Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Bites: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Bites are the perfect snack for cheese lovers. This viral TikTok recipe is quick, easy, and healthy to make. The inside gets nice and gooey while the outside is crispy, seasoned perfection. You can use Italian breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, or get creative with crushed chilli heatwave Doritos or panko breadcrumbs for the coating. The bites can be served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or cocktail sauce for dipping.

How to make a gooey, crispy coating

The key to a gooey, crispy coating for your Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Bites is to follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Station

Firstly, set up three bowls for your dredging station. In the first bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg with a small amount of water. For the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese

Take each Babybel cheese round and coat it with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring the cheese is fully coated, before moving it to the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides of the cheese. Repeat this process for a second coating.

Step 3: Freeze the Coated Cheese

Place the coated cheese rounds on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours until they are completely frozen. This step is crucial, as it prevents the cheese from melting and creates a gooey texture when fried.

Step 4: Air Fry

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the frozen coated cheese into the air fryer and spray the tops with more olive oil. Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-6 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process and spraying again with olive oil.

Tips for a Crispy Coating:

• Use Italian breadcrumbs for a traditional, flavourful coating.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• For a Keto or low-carb option, replace the breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or nut crumbs.
• Ensure the cheese is completely frozen before air frying to avoid melting.
• Spray the cheese generously with cooking spray for a golden colour.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even crisping.
• Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the cheese and let it rest for a few minutes before air frying to ensure the coating adheres well.

The best dips to serve with Babybel cheese bites

Babybel cheese bites are a fun and easy snack to make, and even better to eat! The mild, creamy, and gooey cheese encased in a crispy, crunchy coating is a perfect appetiser or snack for any occasion. But what do you serve with them? Here are some ideas for the best dips to serve with your Babybel cheese bites:

Marinara Sauce

This classic Italian tomato sauce is a perfect pairing with the cheese bites. Its tangy, savoury flavour complements the creamy cheese, and the sauce's thickness means it will cling to the bites, making it easy to scoop up every last bit. You can make your own or use a store-bought version.

Ranch Dressing or Dip

A cool, creamy ranch dip is a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy cheese bites. The herby, tangy flavour of ranch also goes well with the mild cheese, and the dip's thickness means it will stay on the bites, making it a mess-free option.

Cocktail Sauce

For a slightly more unusual option, try serving your cheese bites with a cocktail sauce. The teens on Salty Side Dish swear by this combination! The sharp, spicy flavour of the sauce, usually made with tomatoes, horseradish, and spices, will cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a unique and tasty experience.

Easy Sweet Chilli Sauce

A sweet chilli sauce is a great way to add a touch of heat and a little sweetness to your cheese bites. The tanginess of the sauce will also help to balance the richness of the cheese, and the slight stickiness of the sauce will ensure it coats the bites nicely.

Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

If you're a blue cheese fan, this could be the dip for you. A strong, tangy blue cheese dressing will stand up to the flavour of the Babybel cheese and provide a nice contrast in texture. This is a good option if you're looking for something a little different.

Other Ideas

There are plenty of other dips and sauces that would work well with Babybel cheese bites. Why not try a simple mustard, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool, herby green goddess dip? You could also experiment with different types of cheese sauces, like a sharp cheddar or a creamy gouda sauce.

How to reheat Babybel cheese bites

Babybel cheese bites are a fun and easy snack to make in your air fryer. They are perfect as an appetizer or a snack for game day or a party. But what if you have leftovers? How do you reheat them to get that delicious gooey cheese and crispy coating again?

Reheating in an Air Fryer

The best way to reheat Babybel cheese bites is to use your air fryer. Place the cheese bites in a foil-lined air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and the outside crispy.

Other Reheating Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat the cheese bites in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave. However, the air fryer is the easiest and most effective method to get that perfect melted cheese and crispy coating.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the cheese bites are frozen before reheating to prevent them from melting too much.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the cheese bites halfway through the reheating process for even browning.
• For a golden colour, spray the cheese bites with cooking spray or brush with an egg wash before reheating.

Dipping Sauces

Babybel cheese bites are perfect for dipping! Try serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, cocktail sauce, or your favourite dip.

Now you know how to reheat your leftover Babybel cheese bites to perfection! So, go ahead and make a big batch, and you'll have a quick and tasty snack ready whenever those cheese cravings hit.

How to stop cheese bites from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent cheese bites from sticking to the air fryer basket, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, it is important to prepare the cheese properly before cooking. If you are using soft cheese, such as mozzarella, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could cause explosions. For harder cheeses, shredding or grating them can increase the surface area, allowing for more even cooking and reducing the chances of steam buildup.

Additionally, coating the cheese bites with a layer of breading or flour before cooking can act as a barrier and help prevent sticking. You can also spray the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil or cooking spray to create a non-stick surface. Using parchment paper or aluminum foil as a barrier between the food and the basket is another effective method.

To ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, cut the cheese into smaller pieces and leave enough space between them in the air fryer basket. Adding a small amount of oil or butter to the cheese before placing it in the air fryer can also help create a barrier and prevent steam buildup.

Finally, keep an eye on the cheese bites while they cook, especially if using softer cheeses, and open the air fryer occasionally to release any built-up steam. By following these tips, you can help prevent cheese bites from sticking to your air fryer basket and enjoy your crispy, gooey snack without the mess!

How to cook Babybel cheese bites in the oven

Ingredients

• Babybel cheese rounds
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, plain, or panko)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Water
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spices/seasonings (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Set up three separate bowls for dredging: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs and a small amount of water; and one with breadcrumbs and your choice of spices or seasonings.
• Remove the red wax coating from the Babybel cheese rounds.
• Dip each cheese round first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the cheese is fully coated at each step.
• Place the coated cheese rounds on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
• Line a baking tray with aluminium foil and place the frozen cheese bites on top, leaving space between each one.
• Drizzle or spray the cheese bites with olive oil.
• Bake in the oven for 3-6 minutes, then flip the cheese bites and bake for another 3-6 minutes, until golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or cocktail sauce.

Frequently asked questions