?
Yes, but air frying is healthier and less messy. Deep frying results in extra oiliness but will give a crisp crust as well. Just be sure to monitor closely so the cheese doesn’t leak out.
How long do these bites stay crispy after cooking?
They are best enjoyed immediately when crispy and warm. After sitting for 20-30 minutes, they may lose some of that delightful crunch, so plan to eat soon after making them.
What dipping sauces pair well with Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe?
Marinara, spicy sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or even a sweet honey mustard are fantastic options that complement the cheesy, crunchy bites perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is one of those snacks that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, turning a humble cheese into a star appetizer or party favorite. Trust me, once you try these crispy, melty bites, you’ll want to make them again and again, sharing smiles with everyone lucky enough to snag one. Give it a go—you won’t regret the crunch and gooey deliciousness waiting inside!
Print
Crispy Air Fried Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cheese bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, these Air Fried Babybel Cheese bites are a quick and delicious snack that’s easy to prepare. Coated in flour, eggs, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, then air fried to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 package Babybel cheese
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Finishing
- Olive oil spray (for lightly spritzing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Remove the wrapper and wax packaging around each piece of Babybel cheese and set them aside to be coated.
- Set Up Dipping Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Cheese: Dip each cheese round first into the flour, coating lightly. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs to ensure the coating adheres well. Finally, dip it thoroughly into the breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness and to prevent melting, double dip the cheese in breadcrumbs.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spritz both sides of the coated cheese rounds with olive oil spray. Place them in the air fryer basket without overlapping, working in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook the cheese bites at 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even golden brown crispiness.
- Serve Warm: Remove the crispy cheese bites from the air fryer and enjoy immediately while warm and gooey inside.
Notes
- Double dipping in breadcrumbs helps keep the cheese inside and creates an extra crunchy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve these cheese bites with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Use a light olive oil spray to avoid excess oil and keep the snack lighter.
