There’s something magical about biting into warm, melted cheese wrapped in a crispy golden shell. Air Fried Babybel Cheese turns those little red wax-wrapped wheels into gooey, crunchy bites that disappear in minutesno deep fryer needed.
I first tested this back in 2019 when my test kitchen was basically my cramped apartment counter, and I couldn’t believe how the air fryer crisped the coating while keeping the center molten. My neighbor knocked on the door asking what smelled so good. The trick is freezing them firstit buys you just enough time for the outside to turn golden before the cheese completely oozes out.
Olivia Farnsworth
Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe Easy Quick and Delicious
Enjoy a quick and simple appetizer with this Air Fried Babybel Cheese recipe. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these cheesy bites are perfect for sharing and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Peel off the wax and plastic covering from each Babybel cheese and set aside.
Set up three shallow dishes: place flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
Coat each piece of cheese first in flour, then dip into the eggs to ensure the outer layer is wet.
Roll the egg-coated cheese in breadcrumbs completely; repeat in breadcrumbs for a thicker crust if desired.
Spray both sides of the coated cheese lightly with olive oil spray and arrange in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
Cook in the air fryer at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the coating turns golden and crisp.
Carefully remove the hot cheese from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Lay the cheese in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to get an even and crunchy coating. Avoid piling so the cheese cooks properly.
Be gentle when removing as they are fragile and hot, and may burst open.
Serve with your preferred dips or enjoy them plain for a tasty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy little bites are pure comfort with a crunch. The outside turns golden and crunchy while the Babybel cheese inside gets soft and stretchyperfect for dipping or popping straight into your mouth.
Quick and easy: Just 18 minutes from start to finish, with simple dipping and air frying.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s game day, after-school snacks, or a casual get-together, these disappear fast.
No deep fryer needed: The air fryer gives you that crispy coating without all the oil and mess.
Kid-approved: Those little red wax wheels are already a lunchbox favoritenow they’re even better.
What You’ll Need
You probably have most of these ingredients already. The star is the Babybel cheese itselfthose individually wrapped rounds with the red wax coating. The rest is just your basic breading station setup.
Babybel cheese: Unwrap each piece completely (wax and plastic wrapper).
All-purpose flour: Your first coating layer that helps everything stick.
Large eggs: Whisked together to bind the breadcrumbs.
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds flavor and that crispy golden crust.
Equipment tip: Any air fryer works beautifully here. Just make sure your basket isn’t overcrowded so air can circulate.
How to Make Air Fried Babybel Cheese
The secret is the triple-dipping method. Each layer builds up a protective shell that keeps the cheese from completely melting out before the coating crisps up.
Step
What to Do
1
Remove all wrappers and wax from each Babybel cheese round.
2
Set up three shallow bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, breadcrumbs in the third.
3
Dip each cheese round in flour, then egg (coat well), then breadcrumbs. Press gently so crumbs stick.
4
Optional: Double-dip in breadcrumbs for extra protection against melting.
5
Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6
Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the olive oil sprayit helps the coating turn that gorgeous golden color we’re after.
Tips for Perfect Results
After testing this recipe countless times, here’s what makes the biggest difference. The coating needs to be thick enough to protect the cheese, but not so thick it stays raw inside.
Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between each piece so hot air can circulate. Work in batches if needed.
Flip carefully: Use tongs or a spatula at the halfway point. They’re delicate when hot.
Watch the timing: Start checking at 8 minutes. If they go too long, the cheese can burst through.
Serve immediately: These are best while the outside is still crispy and the inside is gooey-warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these straight from the air fryer with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping. They’re also delicious on their ownthe Italian breadcrumbs add plenty of flavor.
Situation
How to Handle It
Serving
Serve hot within 5-10 minutes for best texture. Let cool 1-2 minutes before the first bite.
Make-Ahead
Coat the cheese rounds and freeze on a baking sheet. Store in a freezer bag up to 1 month, then air fry from frozen (add 2-3 minutes).
Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to re-crisp.
Pairing idea: Serve alongside a simple green salad or veggie sticks for a casual appetizer spread that feels a little more balanced.
Follow me on to unlock a world of flavorful recipes and creative food ideas Pinterest!
FAQs (Air Fried Babybel Cheese)
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 380°F for the best results. This temperature creates a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melty inside. Cooking at higher temperatures may cause the cheese to burst or become rubbery.
How long does it take to cook?
Cook for 3-4 minutes total. Check at the 3-minute mark – the cheese should be golden brown and slightly puffed. Overcooking will cause the cheese to leak out and create a mess in your air fryer basket.
Do I need to remove the wax coating first?
Yes, always remove the red wax coating before cooking. The wax will melt and create an unpleasant taste and texture. Simply peel it off with your fingers – it comes off easily when you pull from one edge.
Should I use oil or cooking spray?
A light spray of cooking oil helps achieve a golden color and prevents sticking. Use avocado oil spray or olive oil spray for best results. Don’t oversaturate – just a quick spritz on each piece is enough.
Can I make these ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed immediately while the outside is crispy and the inside is warm and gooey. They become chewy and lose their appealing texture within 10-15 minutes of cooling.
You’ll love how Air Fried Babybel Cheese turns outgolden and crispy on the outside, gooey and warm inside. Just 18 minutes from start to finish, and they disappear before you can make a second batch. The air fryer does all the work while you get that satisfying crunch without any deep-frying mess.
Want to switch things up? Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or add a pinch of garlic powder to the breading. These freeze beautifully toojust coat them, freeze on a tray, then toss in a bag for snacking emergencies. My grandmother always said the best recipes are the ones you can make your own, and this one welcomes a little creativity.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did your kids sneak a few before they made it to the table? Share a photo or tag meI love seeing your cozy kitchen moments. Save this recipe for your next gathering, or make a batch just because you deserve a warm, melty treat. Happy cooking, friend.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
Thank you for joining this cozy community where nutritious and delicious meals come together.
