Air Fryer Babybel Cheese

Making bubbly melty air fryer babybel cheese is the ultimate crowd pleaser for any gathering. This simple appetizer delivers gooey cheese wrapped in a golden crispy shell all in just about 20 minutes. You will never look at snack cheese the same way again once you bite into one of these addictive little treats

Every time I make these my friends end up huddled around the kitchen hoping to snag another bite I first served a platter at game night and everyone couldn’t stop asking for the recipe

Ingredients

• Babybel cheese: for the perfect bite sized melty center I like to use classic mini original but you can pick fun flavors
• Italian bread crumbs: to give the coating crunch and Italian flavor make sure they are fresh for best texture
• Flour: helps the coating stick be sure to use all purpose flour with a light touch
• Grated parmesan cheese: brings savory cheesy flavor to the exterior opt for real parmesan and grate it yourself if possible
• Granulated garlic: for bold flavor but not overpowering powder works too if that is what you have
• Salt: to season you can adjust to taste use fine kosher salt for better distribution
• Cayenne pepper: adds a gentle kick or you can use paprika for no heat
• Dried parsley flakes: for pretty color speckles and a hint of herb flavor choose a bright green dried parsley not faded
• Eggs: to help the breadcrumbs adhere aim for large eggs at room temperature for the smoothest coating

Step by Step Instructions

Unwrap the Cheese:

Remove the wax and plastic from each piece of babybel cheese Make sure every piece is fully unwrapped so the coating can stick evenly

Prepare the Egg Wash:

Crack two eggs into a bowl and beat them vigorously until completely blended The smoother the egg wash the more even the coating will be

Mix the Breading:

In another bowl combine Italian bread crumbs grated parmesan salt cayenne pepper granulated garlic and dried parsley Swirl together with a fork to distribute seasoning through the breadcrumbs evenly

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F for five minutes This ensures your cheese bites get instantly crispy on the outside

Dredge in Flour:

Roll each piece of babybel cheese in flour making sure all sides are coated but lightly Tap off any excess flour so it is not clumpy

Dip in Egg:

Place the floured cheese directly in the beaten eggs Give it a full coating so no dry spots remain

Coat in Breading:

Transfer the egg washed babybel into the bread crumb mixture Press the crumbs on gently to coat the cheese on all sides

Double Dredge:

Now repeat the egg wash and then back into the breadcrumb mixture for each cheese bite This double coating is what keeps the cheese from bursting as it air fries

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with a thin layer of non stick spray Avocado oil spray works very well and does not add flavor

Air Fry to Perfection:

Arrange the breaded cheese pieces in a single layer leaving some space between each Air fry at 400 degrees F for five minutes until golden and bubbly

Plate and Serve:

Use tongs to carefully remove the hot babybel cheese bites Serve immediately on a platter with marinara sauce or your favorite dip

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I love the magic of watching the cheese just begin to ooze through the crispy coating and nothing beats the aroma when you open the air fryer My kids always rush in as soon as they smell that cheesy scent wafting through the kitchen This recipe guarantees empty plates every time

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days They reheat best in a hot air fryer for two to three minutes but you can also warm them in a toaster oven for extra crispiness

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use panko breadcrumbs for more texture or swap in seasoned gluten free crumbs if needed Monterey jack or gouda mini snack cheeses work well but do not use any soft or super aged cheese that might totally melt away

Serving Suggestions

These babybel cheese bites are delicious dipped in warm marinara or ranch You can also slice them and add to salads or layer into sandwiches for extra rich texture Try dusting with fresh cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika before serving for a flavor boost

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Cultural and Historical Context

Inspired by classic mozzarella sticks these bites use babybel for convenience and portion control Cheese in a crispy shell has roots in Italian and American comfort food traditions and now the air fryer makes this old favorite easier than ever

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the breading from falling off the cheese?

Double-coating each cheese in egg and bread crumb mixture helps the breading adhere securely during cooking.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior on the cheese.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese for this method?

While babybel is ideal for its size and texture, you can try other firm cheeses that hold their shape when melted.

→ What are some good dipping sauces to serve with these?

Classic marinara works perfectly, but ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy tomato dip are also delicious options.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from bursting in the air fryer?

Ensure each cheese piece has a thorough, double coating and avoid overcooking to prevent the cheese from escaping.