You know that moment when you need something crunchy, melty, and ridiculously satisfyingbut you don’t want to wait? Air fried Babybel cheese delivers exactly that. Golden, crispy outside with that gooey center that makes you reach for another one before you’ve even finished the first.
I stumbled onto this trick in January 2019 after testing way too many air fryer experiments for the blogsome brilliant, some burnt disasters. My youngest daughter took one bite and said, “Mom, this tastes like a fancy restaurant mozzarella stick but better.” The secret is giving them just enough space in the basket so the hot air can work its magic all around each little cheese round.
PrintAir Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe: Quick and Irresistible
Enjoy crispy air fried babybel cheese that is ready in just minutes. This quick and tasty snack features a golden crunchy outside with delicious melted cheese inside. Perfect for sharing with family or friends at any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package Babybel cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Unwrap each Babybel cheese by removing the wax and paper wrapping and set aside.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each cheese piece lightly in flour, then dip fully in the eggs to help the crumbs stick well.
- Thoroughly cover the cheese with breadcrumbs, repeating the crumb coating if desired to keep cheese from escaping.
- Spray each side of the coated cheese lightly with olive oil and arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the coating turns golden brown.
- Carefully remove and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Arrange the coated Babybel cheese in a single layer in the basket
- Don’t overcrowd the basket- especially if you want that golden brown and crunchy outside
- Handle the air fried Babybel cheese carefully as you get them out- they can be really hot and delicate, and may burst open
- Serve them hot with your favorite dips and sauces, or just like that!
Nutrition
- Calories: 69kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 146mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g + 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0.003g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
Why You’ll Love This Snack
These little golden bites hit every craving at oncecrispy, gooey, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without requiring a grocery haul or fancy technique. You’re using ingredients you probably already have tucked in your pantry, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting in less than 20 minutes.
- Minimal prep: Just unwrap, dip, and air fryno stovetop splatters or deep fryer mess.
- Crowd-pleaser magic: Kids and adults alike grab these off the plate before they even cool down.
- Perfectly portioned: Each Babybel cheese round becomes its own tidy, poppable bite.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Tools)
The beauty here is simplicity. You’re working with a classic breading setup and one very important kitchen hero: your air fryer. Here’s the lineup that makes air fried Babybel cheese come together without fuss.
| Ingredient/Tool | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Babybel cheese (1 package) | The starcreamy, melty, and pre-portioned |
| All-purpose flour (½ cup) | First coating layer to help everything stick |
| Large eggs (2, whisked) | Acts as glue between flour and breadcrumbs |
| Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (1 cup) | Adds crunch and a savory, herby flavor |
| Air fryer | Circulates hot air for even, crispy browning |
Pro Tip: Use shallow bowls for your dipping stationsit makes coating each cheese round way easier and keeps your counter cleaner.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
This is one of those recipes where the process feels almost meditativeunwrap, dip, dip, dip, done. You’re building layers of flavor and protection around each cheese round so it gets crispy on the outside while staying molten inside.
- Unwrap the cheese: Peel off both the wrapper and wax coating from each Babybel round and set them aside on a plate.
- Set up your breading station: Arrange three shallow bowlsflour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat each round: Roll each piece of cheese in flour, dip into the whisked eggs until well coated, then press into the breadcrumbs until fully covered. For extra insurance, double dip in the breadcrumbs.
- Spritz and arrange: Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry: Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Note: Don’t skip the olive oil sprayit’s what helps the breadcrumbs turn that beautiful golden color.
Troubleshooting & Tips
Even the easiest recipes can throw a little curveball. Here’s what I’ve learned after making air fried Babybel cheese more times than I can countincluding a few batches that turned into melted puddles before I figured out the tricks.
- Cheese bursting out? You likely didn’t coat thick enough or the air fryer was too hot. Double dip in breadcrumbs and stick to 380°F.
- Not crispy enough? Make sure you’re spritzing with oil and not overcrowding the basketair needs to circulate.
- Too delicate to flip? Use a silicone spatula or tongs and handle gently. They’re hot and tender right out of the fryer.
Serving & Storage
These are best enjoyed straight from the air fryer while they’re still warm and gooey inside. I like to set them on a platter with a few dipping optionsmarinara, ranch, or even a drizzle of hot honey if you’re feeling adventurous.
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. |
| Freeze | Freeze uncooked, breaded rounds on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time. |
Pro Tip: If you’re making these for a party, prep and freeze them ahead of time. Just pop them in the air fryer as guests arriveno last-minute stress.
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FAQs (Air Fried Babybel Cheese)
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for the best results. This temperature creates a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melted inside. Cook for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Do I need to remove the wax coating first?
Yes, always remove the red wax coating completely before cooking. The wax will melt and create an unpleasant taste and texture. Peel it off carefully to keep the cheese round intact for even cooking.
How can I prevent the cheese from melting through the basket?
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat in your air fryer basket to catch any melted cheese. You can also lightly coat the cheese with breadcrumbs or flour to help maintain its shape during cooking.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Marinara sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing work perfectly as dips. For something different, try sriracha mayo or a simple herb oil. The mild cheese flavor pairs well with both tangy and creamy sauces.
Can I make multiple pieces at once?
Yes, you can cook 4-6 pieces at once depending on your air fryer size. Make sure they don’t touch each other to ensure even cooking. You may need to add an extra minute to the cooking time for larger batches.
You’ve just made something ridiculously delicious in less than twenty minutes. Air fried Babybel cheese delivers that perfect golden crunch outside with gooey, melted magic insidethe kind of snack that disappears before the basket even cools. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you need when those salty-crunchy-creamy cravings hit hard.
Want to switch things up? Try mixing garlic powder or smoked paprika into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Panko works beautifully if you want an even crispier coating. And here’s a trick my youngest taught me: freeze the breaded rounds ahead of time, then air fry straight from frozen when friends pop by unexpectedly. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for a few minutesthey bounce right back to life.
I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did your family devour them as fast as mine does? Snap a photo, tag me, or leave a comment telling me your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe is meant for sharingsave it, make it your own, and pass it along to someone who needs a little crispy, melty joy in their day.
