Melted Air Fryer Cheese Bites: Quick & Crispy Snack
These air-fried Babybel cheese bites offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Each mini cheese wheel is coated in a seasoned breading, achieving a golden, crispy exterior when air-fried. Inside, the cheese melts into a warm, gooey center, providing a rich and savory experience. They are typically served warm, often accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2-3
Ingredients
- * 6 mini Babybel cheese wheels, unwrapped
- * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- * 1 large egg, beaten
- * 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- * 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- * 1/4 teaspoon salt
- * 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- * Cooking spray or light oil
- * Marinara sauce or ketchup, for serving
Instructions
- Place the unwrapped Babybel cheese wheels in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent excessive melting during the breading process.
- Set up three shallow dishes for your breading station. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, add the beaten egg. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Working with one cheese wheel at a time, dredge it first in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured cheese into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the cheese in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat this process for all cheese wheels. For an extra crispy coating, you may double-dip by repeating the egg and panko steps.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
- Carefully place the breaded cheese wheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
- Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
* Freezing the cheese briefly before breading helps maintain its shape and prevents premature melting.
* Ensure a thorough coating of panko breadcrumbs for the best crispy texture.
* Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
* For a different flavor profile, consider adding dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning to the panko breadcrumbs.
* These are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while the cheese is still warm and melty.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal (per serving, estimated)
- Fat: 14g (per serving, estimated)
- Carbohydrates: 20g (per serving, estimated)
- Protein: 12g (per serving, estimated)