Air-Fried Brie: Melty, Golden Deliciousness In Minutes

Baked brie is a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made in an air fryer in as little as 8 minutes. The air fryer's hot air circulation makes the pastry coating super crispy and golden brown, resulting in gooey, melty cheese. You can top your brie with anything from fruit preserves, honey, garlic butter, or even bacon. The options are endless, and the results are always mouth-wateringly good.

How long to bake brie in an air fryer

Baked brie is a popular appetizer or snack, and it can be made in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The time it takes to bake brie in an air fryer depends on the size of the brie wheel and the desired level of meltiness.

For a 7-ounce round brie wheel, it is recommended to air fry for 7-9 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the brie is at room temperature, cooking for 5-7 minutes may be sufficient.

For a smaller wheel of brie (4-8 ounces), it is recommended to cook for 7-10 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. A medium-sized wheel (up to 16 ounces) will take 9-11 minutes, while a large wheel (up to 2.2 pounds) will need 10-13 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer and the desired level of meltiness. Checking the center of the brie wheel is the best way to determine if it is ready. If the center is easily depressed with a finger, then the brie is ready to be removed from the air fryer.

Additionally, if the brie is wrapped in puff pastry, the cooking time will be longer. It is recommended to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

What kind of brie to use

When it comes to choosing the right brie for baking in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a wheel of brie rather than a wedge. A wheel of brie not only gives a more impressive presentation but also allows for more toppings to be loaded on. You can easily find a suitable wheel of brie at your local grocery store; there is no need to purchase an expensive one from a specialty cheese shop.

Another important consideration is the type of brie cheese. Brie cheese is typically made with cow's milk, but it can also be made with goat's milk. It has a soft, creamy texture and a mild, slightly fruity flavour. Camembert cheese is similar, but it has a slightly stronger and earthier flavour profile. Either one will work well for baking, but keep in mind that the stronger flavour of Camembert may affect the overall taste of your dish.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the rind of the brie should be left on during baking. The rind is edible and adds flavour nuance and complexity. It also helps hold the cheese together, preventing it from melting and running everywhere. However, if you are wrapping the brie in puff pastry, removing the top rind will help the pastry stick to the cheese better.

Finally, when it comes to portion size, a 250g/8 oz brie will comfortably serve 6 people, and may even stretch to 8-10 people, as baked brie is rich and a little goes a long way.

What to serve with baked brie

Baked brie is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even a dessert. It pairs well with many things, especially fruits, crackers, and bread. Here are some ideas on what to serve with baked brie:

Fruits

Fruits, especially those with a tangy flavour, complement the savoury melted cheese well. Fresh or roasted peaches, apricots, figs, grapes, plums, cranberries, and cherries are all great choices to serve on the side or as a topping. You can also try roasted grapes, which are sure to impress your guests. If you want to keep things simple, apples and pears are a traditional pairing that works well with baked brie.

Crackers

Crackers are a classic pairing with brie. Look for seeded crackers, flax crackers, or low-carb, keto options like the Mediterranean blend of Jillz Crackers. If you want to add some extra crunch and sweetness, try candied walnuts or pecans on the side or as a topping.

Bread

Bread is another popular choice to serve with baked brie. Sourdough bread is a safe bet, but you can also try baguette slices, toasted or plain. If you want to get fancy, brush the bread slices with herbed olive oil and toast them in the oven before serving.

Meats

If you're serving baked brie as an appetizer, consider pairing it with cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or sopressa. These meats also go well on a charcuterie board if you're making one.

Other Toppings

For some extra flavour, top your baked brie with fruit preserves like apricot jam, honey, or maple syrup. Caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar are also delicious additions. If you want to get creative, try wrapping your brie in puff pastry before baking it.

Charcuterie Board

Baked brie also works well as a centerpiece for a charcuterie board. Surround it with a variety of meats, crackers, fruits, and other toppings, and let your guests create their own perfect bite.

With so many options, you can get creative and find the perfect pairings for your baked brie. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in this delicious, versatile dish!

How to store baked brie

Baked brie is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, it is important to store them properly to maintain their quality and freshness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store baked brie:

Wrapping and Packaging

First, wrap the leftover brie tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Then, place the wrapped brie in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container or bag is also airtight to prevent the brie from absorbing any odours from other foods in the fridge.

Refrigeration

Store the packaged brie in the refrigerator. Brie is best served at room temperature, so if you plan to consume the leftovers within a few hours, you can leave it at room temperature until it reaches the desired temperature. However, if you are not planning to consume it right away, it is important to refrigerate it to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Consumption

Even when properly stored, baked brie is perishable and should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended to eat leftover baked brie within 2 to 3 days to ensure optimal quality and freshness. Before consuming, check the brie for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, an off smell, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, discard the brie to prevent foodborne illness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your baked brie again, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 175°C/350°F, wrap the brie in aluminium foil, and place it on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is soft and melted. It is important to note that reheating may alter the texture and flavour of the brie slightly.

How to serve baked brie

Baked brie is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even as part of a larger charcuterie board. Here are some tips on how to serve this delicious treat:

Choose Your Cooking Method

Before serving baked brie, you'll need to decide how you want to cook it. You can bake it in an oven or air fryer, or even microwave it for a quicker option. If using an oven or air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for around 7 to 12 minutes, depending on your chosen recipe.

Select Your Toppings

The beauty of baked brie is that it pairs well with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Fruits and Jams: Try apricot preserves, fig jam, or fresh fruits like apples, grapes, or pears.
• Sweet Spreads: Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness.
• Nuts: Chopped almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans add a crunchy texture.
• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Decide on Accompaniments

To complete your baked brie dish, serve it with sturdy crackers, crostini, or slices of toasted baguette or sourdough bread. These accompaniments provide the perfect base for your melted cheese and toppings.

Presentation Tips

For a simple yet elegant presentation, place the baked brie on a wooden board or platter, surrounded by your chosen accompaniments. If you want to get creative, make it the centerpiece of a charcuterie board, adding other cheeses, fruits, and finger foods like baklava or cookies.

Remember, baked brie is best served warm and gooey, so don't let it cool down too much before serving! Enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness!

Frequently asked questions