If you are looking for a fun, cheesy appetizer that is irresistibly crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside, this Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe is everything you need. These bite-sized snacks deliver big flavor with a crunchy Panko coating that gives way to the creamy, melty charm of Babybel cheese, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or when you just want something comforting yet impressive without much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe lies in a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building flavor, creating texture, and ensuring those cheese bites come out perfectly golden and crunchy.
- 12 Mini Babybel cheese rounds: The star of the show—the creamy, mild cheese wrapped in wax for freshness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates a base layer for the breading process.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the adhesive between the flour and breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Provides that signature light, airy crunch you want with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Adds a hint of herbaceous flair that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Cooking spray (for air fryer): Ensures a golden finish without excess oil, keeping these bites lighter.
How to Make Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dry the Cheese
Start by carefully unwrapping each Mini Babybel cheese and removing the wax coating—this part is key for a smooth breading process. Once unwrapped, pat each cheese round dry with a paper towel; removing any moisture helps the coating stick better and avoids sogginess.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Create three separate bowls for your breading ingredients. One bowl with the all-purpose flour, a second with the beaten eggs, and a third combining the Panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. This simple lineup keeps everything organized and speeds up the coating step.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Rounds
Dredge each cheese round first in the flour until fully coated, then dip into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Next, roll the cheese in the Panko mixture for a perfect crunch. For an ultra-crispy bite, repeat dipping in egg and then Panko one more time. This double coating is the secret to getting that golden, crunchy crust.
Step 4: Chill Before Cooking
Place your breaded cheese bites in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. This step firms up the coating so it will adhere better during air frying and helps prevent cheese leakage—an absolute game-changer for keeping these bites intact and gorgeous.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you finish prepping. A hot start ensures the cheese bites crisp quickly, locking in that perfect texture.
Step 6: Cook the Cheese Bites
Lightly spray the cheese bites with cooking spray to give them a beautiful golden finish. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crisp, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once air fried, these Mini Babybel Cheese Bites are at their gooey best, so serve them right away with your favorite dipping sauces for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cheesy treats, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top. A light dusting of flaky sea salt adds a delightful finishing touch that enhances the savory cheese flavor without overwhelming it.
Side Dishes
These bites pair brilliantly with a tangy marinara sauce or a cooling ranch dip. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a fresh green salad or crispy vegetable sticks to balance the richness and keep things fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the air fried bites on a wooden board with small bowls of assorted dips. You can also thread the cheese bites on skewers alongside cherry tomatoes and olives for a colorful, easy-to-eat appetizer that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispness but will still be delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the breaded cheese bites before air frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep for up to 1 month. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This quick blast of heat crisps the exterior back up without overheating and ruining the melty inside.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs will work, but Panko gives you a lighter, airier crunch that is signature to this recipe. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider mixing in some crushed cornflakes for a similar texture.
Is it necessary to freeze the cheese bites before air frying?
Freezing helps set the coating so it doesn’t slide off or leak cheese during cooking. While you could skip this step, freezing makes for a cleaner, crispier bite and is highly recommended.
What dips go well with Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe?
Classic choices like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli are perfect companions. For a twist, try spicy sriracha mayo or honey mustard to add some zest and variety.
Are these cheese bites kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love them because they’re fun to eat and full of melty cheese. Just be mindful of portion size and dipping sauces to suit their tastes.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This specific recipe relies on Babybel cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you could experiment with vegan cheese alternatives that melt well, but results may vary in texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, if you’re craving a snack that’s quick, crunchy, and packed with melty cheese goodness, don’t wait to try this Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe. It’s one of those irresistible crowd-pleasers that brings instant joy to any table, and the air fryer makes the whole process cleaner and easier. Gather your ingredients, and get ready for cheesy bites you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Air Fried Mini Babybel Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden air fried Babybel cheese rounds make a perfect snack or appetizer. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and quickly air fried, they are delightfully crunchy on the outside and gooey melted cheese on the inside. This easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a delicious fried texture without the extra oil and mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 12 Mini Babybel cheese rounds
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Other
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Babybel cheese: Unwrap each Babybel cheese round and remove the wax coating. Pat each cheese round dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if using.
- Bread the cheese rounds: Dredge each cheese round first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by coating thoroughly with the Panko breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispy coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating step once more.
- Freeze the breaded cheese: Place the breaded Babybel rounds on a tray or plate and freeze for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps prevent cheese from leaking while air frying.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot enough.
- Air fry the cheese rounds: Lightly spray each cheese round with cooking spray to help with browning. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Serve immediately: Remove the crispy air fried Babybel cheese rounds carefully and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a gooey cheesy treat.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded cheese before air frying is key to prevent melting cheese leakage.
- You can double coat with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Use non-stick cooking spray to help develop a golden crust without excess oil.
- Serve immediately for best texture as the cheese will be gooey and the coating crispy right out of the air fryer.
- Optional Italian seasoning can be adjusted or omitted based on flavor preference.
