Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—Air Fried Babybel Cheese is everything you want in a savory snack. These golden bites are an irresistible combination of crunch and creamy, making them perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun appetizer before dinner. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you get all that fried goodness with a fraction of the oil.
Each bite-sized round melts into cheesy perfection with every pull-apart moment. They’re fun to eat, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable with different coatings or dipping sauces. If you’re looking for a fast and impressive snack that brings smiles to the table, this one hits the mark.
What Kind of Babybel Cheese Should I Use?
Classic Mini Babybel Original is the most popular choice thanks to its mild, creamy flavor and firm texture that melts beautifully. You can also try Babybel Light if you prefer something a bit leaner, or experiment with Gouda or White Cheddar versions for deeper flavor. Just be sure to remove the wax coating completely before you bread them.

Ingredients for the Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Mini Babybel Cheese: The star of the show. These little cheese wheels are just the right size and melt incredibly well.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg wash stick to the cheese and is the first step in the breading process.
Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that ultra-crispy, golden crust. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but Panko gives extra crunch.
Italian Seasoning (Optional): Adds an herby kick to your coating for more flavor.
Cooking Spray: A light mist over the breaded cheese helps achieve that crispy, fried finish in the air fryer.
How To Make the Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Step 1: Unwrap and Prep
Remove the red wax from each Babybel cheese round. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and Panko mixed with optional Italian seasoning in a third.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese
Dredge each Babybel in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the Panko mixture. For an extra crispy bite, you can repeat the egg and Panko step.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Helpful)
Place the breaded cheese rounds in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the cheese bites with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serving and Storing Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Serve these melty bites hot out of the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. They’re great on their own, but even better when paired with something to dip into.
If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that crispy coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
Freezing the coated Babybel for 10-15 minutes before air frying helps hold their shape and prevents leaks.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread them in advance and keep them in the freezer until ready to cook. Add 1-2 extra minutes in the air fryer if cooking from frozen.
What sauces go best with these?
Marinara, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce work beautifully.
Do I have to use Panko?
Nope, regular breadcrumbs work too. Panko just delivers a crispier crunch.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Other firm cheeses like mozzarella sticks or Halloumi can work, but Babybel rounds are perfectly portioned and melt consistently.
Want More Cheese Snack Ideas?
If you love these Air Fried Babybel Cheese bites, you’ll probably enjoy these other cheesy treats:
- Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for a surprising sweet twist.
- Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight for dessert and party tables.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes for another poppable snack idea.
- Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts that are perfect for brunch.
- Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a lighter, fruity option.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy version or a new dipping sauce?
I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.
For more quick and cheesy snack inspiration, follow along on Pinterest @Life with Nina.

Air Fried Babybel Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fried Babybel Cheese is the ultimate snack for cheese lovers. Each bite delivers gooey melted cheese encased in a golden crispy shell—all done effortlessly in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick indulgent treat, these are as fun to eat as they are to make.
Ingredients
12 Mini Babybel cheese rounds
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Cooking spray (for air fryer)
Instructions
1. Unwrap each Babybel cheese round and remove the wax. Pat them dry.
2. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.
3. Dredge each cheese round in flour, dip in egg, then coat in Panko. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and Panko step.
4. Place breaded cheese in the freezer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Spray cheese with cooking spray and air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Freezing the cheese before air frying helps prevent leaking and ensures melty centers.
Double coat with Panko for a crispier crunch.
Serve hot—these are best eaten fresh from the fryer!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer snacks, fried cheese, party appetizers




